By Dustin Shipman

dshipman@joplinglobe.com

Summerfest 2009, a three-day event sponsored by the Pentecostal Church of God, wrapped up Saturday at Missouri Southern State University with its annual National Teen Talent Expo.

That Expo drew hundreds of groups and individuals from churches throughout the country and gave them a forum to display musical, acting, dance and other creative talents.

“We have teens from all over the country coming to compete in a variety of categories,” said Teena Skiles, national youth director and event coordinator.

Summerfest is the kickoff for the Pentecostal Church of God’s General Convention, which will have several events and seminars this week.

“In order to get here, these kids have to win their state competition,” Skiles said. “This is the nationals for them and we have states represented from Alaska to New Jersey to Texas and everywhere else. These kids love it. It’s something that you get in your blood and they want to come back and see friends that they might only see once a year, but it is worth it ...”

Joe Skiles, also a national youth director and event coordinator, said the Expo is a tool to help kids from across the country realize their talents as well as to open up to the world.

“We use this as a faith-based safe environment for them to get out and use their talents to dance, to sing and to play,” Joe Skiles said. “We judge them but we use positive encouragement to push them forward. Sometimes it’s called fine art, but we focus on fine effort.”

Josh Palmer, youth pastor for the Bethel Family Worship Center, Indianapolis, Ind., said he made the 10-hour trip bringing 25 kids to compete.

“Some of them were nervous before they got up there but we go backstage and have prayer with them and encourage them, and let them know that it’s all about giving your gift and doing it for the Lord,” Palmer said. “It’s all about coming to this competition and having fun with our friends and having a good time.”

Summer Rush, Bogue Chitto, Miss., one of the contestants in the multiple voice categories of the Expo, said she has been looking forward to the event for some time and was happy to be invited to sing for the crowd.

“This is my second year, and I enjoyed last year. I think it’s God’s will for us to be here,” Rush said. “I’m just glad to be here.”

More to itOther activities during the three-day event included a dodgeball tournament and the National Bible Quiz Finals. Summerfest wrapped up with a concert performed by national Christian recording artists Fireflight.