A Christian youth event which advocates sexual integrity – the Silver Ring Thing – returns to Meridian this week.

 The Silver Ring Thing is an international youth ministry inspiring teens to re-think the end goal behind love and relationships.

The organization’s newest tour, New Standard, challenges students to raise the bar and refuse to conform to societies standards of sex.

“Our culture has set the bar so low for today’s teens that the only way is up,” said SRT President Jason Burtt, in a recent press release.

“When students are presented the honest truth and empowered to live with great dignity and worth, the response is incredible.”

The live concert-style event will be held Wednesday at The Evangel Temple from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

This is a free event and an optional ring is available for $20. There will be a parent’s session beginning at 7 p.m., which is designed to help parents support their child’s decision.

The SRT tour team, a group of 20-somethings from across the U.S., encourages students to control their bodies and hold out for something better – sexual intimacy within the bonds of marriage.

During the event, team members share stories of success, failure, forgiveness and hope using skits, humor, drama, commercial parodies and personal testimonies.

Sponsored by the Center for Pregnancy Choices, a local crisis pregnancy center, Silver Ring Thing hopes to reach as many teens as possible. The event is targeted at middle and high school students, as these are the years during which they are forced to make decisions about their sexuality.

Beth Sharp, local director for the Center for Pregnancy Choices, said the last time the event was held in Meridian, nearly 1,500 people attended, representing all denominations.  

For more information or to register, visit www.silverringthing.com.