Band Featured on ESPN, Speaker Who Traveled with Michael W. Smith Featured at WV Baptist Sr. High Convention at Simpson Creek Baptist Church
By Julie Perine on November 27, 2013 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Representing 37 Baptist churches, 350 individuals attended last weekend’s West Virginia Baptist’s Senior High Convention held at Simpson Creek Baptist Church. The theme was "Direction Determines Destination."
The event began Friday as vans rolled in from across the state and youth members, their pastors and leaders registered and signed up for interest groups. Afterwards, a student representation greeted attendees in the church sanctuary and welcome was extended by Simpson Creek Baptist Church Pastor Mike Hopkins.
Christian rock band “Abandon” from San Antonio, Texas, led attending youth and leaders in praise and worship session. The band's single "Live it Out" has been featured on The Food Network for promotion of the Food Network Challenge. It was used also featured the 2011 ESPY Awards Show on ESPN.
Event speaker Jeniffer Dake delivered her first message of the weekend. Based out of Tennessee, where she teaches science, Dake travels the world motivating students to make positive choices. She has toured as business assistant with singer Michael W. Smith. Read more about Dake at her website HERE.
The band, interest groups and Dake’s words were well received throughout the event, said Tanya Hefner, who spearheaded the convention on behalf of Simpson Creek Baptist Church working with Rob Ely, director of camping conferences and youth for West Virginia Baptist Convention.
“I thought it went really well,” she said. “We were extremely happy with the attendance. Jennifer delivered a wonderful message on Sunday morning, wrapping it all up in a way the kids could take it away to use and not let the noise of this world affect them in their walk with Christ.”
Nearly 130 students were housed with local families and churches or financially sponsored at the Charles Pointe Microtel, management which worked with organizers of the convention on special rates. The rest of the students and leaders obtained housing in various other hotels. On Saturday, a Chick-fil-A bag lunch was provided. During a three-hour, late-afternoon dinner break, conference attendees were free to visit restaurants and stores of their choice.
The conference wrapped up Sunday with an 8:30 a.m. service.
See a few more photos from this past weekend's Sr. High Convention at the link below. 
