By Karen Vance
The Cincinnati Enquirer

AVONDALE - While parents are preparing students to go back to school with clothes and supplies, one local organization is looking to prepare their hearts and their souls.

True Divine Ministries, Inc. a nonprofit service ministry, is hosting "Back-to-School Youth Explosion 2003" Friday at the Rockdale Baptist Church in Avondale. Doors open for the multi-racial, multi-denominational Christian event at 6:30 p.m.

"I hope that the youth will walk away with a higher self-esteem and be inspired to work hard and achieve more, and motivate them to stay in school," said Felisha Coady, founder of True Divine Ministries.

Coady, a teacher, started the group as a youth choir, but since then it's become a way for young people to volunteer and learn about service. Now students involved in True Divine make up dance groups, a drum team and other performance ministries.

"We have really been moving and grooving in the last two years," said Yolanda White, public relations director for the group.

Last year, the back-to-school event brought in about 150 people, and this year the group is hoping for more than 200. Youth choirs, dancers, step teams, poets and rappers are expected to participate in the event, but True Divine is still accepting additional groups and youth with something to offer.

"We don't discriminate against any kind of ministry. If you have a heart for juggling in the name of Jesus Christ, come on down," White said.

School supply donations for St. Joseph's Orphanage will be collected at the door to the event, which is free and open to the public.

The group will also be awarding a spirit award to a youth who displays "Godly" character through service or worship.

For more information on how to nominate someone for the spirit award or to participate in the event, call White at 709-0360 .

Prayer breakfast

The Muzic Company and Zion Global Ministries sponsor a free prayer breakfast for church musicians on Aug. 23 called "The Musician, The Music, The Message: Are you in Tune?" from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Zion Global Ministries at Jordan Crossing, 7030 Reading Rd., Bond Hill .

The event is free, but the deadline for registration for the breakfast is Aug. 18. Seminar-only registration is at the door.

For information or to register, call 513-674-0592 .

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