Silver Ring Thing moved to Temple Theater

Published 8:30 am Wednesday, February 3, 2010

    Overwhelming interest and response to a local presentation of a sexual abstinence program which encourages young adults to remain celibate until marriage has led to a change of venue.

    Silver Ring Thing (SRT) will be presented tonight at The Temple Theater.

    “We originally had this planned to be held at Mississippi State University (Meridian campus), but registration went far beyond the seating capacity there,” said Karen Sims, executive director of The Center for Pregnancy Choices, a local crisis pregnancy center. The facility is co-sponsoring Silver Ring Thing with Lovenow.org., a local faith-based non-profit organization founded by David Hopkins that serves as a bridge between volunteers and volunteer organizations.

    The Silver Ring Thing is a unique para-church youth ministry that promotes the message of purity and abstinence until marriage using two avenues: an intense live event and a youth/small group film event resource called Project 434. The mission of SRT is to motivate, educate, support and transform generations of young people to embrace a lifestyle of Christ-centered sexual abstinence until marriage. It’s vision is to create a culture shift in America where abstinence becomes the norm again rather than the exception.

    “I’m hoping that in the light of this that there’s more of a positive message,” Sims said. “We hear enough about the negatives and people don’t have a lot of confidence in our kids.”

    Current research shows that 46 percent of teens ages 12-18 are abstinent and pure.

    “That’s statistically proven,” Sims said. “Our kids need to see that we stand behind him and encourage them to remain pure and to be abstinent. We tell them no to alcohol and drugs, but tell them different when it comes to sex.”

    SRT’s 2-2.5 hour stage performance incorporates high energy music, special effects, fast-paced video, personal testimonies, and comedy all delivered in a concert-style approach with which teen-agers can respond and relate. The program also presents an evangelistic message focused on forgiveness and new beginnings with an opportunity to embrace a “second virginity.”

    “It’s not necessarily the only solution to encouraging abstinence, only part,” Sims said. “Parental-involvement and the schools educating them as well are important.”

    Students who make a commitment to purity may purchase a silver ring as a symbol and reminder of their decision. After each event, students who make this commitment are followed-up by SRT staff with e-mails and text messages that encourage and equip these students in their commitment.

    The event is targeted at middle/high school students (ages 12-18), but is also relevant to college and young adult ages. A parent’s session is also held at each event to educate parents about what is happening in today’s youth culture and how they can encourage and support their child’s commitment to remain pure. The parent session will begin at 7 p.m.

Want to go?

What: Silver Ring Thing

When: Tonight, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; doors will open at  6:15 p.m.

Where: Temple Theater, 2320 Eighth St.

Admission: Free, however those who wish to purchase at ring to symbolize their commitment to purity may do so for $20. Registration not required, but is encouraged. Visit the Web site www.silverringthing.com and go to Tour Dates.

For more information: Center for Pregnancy Choice, cpcofmeridian.org