International gospel and grammy-winning artiste, Kirk Franklin, is expected to headline Sold Out Ministries Youth Aid ’07 crusade at the Dump Up Beach in Montego Bay tonight. Organisers Revs Paul and Dorrett Blake expect to draw some 20,000 youth from across western Jamaica for the three-day event.

Today’s line-up is also expected to include Goddy Goddy, New Generation, Stevie B and Rev Dorrett Blake. It is expected to be followed by an equally impressive line-up tomorrow with Papa San, Judy Mowatt, Kerron Ennis, Paul Blake and Todah Performing Arts among others.

According to Rev Blake, who founded Sold Out Ministries along with her husband, a former secular and now gospel artiste and minister, Youth Aid ’07 is an opportunity to reach the many misguided and troubled youth in the nation today through music and ministering.

“The youth are the heartbeat of our ministry,” she said. “The Lord has placed this upon our hearts to search them out and bring them back to him. We want to see them walking in their purpose.”

She said the passage of Hurricane Dean has not affected the schedule or line-up of the event, which they were able to offer free to the public with the help of several local and overseas partners including Christian businessmen.

“There have been no changes to the line-up or the schedule,” she told Street Beat. “All the ministers are here or will be coming in today,” she said yesterday. “We really got favour from the Lord,” she added. “He told us to do it and we stepped out in faith”.

The crusade, which was scheduled to kick off yesterday with day and night sessions, is the first of what they hope will be an annual event. The Blakes have also partnered with leading ministers and organisations who will also offer relevant counselling and information.

The Youth Enhancement Service (YES) will offer career counselling, scholarships for training opportunities in skills and character education and there will also be a Pregnancy Resource Centre – offering abstinence education, post-abortion counselling and free pregnancy tests.

Also on hand will be Teen Challenge – offering information on drug abuse and rehabilitation, Hands Across Jamaica for Righteousness – giving encouragement and teaching for a return to the MAP (motto, anthem & pledge), Temperament therapy – offering personality profiles and information, and counselling on HIV/AIDS and other STI’s.

Keril’s picks

Aug 25……………………………….Montego Bay

The Event Place, in association with Beaumonts Car Rental, presents Music and Comedy featuring the exciting duo Apache Chief and Sarge. Also in attendance will be Clancy Eccles Jr and Hujay. Adm $400. Showtime 9:00. Refreshment on sale and after party with selector Mario.

Aug 25…………………………………….Hanover

The grand coronation of Miss Hopewell 2k7@Round Hill Sports Club. Featuring Turbulence. Adm $350 presold $500 at the gate.