Back2Basics – “Image” – A Great Response
Loud, fun, powerful and transforming….these are just some words you could use to describe our Back 2 Basics event on Friday night at Parkside. After Burninside finished on stage after a rockin’ pre-show the night kicked off with our Image video, capturing the theme of the night, namely, our image is broken and the need to let go of that brokenness for something or someone much more wonderful!
The night then rocketed into full swing with a high energy performance from the Hillsong Dancers ’3:16′. The Baptist Youth Ministries band then led us in powerful praise and worship, followed by our ‘fully hectic’ Hip hop artists, Israel, Oakbridge, Purified and Testimony and the talented DJ Android. The crowd loved and cheered on the acts all night.
As the night rolled on a couple of the highlights that stood out were both Marcello’s personal story (aka Oakbridge – a local hip hop artist) and Fitzy’s (James Fitzsimons) powerful message. Fitzy’s oratory was especially impacting. He spoke about how God made us in his image but that image was broken through sin. Yet, in Christ our image can be re-made by trusting in Jesus, receiving forgiveness of our sins and being transformed to become more and more like Christ in a beautiful way! A number of teenagers responded to this message by standing at the front of the stage to make a solid commitment to our Saviour. Not to mention, various members of the crowd got to their feet to stand up for Christ.
The night concluded with more great praise music and a small dance competition to close the proceedings. Along the way a number of capable teenagers performed on stage in the freestyle rap competition and an impromptu dance performance from two young teenagers won the hearts of the audience.
Ultimately, Back 2 Basics ‘Image’ was a great success not because hundreds of teenagers attended (even though that was great!) but because hearts and lives were impacted by the message of Jesus Christ who alone can truly make us whole.
Stay tuned for Parkside’s Back 2 Basics in February 2010 – Parkside’s premiere hip hop event!
