Young preachers showcase spiritual gifts at Gainesville event hosted by Vision Ministries Inc.

Preachers ages 18 to 35 showcased their talent and passion for preaching the word of God during the "Friday Night Youth 8plosion."

Held Friday at Upper Room Ministries at 3575 NE 15th St., the event was sponsored by Vision Ministries Inc. The theme was "Won't He Do It."

Each speaker had to preach about how God helped someone in the Bible.

The speakers and their respective sermon titles were Carrington Mercer, “He Did It for Moses;” David Williams, “He Did It for Noah;” Raheem Herbert, “He Did It for Joseph;”  Adrian Toney, “He Did It for Sarah;” Kelton Givens, “He Did It for Daniel;” Brittany Bryant, “He Did It for Paul;” Jarvis James, “He Did It for Me” and Will Simpson, “He Did it for Mary.”

Malcolm V. Dixon, 25, founded Vision Ministries Inc. in 2017.

“I wanted to give young people the opportunity to preach the word of God,” Dixon said. “I want to sharpen the gifts of the young people and give them a chance to save souls and change lives.”

Dixon said he wants to help youth interested in preaching because mentors helped him to get where he is today. He said he was ordained by the late Bishop Larry j. Dennison, founder of Compassionate Outreach Ministries, in 2017.

“Growing up, I had the opportunity to preach,” Dixon said. 

There were preachers from Alachua, Jacksonville, Palatka, and Gainesville.

Adrian “A.J.” Toney, 25, traveled from Jacksonville to preach his sermon.

“I grew up in the church my whole life,” Toney said. “I remember grabbing my robe when I was younger and had church with grandma and that’s when I knew I wanted to preach.”

Toney said he was called to preaching and was thankful to be given the platform to showcase his passion.

“I am really grateful to have the opportunity to preach with everyone,” Toney said. “He’s done so much for me.”

Pastor Pearlie Shelton of Upper Room thanked the young preachers who decided to participate.

“As I look at what’s going on in our city and I see the youth here tonight — it lets me know that not everyone is clubbing and shooting,” Shelton said. “It is great to see them in the house of the Lord tonight.”

Echoing the sentiments of Shelton, Pastor Karl Anderson of Upper Room said it is important churches assign roles to the youth.

“I’m the type of preacher that don’t mind putting the youth to work,” Anderson said. “That’s how you train them. The elders put us to work. We need to encourage these young people tonight.”

Desmon Duncan-Walker, city of Gainesville’s commissioner for District 1, said the young preachers were at the right place at the right time.

“I thank God for the anointing on their lives,” Duncan-Walker said. “Keep on doing what you’re doing. Keep on going to church. Listen to your parents and keep on praying.”