McClurkin’s New York Call returns

Thousands from the tri-state area were expected to participate in the Ninth Annual New York Call and Youth Explosion 2012, a three-day event on designed to empower and inspire the entire family, that ends today.

Led by Donnie McClurkin, Grammy Award-winning gospel singer and Senior Pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, N.Y. and a diverse coalition of clergy, churches and ministries, The New York Call began in 2004 to build unity, harmony and fellowship within the Christian community. Together they are “Tearing down walls that divide us, building bridges to unite us, and reaching the lost outside of us.

The event kicked off Thursday, Aug. 23 at 7:00 p.m. as color, style and creativity donned the catwalk with a Fabulous Fashion affair at Perfecting Faith Church, 311 North Main St., Freeport, L.I. On Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., youth workshops designed to empower and inform were followed at 7:00 p.m. by “REAL TALK” a dialog between youth and those who lead them.

Today, Saturday, the action moves to Eisenhower Park in Nassau County where thousands will gather for the 9th Annual New York Call and Youth Explosion finale.

Empowerment pavilions for job and career information and free health screening opportunities are available noon to 3:00 p.m. Information on nutrition, private healthcare and insurance, dental health, hypertension, diabetes, women and men’s health, HIV-AIDS Testing and cancer treatment will be provided. Also available are screenings for blood glucose and blood pressure, HIV Testing, BMI, traditional healing, stress management and healthy food, activities for the youth, games, prizes and much, much more.

At 3:00 p.m. guests will gather on the grass in front of the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre to be inspired by dynamic speakers that include Tye Tribbitt, Pastor Jimmy Jack, Senior Pastor of Freedom Chapel International Worship Center in Amityville and founder of Long Island Teen Challenge, Pastor Adam Durso of Christ Tabernacle, Glendale, New York and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. Gospel artists scheduled to appear include Andrea McClurkin Mellini, Nancy Jackson-Johnson, Tim Jean, Jeanette Vecchione- Donati, and Jeanie Ortega.

Additional information can be found on-line at www.nycall.org, www.perfectingfaith.org or call (516)223-8300.