VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 1/13/12)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) announces an exciting lineup of inspiring speakers and presenters for Immerse, the national gathering of American Baptist youth, slated for July 24-28 at American University, Washington, D.C.
- Alex Harris ― July 24
Alex Harris and his twin brother, Brett, are authors of the best-selling books “Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations” and “Start Here: Dong Hard Things Right Where You Are” and founders of the nonprofit youth organization The Rebelution. Alex lives in the D.C. area with his wife and daughter, and recently graduated from Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, Va.
- Stephanie Tillman ― July 25
Less than a decade ago, Stephanie Tillman was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness while raising two toddlers. Today, she is a dynamic storyteller, promoter, graphic designer and entrepreneur, who owns ikros.com, an award-winning branding, marketing and graphic design firm. Ikros has launched {HOPE} Station, a philanthropic initiative to raise hope wherever it’s needed most.
- Rev. Adam Russell Taylor ― July 26
Rev. Adam Russell Taylor is vice president of advocacy at World Vision. He was executive director at Global Justice, an organization that he co-founded to educate and mobilize students around global human-rights issues. Author of “Mobilizing Hope: Faith-Inspired Activism for a Post-Civil Rights Generation,” Taylor is an associate minister at First Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.
- Rev. Yana J. Pagán ― July 27
Proud to say she is a native of “da boogie-down Bronx,” Rev. Yana J. Pagán now lives in Philadelphia. She received a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary in 2006 and is now an adjunct professor at Eastern University’s Esperanza College. As a former high school dropout, Pagán realizes that she might have followed the wrong path were it not for the help of others.
- Rev. Marilyn P. Turner ― July 28
Rev. Marilyn P. Turner lives out her commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ by serving as associate executive director of Missional Life and Leadership at ABHMS. She loves Jesus, and one of the greatest joys in her life is being called to spread the good news of God’s love, power, justice and faithfulness.
In addition, the event will feature community-service opportunities, small group gatherings, visits to Capitol Hill and a prayer walk on the National Mall.
Immerse is for youth of all ecumenical walks of faith who are ages 14-19 or entering at least freshman year of high school.
The $399 cost per youth participant or adult leader includes program, housing and food. Register online or download a registration form at www.abhms-immerse2012.org. To receive a registration form by mail, contact ABHMS’ Joanne Powers at 1-800-222-3872, x2452.
No onsite registration will be offered. All registrations must be fully paid by May 15.
ABHMS—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.