Removing the Line: YCLC Concert Uplifts Young People
On June 25, a special public concert to demonstrate and evoke the unity of Christianity was held by YCLC, CARP LA, and Bishop Noel Jones at the City of Refuge megachurch in Gardena, Calif. The “Removing the Line” Unity Concert championed the removal of political, racial, denominational, and ideological lines as the precursor to the elimination of the 38th parallel dividing North and South Korea.
“Unity on the Korean Peninsula begins with the unity in America,” said YCLC National Director Joshua Holmes, who served as the event’s emcee. “The key to solving our problems is young people. Nothing is more powerful than a young person’s voice. When we lift them up, then God’s kingdom will come and we can remove the lines.”
The uplifting concert featured Grammy-nominated gospel star Dietrick Haddon, the City of Refuge choir, and the LA Band, among other performers, as well as commentary from Pastor Hosea Collins of Calvary Baptist Church and Pastor Joshua Daniels of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Collins said everything in the world will fall into place “with God at the helm,” as he urged young people to step forward in faith and follow their “intrinsic guide” and conscience.
“We have to start to be vulnerable even though we’re afraid of that,” added Pastor Daniels. “What makes ministry powerful is when ministry is transparent. And one of the things that has caused a disconnect with young people is failing to let them know our mistakes ... But if they can see their mistakes in [their elders], they will realize that they are understood, and then they are more inclined to listen.”
In a video message, Bishop Jones referenced multiple Bible verses before sharing a message about internal strength. “I want our young people to be strong,” he said. “And commit that strength to faithfulness. When I look at the young people that God has raised up at this time, all we can do is give everything we have, all that Father and Mother Moon have, things that are significant and important to this time in which we live.”
“We’re entrusting young people to affect others,” Jones continued, “so that North and South Korea can come together and lead the rest of the world into the kind of unity that is needed.”
The concert highlighted various problems facing America and the world in a video montage that touched on racial tensions, immorality, the decline of Christianity, and the threat of communism. “There is concentration on weakening morality and increasing decadence among young people by creating an immoral lifestyle that will break down families and the world,” said Holmes. “Let’s pray that, with God at the center, Korea will become a light of burning hope that is proof to the world.”
The two-hour concert of worship, praise, and lively music left the audience inspired and on its feet. “We’re praising God together,” said singer Dietrick Haddon, “because this is the way it’s going to be in heaven.” The event concluded with several songs from the soundtrack of Haddon’s new movie, The Fallen.
You can watch the full unity concert here.