By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist leaders have announced that the 2020 Youth Evangelism Celebration will move to a regional format this year because of novel coronavirus pandemic attendance restrictions. YEC originally was scheduled to convene at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Nov. 22-23. Brandon Lewis, youth ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said his team has monitored the situation for several months and prayed about the best way to move forward. Though details have not been finalized, Lewis is thankful youth groups still will be able to gather at muiltiple venues to celebrate Christ. “YEC is going on the road!” Lewis said. “2020 has taken so much away from all of us, so we’re asking the Lord, and working with local churches, to provide a safe, fun and uplifting experience for students. We need a spiritual booster shot, if you will, to close out this crazy year.  While we are certainly disappointed that we aren’t able to gather in one group, we are excited about what God has in store for us.” New dates and locations are expected to be announced by mid-October. Groups who have registered will have their fees refunded automatically. Additional questions about YEC can be … [Read more...]