Once again gospel singer and conference founder, CeCe Winans, makes a mark in the lives of youth that will not be erased. The State of Tennessee was well represented at the recent Always Sisters Forever Brothers conference drawing over 4,000 people to the three-day event and welcoming registrants from over a dozen states.
“The conference was a huge success because the presence of the Lord was there. The prayer, worship, teaching and preaching was life changing! Amazing stories of what transpired in individuals continue to come in; I am humbled and forever grateful to God for being a promise keeper. Thanks to everyone who prayed and supported ASFB financially, equipping the next generation to WIN and trust me, they now know that they are WINNERS!,” says CeCe Winans.
This year the conference kicked off with the younger generation of Winans’ family: her daughter Ashley Love welcomed the attendees, her niece Deborah Joy Winans shared a candid and moving theatrical piece that dealt with teen issues and her nephew Ryan Caldwell wowed the audience with a solo sax performance. Popular Christian comedian, Akintunde had everyone doubled over in laughter just before the ASFB Fashion Show featuring the latest styles from major fashion show sponsors Belk (Cool Springs) Smack and Posh.
The eclectic sound of Mali Music opened for the high energy speaker Matt Pitt who was extremely effective with his delivery drawing the crowd in immediately. Dr. I.V. Hillard shared words of wisdom closing the conference while Delores “Mom” Winans hosted a special luncheon for mothers, where a 42” flat screen was given away to a happy winner courtesy of a private donor. Family involvement continued with Alvin Love (CeCe’s husband) hosting a “Male Only” luncheon where Verizon presented Smart Phones to a few attendees and words by Alvin III and Ashley Love in other segments of the conference.
“The conference was phenomenal and what makes it worth it all are the letters, emails and phone calls we have received this week proclaiming a life changing experience. Many made new friends and most are already making plans for next year,” says conference Director Demetrus Stewart.
Notable speakers and experts such as: Dr. Keith & Leslie Churchwell, Chef David Owens, Karynthia Phillips, Kim Daniels, Janet Boynes, Brian Hockett, Nancy Alcorn, Mercy Ministries Graduate Monica LaPlante, Dr. Diedra Jackson, Wess Morgan, Pastor Horace Hockett, Warren Ballentine, Chris Sanders, Onnie Kirk, Beverly Johnson participated in some informative panels such as: “What You Think About You”, “Oh Daddy, Where Art Thou?”, “Sick and Tired/AID STDs” and “Love or Lust” dealing with realities and infatuations about relationships. There were also two young people who shared their testimonies about living with AIDS which resulted in more than 70 young people being tested on site.
Nashville turned out in full force at the Curb Center Saturday evening for the concert that featured: Winans, Preashea Hilliard, Tamela Mann, LeCrea, Canton Jones, Fred Hammond and hosted by Mr. Brown (David Mann from Meet The Browns). Closing the ASFB musically has been a standard practice but Winans is now using it as a platform to showcase new talent as well. This year Columbia State University graduate and newcomer, Jonathan McNichols was well received
by the crowd, hitting the ball out of the park.
A special thank you to major sponsors: Mercy Ministries, Verizon Wireless/Hopeline, and the Oprah Winfrey Foundation for their support. For those who would like to make a donation to continue the work in reaching young people please call (615) 601-2732, log onto www.alwayssistersforeverbrothers.com and click the donate button or send checks payable to Sharing the Vision, 115 Penn Warren Drive, Suite 300-277 Brentwood, TN 37027.
article courtesy TheBelleReport.com
