Silver Ring Thing Update

Last October, The Hannah Medical Center hosted its first ever, Silver Ring Thing (SRT) event! On Saturday, October 27th, approximately 400 students and adults came to the Municipal Auditorium in El Dorado, Arkansas. With a venue which included loud noises, big screens, pyrotechnology and a talented crew of 12 SRT members, our youth were not only educated but entertained!

Can the lives of teens really be changed by just one event in an atmosphere like the Silver Ring Thing? While we would like to have more time to influence the youth in our community, the results of this event are promising and prove that even high-energy, fast-paced messages can leave a lasting imprint. At last count, 156 commitment rings were purchased by youth. This means that 156 students pledged sexual abstinence until marriage. If each of these were to influence just one life of a friend and those lives would do the same, the result would be enormous! Students were encouraged to purchase their own rings re-enforcing their decision and giving them a sense of ownership for their actions.

Even more important than choosing abstinence (is there such a thing?) is the choice to accept Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior. 56 youth either committed their lives or re-dedicated their lives to Christ. The Hannah Medical Center takes no credit for these results. We simply asked God to enable us to bring SRT here and because of His grace and the many who helped underwrite this event, lives were changed. God not only provided- He showed up in a mighty way!

We are thankful for each of you who participated on October 27th. Whether you gave your time and/or money, you are appreciated and we pray that God blesses you greatly in 2008. If you enjoyed this event as much as we did, or you were unable to attend, we are planning on bringing the Silver Ring Thing back in 2009! We’re expecting a much larger crowd next time and need your prayers. Be looking for details in the future.

Jennifer Bryan