What if? That’s a question most people have asked at one point or another.

And that’s exactly what organizers of the community-wide Discipleship Now (D-NOW) weekend are asking local youth.

“Our goal is What if? What if we loved God with all of our heart, soul and mind? What if we loved others,” said Jerry Tyson, youth minister at Bethany Baptist Church.

The event is being held at Bethany Baptist Church Feb. 18-19, and is organized by local churches.

Tyson said youth from sixth to 12th grade from all over the county will come together for the event.

“Last year we had more than 400 students attend,” he said. “This year we hope to have more than that. We want to see it grow, and reach as many kids as possible. What’s cool about this is it isn’t to push any particular church. It’s to get the kids together. They go to school with these kids all the time, but they actually get to come together and worship.”

Tyson said this year they also have extended invitations outside the county.

In fact, Tyson said there has been so much interest from other counties that representatives are coming from the Alabama Baptist Convention.

“They want to see how we do things,” he said. “We’re really excited.”

The event will begin with a pre-rally Wed., Feb. 16, from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Babbie Baptist Church.

That Friday night will begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and a worship service at 7 p.m.

Kristian Stanfill, worship leader at Alpharetta, Ga.’s North Point Community Church, will lead worship.

The speaker will be Ben Nobles from Santuck Baptist Church in Wetumpka.

Tyson said that some churches use host homes, while others use church families’ homes for the small group discussions, which are also a part of the weekend.

On Saturday, there will be two worship services – one in the morning and one at night.

Additionally, as a way to spread love throughout the community, the youth will embark on a community-wide mission in Andalusia and Opp.

“We’ve been talking to Dwight Mikel (in Andalusia) and officials in Opp,” Tyson said. “We will do some missions projects on Saturday. Right now it looks like we will do some clean up at the cemeteries in Andalusia. We want the kids to give back to the community.

“We are really excited about the opportunity,” he said.

The cost is $30 per person, which includes food, fun, friends, lodging and a T-shirt.

For more information, call Tyson at 343-0713, Garrett Davis at Carolina Baptist Church at 488-6022, Jason Farris at Babbie Baptist Church at 248-2517 or Jeff Baxley at First Baptist Opp at 764-2265.