A PHILADELPHIA OUTLETOF WORSHIP

"SOUL STAR IS ALLABOUT GETTING "EENS AND YOUNG ADULTS TO USE THEIR GIFTS INPERFORMING ARTS"

As a determined pastor-in-training, sophomore Erie Ryaf^«aw a need forthe youth inhis hometown of Philadelphia,Pa,that hischurch was not meeting An alternative style of worship was what the youth asked for and Ryals had the means to getit

"Our ministry, Soul Star, was allabout getting teens and young adults to use their giftsin performing arts.It started out primarily with poetry and is blossoming inso many ways now," Ryalssaid

It began with Ryals and hisfriend Pearl trying to find a.place for students to fellowship together on Friday nights.Since Eric was employed at the local YMCA, he was able to find a temporary spot untilhe was approved fora room ata.Philadelphia high school Sophomore Taylor Cruz said of Eric'sministry, "Of allthe people I know, Eric is extremely prepared to be ableto"StartTrministry, especially foryouth He's a great man of God with a passion for leading people to the Uord This ministry really provesthat."

After the alternative worship sessions,which I Ryals said lasted "as tong as the Lord led,"Ryals and • other speakers would give messages to the youth "that would impact'.them in-theireveryday lives Ryals ?Bkf "We re'eliy wantto be able to reach out to these kids:aT%5 show them that worship doesn'f have to'be oneSv;ay We want them to be able to worship intheir awn ways'and please e - - •• ' -•••'..:<-.,- S"?-"' JG^od