FOR RELEASE ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9^th 2003.

 

CONTACT:

Mike Atkins

Ground Zero Youth Ministry

New London Presbyterian Church

1986 Newark Road / P.O. Box 269

New London, PA  19360

Phone:  610-869-7332 (office)

Fax:  610-869-4733

Email:  GZYouth@aol.com

Web site:  www.GZYouth.com

 

Miss America ’97 Speaking to Area Teenagers February 28th

 

New London, PA – February 3, 2003 -- The Ground Zero Youth Ministry of New London Presbyterian Church (NLPC) is privileged and excited to host Miss America 1997 at their Friday night youth rally on February 28, 2003 at 7 PM.  Tara Dawn Christensen is an effective speaker and accomplished vocalist who has made her platform one of abstinence from drugs, alcohol and pre-marital sex.  She has been praised for her ability to combine humor, poise and sincerity in order to connect with audiences of all ages as she encourages them to set goals, persevere and “do what you say you are going to do”.  She will surely grab the attention of her audience as she drives home a clear and powerful message that ‘you can do it too.’

Christensen was crowned Miss America on September 14, 1996 after four attempts in seven years in two states.  Receiving the crown was the fulfillment of a dream she had had since she was in 7th grade when she did a book report on A Bright Shining Place by Cheryl Prewitt, (Miss America 1980).  "I knew then that I wanted to become Miss America," said Christensen.  “I wanted to use pageants as my vehicle to glorify God.”   It was during this same time in her life that Christensen made a choice to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and premarital sex.

“It was not a very popular choice among my friends and classmates,” said Christensen, “but God gave me the strength to resist the temptations I faced.” The ridicule and isolation she felt many times were finally worth it when she met Jon Christensen on a Valentine's Day flight during her year as Miss America. On November 21, 1998, Tara and Jon took their relationship from the airplane aisle to the wedding aisle and were married in Mobile, Alabama.  One of Tara's greatest joys is to encourage young people by telling them that on her wedding day, she was a 26-year-old virgin, and now her favorite title is "Mrs."!    Well known speaker and author Josh McDowell said, “Christensen’s message of sexual abstinence is particularly powerful because of her own testimony as a 26-year-old virgin. Through her title of a former "Miss America," she is able to motivate youth to excellence, both in their personal lives and career pursuit. 

Since traveling the country as Miss America 1997, Christensen has continued to use the title of "Miss America" for God's purposes by speaking and singing in public and private middle schools, high schools, and colleges, youth rallies, "True Love Waits" rallies, women's and teenage girl programs, and concerts for people of all ages.  Interviewed by over 25 print and television media agencies including CNN and MSNBC as well as People Magazine, and singing at over 20 different nationally known venues including President Bush's Inaugural Ball, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, & Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary Boardwalk Dedication, she is spreading her message of positive values and the self-esteem and fulfillment that come from setting high standards for yourself and then striving to meet them, across the country.

Craig Sundblad, a school principal in Lake Linden, Michigan said, “The audience was totally enthralled by the production from the moment it began until it concluded. Afterwards, many stayed to speak with [her].”  “I know that she got her point across because I have heard [her key] phrase from my own two sons on more than one occasion since she was here! She did an excellent job of modeling the happiness and self esteem that come from setting high standards for oneself and living up to them,” said Joan Sudmann, parent and school counselor in Wayne Nebraska.  Erica Long, a 6th grade student at Trinity School in Omaha, Nebraska in a letter to Christensen wrote, “You are my role model because of your career, purity, and love for God.”

All teenagers are invited to come out to hear Christensen’s incredible voice & powerful testimony.  In addition to her message all youth, grades 6 through 12, will enjoy free pizza and food, upbeat music, basketball, the latest video games systems, air hockey, foosball, pool, ping pong, chess matches and hanging out with friends.  Mike Atkins, youth pastor of NLPC said, “We want to welcome all teenagers to Ground Zero, a place where they can feel safe and can grow both personally and spiritually, this and every Friday Night.” 

Ground Zero is the Youth Ministry of New London Presbyterian Church located in Historic New London, PA.  Ground Zero meets weekly on Fridays from 7pm to 9:30 for 6th-8th graders and until 10:30pm for 9th-12th graders.  All 6th-12th grade students are invited to attend.  New London Presbyterian Church is located at 1986 Newark Road/Rt. 896, 20 minutes north of Newark, DE just ½ mile south of State Rd. in the heart of New London.  For more information about Ground Zero, please call the GZ Office at 610/869-7332 or visit www.GZYouth.com.

 

MEDIA NOTE:

For more information about the Ground Zero Youth Rally featuring Tara Dawn Christensen or to schedule an interview,  please contact Mike Atkins or Drew Cope of the Ground Zero Youth Ministry at (610) 869-7332 Tuesday-Friday 9am – 6pm or e-mail gzyouth@aol.com. 

 

For more information about Tara Dawn Christensen, or Cross & Crown Ministries, please  visit her web site, wwwTaraDawnChristensen.com or call 615.595.6642.