A battle cry is essentially a word or phrase shouted by soldiers going into battle to express solidarity and to intimidate their enemies. Well, the members of Pulse Youth Church are doing their best to intimidate their enemy with their Battle Cry Youth Conference and Concert.
The three-day conference kicked off on Tuesday night with youth director Elnathan "DJ Counsellor" Rolle, who told the youth that it was not enough for them to simply accept the Lord as their personal savior, but to live what they believe on a daily basis, in spite of the challenges they may have.
He told them that their daily living was all about reconnecting.
"Adam and Eve were connected to God. They were one, but because of sin, that's where the disconnect took place. And as time goes on, we're challenged with so many things, but we have to live what we believe on a daily basis, in spite of the challenges," said Rolle.
He said too many children are growing up confused, because they have no parental guidance in their homes, and in most instances there is no father involved in their lives.
"Basically we have a generation that has grown up off the media and the images on the television, and we are now seeing the repercussions of that, coupled with not having a balanced home," said Rolle. He continued by advising the youth that no matter their challenges, there is never a better time to reconnect with God.
The Battle Cry Youth Conference is the first to be held at the church under Rolle's leadership. Throughout the conference he hopes to highlight many of the issues facing today's young people and addressing the issues for them. Besides having speakers address the youth, conference leaders also spoke to the young attendees through a medium they are familiar with and enjoy - film.
Each night, they have played a movie called "Two Way Street". The half-hour film features the church's youth and depicts what many young people go through. One story focuses on a young woman meeting a young man. She is influenced to go to a club, where she gets drunk. The next day she wakes up beside a man she doesn't recognize. They end up having a baby and the film highlights the struggles that come with it, with her male counterpart denying he is the father and many other issues that arise with unplanned pregnancies. In the movie, the young woman's case ends positively, but in many cases, it doesn't.
With the film, Rolle believes the conference is pushing young people to make wise choices, because for every decision, there are consequences that have to be lived with.
Antonia Lightbourne addressed the conference on Wednesday night. She spoke from a woman's perspective on various issues. Langcaster Rolle closed out the speakers on Thursday night, with the Battle Cry Concert as the finale on Friday at the church from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Artists on the ticket include Monty G, who is known for his culture, reggae and dancehall sounds; Halle, who will drop hip hop beats; the hip hop Gospel Boys; DJ Counsellor, whose songs feature dancehall infused with hip hop; Vandera, an R&B and soul performer; upcoming girl pop group A.C.L; Lyrically Blessed, who is known for his worship performances; Najie Dunn, a performer specializing in a fusion of hip hop and worship; Ryan Jupp, who drops the hip hop beats, and, of course, Shaback, who brings the choir flavor.
"We have artists who will give a balanced performance for the youth and young adults," said Rolle of the concert, that he said would appeal to all members of the family. A fog machine and special lighting, he said, will make the evening extra special. "It's a night folks can come to and unwind and be ministered to in various different forms."

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