The Rev. Victor Coleman is putting his money where his mouth is when he says he wants to give local children a positive experience, but he’s also encouraging others to help him take a bite out of the expenses of a five-day youth conference he’s sponsoring in Washington, D.C.
Coleman grew up in the housing projects in Burglund and retired after a government career in information technology while leading the congregation of Temple Hills Church of God in the D.C. suburb of Temple Hills, Md.
He’s partnering with Jennifer Gatlin-Barnes and Pastor Kelvin Williams of St. Mary United Free Will Baptist Church in McComb to sponsor the conference, which will involve taking 100 local kids by charter bus to see the nation’s capital from July 27-31.
“The purpose of the conference and taking them to DC is to give the youth an opportunity to see something and experience something they have not seen up until that point, with the hope of making an indelible impression that will change their lives forever,” Coleman said.
He’s managed to keep costs down to about $500 per child and is looking for “people in McComb that will partner with these youth as we identify them and give them this great experience.”
Coleman is also asking local people whose talents and abilities line up with the youths’ interests to mentor them once they return.
“We’re asking each of the kids to tell us what their interest is,” Coleman said. “We will take that data and parse it out with the hopes of being able to find a theme with that child and connect those children to multiple organizations in the McComb area.”
Williams said that while the trip aims to provide an informative and enjoyable experience, there are bigger implications behind it.
“We need to invest in our youth,” he said. “We have a serious issue here in Pike County with young people and crime, and I think this is a way to give them purpose, to get them out of the city and see something that they are not used to.”
Williams has experienced the life of a troubled youth, and he’s used it as a cautionary tale.
“I started smoking marijuana when I was in the fourth grade,” he said. “I was a crack addict for over 20 years. I share with them when it comes down to experimenting with drugs, things may be innocent, but it can lead to a life-changing situation.
“That’s the way we overcome, by our testimony.”
Gatlin-Barnes said another issue facing children is a lack of supervision by parents who may have to work night shifts, and that can lead to problems.
“Too often we forget because many parents are working, many parents are trying to make ends meet,” she said. “These children are alone, they are entertaining themselves and they get caught up in certain situations.”
Rep. Daryl Porter Jr. and Pastor Gregory Partman are among some of the partners who are supporting the conference, the organizers said. Coleman hopes others will join them.
“Go has a ways and means committee,” he said. “Right now I’m pocketing this. I am confident that if it’s God’s will it’s His bill, and He will provide.”
