Sonia Harrington is working to be the change she wants to see in Prince George.
A decade ago, Harrington attended in a youth conference in Alberta that put her on the path towards a career in youth outreach.
This weekend, she is hoping to recreate that experience with the city's first indoor camp meeting at the First Baptist Church.
The non-denominational gathering is building off of previous smaller conferences Harrington's team has hosted, with the aim of bringing in nationally and internationally known ministries to add their touch of inspiration to the city's residents.
"There is such a huge need in the city of Prince George for change," Harrington said, citing violence, drugs and alcohol abuse leading people - especially youth - down the wrong path.
The meeting consists of three evenings - Friday, Saturday and Sunday - of music, motivational speaking and sharing beginning at 6 p.m. and going until about 10 p.m.
Working with the support of Glenda Bird and Kelly and Glenda Ministries, Harrington's small group is bringing in Saskatchewan evangelist Jim Felix, the Desmond Desnomie Band and Alberta recording artists Ivan and Vanessa Sawan.
The Sawans, Harrington explained, are young role models who encourage young people to "rise up and have a more positive outlook on life."
And Felix, a Cree artist who has been making music for 30 years, will be making his first visit to B.C. with the Prince George event.
"They're really going to build up people here and help them take a step into a journey of recovery," Harrington said.
Indoor camp meetings are popular in the prairie provinces, Harrington said, and there are people coming to support the event from other ministries as far as Quebec, New York and Columbus, Ohio.
A conference held three months ago at the Pentecostal Tabernacle demonstrated to Harrington that she was on the right path. She recalled one man in particular who came to all three nights of the conference and was the last one to leave after the final service. He approached Harrington and her husband to offer his feedback.
"He said, 'I'm so thankful I came to this place this weekend,'" she said. Described as a former gang member, Harrington said he has turned his life around.
"Sometimes that all we need is that boost,"she said, noting that the man will speak and share his story this Sunday night.
Support for the project has been strong in the community, according to Harrington who is working to start her own non-profit which will be called Shining Light Outreach Ministry focus on youth.
And despite challenges, such as having bags of bottles and cans stolen from her backyard which were collected as a fundraiser, Harrington said perseverance and a clear goal are what's going to get the ball rolling. She refers to a passage from Scripture that sticks with her: Without vision, my people perish.
"As we begin to establish a vision in our lives, things become so much clearer and perspective changes," Harrington said, "and all we need is guidance and direction because there is hope for everybody."
Admission to the meeting is free but organizers are still working to fundraise the remaining money required to bring the various ministries to town and collecting donations for thank you gifts. Those looking for more information on the event, or to donate can contact Harrington at 250-552-8230.
