The youth group, the youth leaders, and also our pastor put in a lot of hard work to get things just right. We invited a lot of kids by passing out flyers on the streets; our parents gave out flyers at work, and we advertised in the local newspaper, "The Wave." We really wanted to see unsaved people have the opportunity to hear the gospel and accept Christ as Savior.

Our youth arrived at the church at about noon for their final practices, and we were all very anxious as time was going by. At about 3:30 CM finally arrived, we were all going crazy. We sat still, trying to play it off like we weren’t excited.

We had time alone with them as they spoke with us about different things. They were being straight up with us. They know exactly how it is growing up these days, like how hard it is trying to resist worldly things. We were encouraged that as Christians we can all things for the Lord by reading the Bible daily and praying (seeking God’s face) to help us overcome these things. We got to know them a little, and we found out they were funny and a nice group to be friends with. Too soon, our time was up and they had to do sound checks.

I went to go see how everything was going, and I was shocked to see so many people. I had my doubts in that, but I was proven wrong. I didn’t think so many youth would come, because maybe they might think it was corny because it was going to be about God. But hundreds were crowding the entrance trying to get a good seat. They came from all over, whether in cars, vans, tour buses, trains, and other forms of transportation. But they made sure they were there. People came from NJ, upstate NY and from all the different boroughs in New York City. They were ready for that night. A few left when they realized it was about God, but they don’t know what they missed.

The church was as full as it could get. All seats were taken. People even stood up to be in there. Our church has seats for about 650, but over 900 were there. We had to setup a screen in our other sanctuary next door to hold some of the overflow. Other groups who were invited and ministered first were the gospel choir from my school (Beach Channel High School) and the New York City Housing Authority Gospel Choir. Both ministered beautifully. The youth from Full Gospel Tabernacle also lead worship, rapped and stepped, and did a great job.

Finally, CM started their concert. Everyone was up and out of their seats ready to praise God. CM did a variety of songs from all of their albums, and they had the place alive. People were dancing, jumping, shouting, and rapping along with them. Everyone would have wished for them to stay longer. It was terrific to hear our style of music being used to praise the one and only true God.

The thing is that CM is not about fame and money. They do this because they honor, respect and love God. This is their way of ministering to the young people of today, and they love doing it. They didn’t only rap, but they gave the word of God at times in the concert in little messages. They made it known that it wasn’t only about rapping, but about Jesus Christ. In the end they did an altar call for those people who wanted to be saved, and many people went up and gave their hearts to the Lord.

Now the concert was over, many rushed out to the vestibule to buy CM CDs and shirts then ran back in to get them autographed. CM took a lot of time doing that, and that was nice of them. When it comes to witnessing, CM is unique. They have no problem dong that. They’re not shy, scared, or stuck on what they were going to say to the people. But when it comes to giving the Word, they’re quick and they know the Scriptures.

After the concert, even though they were being interviewed and must have been tired and hungry, they gave up their time to a small group from NJ that had not made it to the concert on time and missed it. Some of CM’s members ministered to them, shared the Word, and the young men even gave their hearts to God.

In all, we would like to thank them for coming. As a youth from Full Gospel Tabernacle, I was glad to be a part of that. I was truly blessed by this concert, and I know for a fact that everyone else was, too. I know that everyone left with a piece of God planted in their hearts.