This weekend, nearly 900 students, parents and youth ministers will gather for a “redefining” experience – Discipleship Now or D-NOW.

D-NOW is a weekend retreat that allows high school students to come together, fellowship and worship with other local Christians, as well as give back to the community through service projects.

“Our speaker is going to be Chris Brooks, and our theme is ‘Redefining Normal: Waking Up to Life as God Intends It,’” said Jerry Tyson, youth minister at Bethany Baptist Church.

The event is being held at Ino Baptist Church tonight through Sunday, and is organized by local churches.

Tyson said youth from sixth to 12th grade from all over the county and parts of Coffee County will come together for the event.

“We have a couple of churches participating in the Elba, Kinston and Ino areas,” he said.

The event began Wednesday night with a pre-rally at Opp’s Westview Baptist Church.

“The biggest thing is to bring everyone together,” Tyson said. “God has truly blessed us. This is the fourth year it’s been done here. It brings kids together and helps the smaller churches who do not have the budget for youth programs to be able to provide for the kids.”

Tyson said for a mere $30, students will receive all their meals, books, speakers and more for the entire weekend.

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

“At Andalusia Middle School, we are going to paint some doors, clean and trim shrubs,” Tyson said. “Michael Rodriguez at First Baptist is heading this up and we’ll also paint fire hydrants in the city.”

Tyson said special projects will also take place at Fleeta Jr. High, Opp Elementary School and Opp Middle School, as well as Kinston and Elba.

Tonight’s activities will begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and a worship service at 7 p.m.

Kristian Stanfill will lead the worship.

Tyson said there will be small groups spending the weekend with host families for small group discussions.

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