Born Identity Conference - "The Birth" Concert N' The Word Recap

By Em Fergusson

"You'll never see God's way as better in the natural!" Gospel performer, singer, songwriter, keyboardist and choir director, Tye Tribbett brought the word to a large crowd of young people in Atlanta, following a dynamic concert. Despite the unusually cold and rainy night, the youth scrambled into New Mercies Christian Church, eager to participate in singing, worship and hearing God's word. The concert was part of the Born Identity Conference, sponsored in part by GospelCity.com.

The annual event is aimed at providing an avenue for young people to turn their hearts over to God during spring break. "The youth of today struggle daily with depression, anger loneliness, questions about their sexuality, self-esteem, and identity issues," says New Mercies Christian Church Youth Pastor, 23-year old author and church elder, Marquis Boone.

Tye Tribbett performing with Da'T.r.u.t.h.

The conference idea was developed by Boone to accomplish the goal of encouraging healthy families. The conference, which began three years ago, is a unique approach to bringing the youth together. "God told me," said Boone, "do a youth conversion during spring break…a lot of youth conferences take place during the summer. I mean, everybody has youth conferences in the summer. And so God said do it on spring break."
The concert began with up and coming gospel singer, Korey Bowie. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native grew up playing drums, piano and bass guitar while singing and directing the choir. As Bowie led the youth in a worship service, it was evident that many of the young people already received what they came for: blessings from God.

Young people scramble into New Mercies for the concert...worship prior to concert opening

Following Bowie's worship service, performances included guest psalmist and Stellar-Award winning gospel performer Da'T.r.u.t.h. His performance included a fusion of spoken word with hip hop, proclaiming the importance of accepting Christ on a higher level. Before his moving piece ended, Tye Tribbett joined Da’ T.r.u.t.h on stage for a duo performance, encouraging the youth to get their minds on their true identity.