Teens have often fallen under the generalization of knowing little about Jesus and his profound effect in the world we live in today. On Saturday March, 7, in Burbank, this issue was faced head on with the theme of “The Jesus I Never Knew.” Teens from all over Los Angeles and San Diego joined together to learn and to either bolster or alter their varying views on the real Jesus. 

Hosted by the Turning Point Region, teens were able to dance, play rock band, earn prizes, fellowship, and find out about the true Jesus who died for man on he cross, rather than the one that society has painted in countless portraits. Central Region Teen Leader, (Marcell Hall), opened the night up with a raffle giving away three prizes including a Starbucks gift card.  Keynote speaker, John Markowski (campus minister for USC), then went on and emphasized Jesus beginnings until his death in hopes that every teen could grasp his importance from the origin. Senior Nick Deponte, from the Inland Empire Region, expressed his gratitude for the message. “The lesson was very good and very helpful for me,” said Deponte. “It really got me refocused and connected on what Jesus is all about.” Through numerous songs, a connection was definitely felt throughout the crowd as teens appeared to give their heart mind and soul to every verse. Headed by Jay Minor, the teens couldn’t get enough of the music, and went on to even continue a song for about five minutes after the song leaders had appeared to have effectively ended it. After the music and sermon, teens flocked out to catch up with old friends and plan for future hang-outs including dinner plans for that night. Sophomore Stefan Doherty, from the Turning Point Region, thought that the Teen Rally picked up with the singing and was great overall “It started slow but then we started getting into it,” said Doherty. “We got into the singing, and it was amazing. Everyone was pumped and the atmosphere for the Rally was awesome.”  With about 170 teen disciples, we had an attendance of 509 at the service!  Please keep the LA Church Teen Ministry in your prayers as we strive to reach as many as possible with the gospel of Jesus!