District youth rally in Panhandle

Youths get acquainted through a game at Hooker UMC.

A young man giant in character as well as stature shared his powerful message at the recent Woodward District Youth Rally at Hooker UMC.

About 35 young people, with 15 sponsors, from the western part of the district heard Kevin "Tank" Tankerson speak.

From Lake Charles, La., Tankerson plays left guard for the Aggies football team at Panhandle State University, Goodwell, where he is a student. He also is an intern for the Wesley Foundation.

Performing at the rally, the Two Brazilians Plus One worship band also represented the UM campus ministry.

Tankerson’s message on Nov. 17 centered on two Scriptures, Matthew 17:20 and Philippians 4:13. He declared God is the power within each of us and urged people to never give up, according to Pastor Les Bussell Jr. of Hooker/Tyrone.

Rev. Bussell led prayer and urged the youths to talk to their pastors, other church leaders, parents, and friends about their commitment to serve Christ.

The WOW (Way Out West) Rally included games led by Ismael Carrillo from Morning Star UMC and food provided by Hooker UMC youth members and their leaders. Multimedia operators were Shane Metcalf and Garrett Maloney. Hooker United Methodist Women supplied lots of homemade cookies.

Woodward District youth coordinator is Becky Pierson, pastor of Woodward-New Horizon UMC.

Bussell expressed thanks for all the leadership and help, including "the many prayers of the faithful who make missions like these work."