Dallas City youth group plans "Battle of Souls"

“The Rock House,” found at the old Dallas City High School, is a meeting place for a Christian youth group started by Matt Miller. Above left is Miller, left, with Leah Lewis and Miriam Farnold in back. In front, Ricky Lewis, an unidentified youth, and Daniel Lewis holding Austin Ball.

Kids coming to “The Rock” youth group in Dallas City have shared lots of good times in the past year. Now they want to share the fun.

The Rock plans a free band event, Battle of the Souls, from noon into the evening on Saturday, Aug. 5, at the old Dallas City High School gym.

The event begins with a battle of the bands (they hope to have six) starting at noon. Then at 4:30 p.m., Jim Chester, illusionist and comedian, will perform. At 7 p.m., nationally-known speaker and evangelist, Ken Freeman, will speak.

All afternoon they plan outdoor games (some are wet, so bring a towel), a dunk tank and concessions.

The Rock is an outgrowth of a before school Bible study at Dallas City created by Matt Miller, a senior at Warsaw High School.

“We had from 15 to 35 kids in junior high from sixth to eighth grades coming. We lived in Warsaw, and my dad was principal at Dallas City Elementary. I had a free period first thing on Friday mornings,” Miller explained. Later the family moved to Dallas City.

Soon the study group expanded into an evening group. The group holds Bible study on Monday evenings and does community service work on Wednesday and Friday evenings, in part to pay for use of the Dallas City Community Center for their meetings. They are doing some painting to the building and mowing.

“Our goal was to help kids become more community-minded. Our lessons are topical. Maybe we will read a chapter and then see what the kids think about it. If it hits home, we talk about that,” Miller said. The kids play pool, have games and do a version of Fear Factor. They attended Youth Encounter in Peoria, where they were asked to sit up on the stage with the band “Skillet”.

As the youth gathered last week, they did some painting, some basketball playing, grilling chops and hot dogs, and lots of teasing, sharing and fellowship as they prepared for their big event on Saturday.

Leah Lewis has been with the group since it began. Her family had moved to Dallas City from Phoenix where she had been involved in other church youth groups.

“I like the service, doing things for others. I've heard there is some crime here, and people really would like to learn about Jesus,” Leah said.

Her brother, Ricky, just started coming.

“I like the fact that it is a good place to hang out,” he added.

Daniel Lewis, no relation to the other Lewises, said, “Why do I come? At first I was bored and didn't have anything else to do. Now it's some place to go to talk about problems, and get them solved.”

Miller is still a little amazed at how things have grown. The group is not affiliated with any one church in the area, but has support from several churches.

“Last summer I wanted to become a police officer,” Miller said. “I went to a camp because I felt I should be working with youth. Then our youth pastor (Brent Perrine) died and I wanted to step in some way and help with youth. Through that experience, I knew this is what I wanted to do. He was the one who pushed me, got me into my faith.” Miller wants to do that for other kids.

Miller said he is praying about what will happen in the fall. He is enrolled in the Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Mo., to pursue a degree in youth and family ministry.

“I don't want to leave to go to college, but there is a couple that might be interested in continuing the group. God says, ‘Don't worry about it'.” Following that lead has paid off for Miller so far.

Anyone wanting to help the group, or with the Battle of the Souls Saturday, can call Miller at 217/852-6565.