Free youth event to take place Thursday in Albert Lea
Published 7:51 pm Wednesday, January 29, 2025
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By Ayanna Eckblad
A youth ministry event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Events at the Broadway featuring worship, a message and refreshments provided by Cento and Ignite Nutrition, who are partnering with the organization hosting the event, Be Free Minnesota Youth.
Patrick Bird, founder of Be Free Minnesota Youth, said he has previously worked with at-risk youth in the community through Youth for Christ.
“Be Free Minnesota Youth is dedicated to empowering young people to uncover their God-given potential, live with faith and build a strong foundation of hope to rise above challenges,” Bird said.
Bird said he recognized the need for youth to have an event that is God-centered and took place at night.
He said he reached out to Ignite Nutrition, and they were excited to get involved. He also has connections to Events at the Broadway and Cento from doing music at the venue during the Christmas season.
Bird will provide worship music for the event with Tania Ratzwill. The evening’s message will be provided by Preston Smith, who Bird said has spoken at youth events before.
According to Bird, there will be about half an hour of worship music, a half an hour of Smith’s message, and the remaining time will be spent in small groups. He said he hopes being in the small groups will help youth be open and willing to share what they are going through.
During the small groups, pizza will be provided by Cento, and boba tea will be provided by Ignite Nutrition.
“I’d like to see the youth of Albert Lea … live a life that would be pleasing to God and that would be free of drugs, be free of suicide and have a purpose for their lives that they can move forward with, and eventually become leaders in this community,” Bird said.
This is a free event, and parents are welcome to attend with their children as well.