YOUNG people were pumped up for life on May 7 as Pumped 05 rocked the Holy Spirit Hall at Bray Park on Brisbane’s northside.
The second Pumped youth rally attracted more than 150 youth and young adults from surrounding schools and parishes for a fun night in a safe environment with a positive life message.
The Pumped band rocked the crowd with a mix of secular and religious music including cover tracks from Powderfinger, Maroon 5, Pearl Jam, Black Eyed Peas, Planetshakers, Hillsong and Kutless.
The crowd was encouraged from the beginning to forget their usual boundaries and participate in the music with all their energy.
Guest speakers included Brisbane comedian Mick Tome, a finalist in the 2003 triple J Raw Comedy Festival, and representatives from the Toowoomba based Teen Challenge Australia, who minister to young people about drug addiction and suicide.
Holy Spirit youth co-ordinator Paul Ninnes said Mick had the crowd in stitches of laughter while Rob and Alex from Teen Challenge provided a powerful message which hit home to many youth of today — to rely on faith when overcoming obstacles in your life, not drugs or alcohol.
From their chilling personal accounts of helping people with addictions or experiencing addictions themselves, they provided insightful comments on salvation, faith and the importance of a positive peer group.
Paul said organisers were overwhelmed by the energy of the crowd and their willingness to participate so strongly.
Pumped base player Dane Wallace said the night was ‘a blast’ while band member Brenton Jones said, ‘it was uplifting to see the crowd praising so whole heartedly when the religious songs were played. It really made the event worthwhile’.
The next major event for Holy Spirit Parish youth group will be a State of Origin night on June 15 to raise money for the annual youth camp in February 2006.
For more information about the Holy Spirit Parish youth group phone Paul on (0417) 148 161.
