Ketric Newell
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Ketric Newell knows what it feels like to feel out of place. Even though he is no longer a teen, he can relate to what it means to feel dumb among one’s peers. For that reason, Newell has made it his life’s mission to help students find their own true purpose.
Using humor, Bible references and high energy, Newell will soon share his motivational and funny messages with youth from Clay and Cherokee County. From 5 -7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 Newell will speak at Tri County Community College in Murphy in the Enloe Building.
The free event is being held for Clay and Cherokee County youth from middle school through high school, along with any youth leaders. Parents and other adults with youth in their lives are encouraged to attend, but will join a separate presentation in an adjacent room. A free meal will also be provided for youth and their leaders, but prior registration is requested for an accurate head count. Free transportation is available through Pacesetters for those who need it.
Considered one of the top youth speakers in the country, Newell lives in Nashville, Tenn., where he and his wife, Ashley, are student pastors at Cross Point Church. As a young man in school, his teachers thought he had a hearing problem because he was so loud. He also felt less than smart in school. “If I begin to believe a lie as a truth, it will begin to affect my life as if it’s true,” Newell says. In reality, he was just full of energy, which he now uses to motivate others.
The author of “Liar Liar Mullet of Fire” loves ministering to students and young adults at camps, retreats and conferences. He has also been part of Girls of Grace teen girls event, and he is founder and CEO of the non-profit Teen Dream Center. According to Newell’s bio, “the mission of Teen Dream Center is to help people break free from the lies of their past by encountering the radical and powerful love of Jesus, experiencing his truth and grace, learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and fully live the life that God has for them.”
Newell is passionate about helping young people find hope, belonging and purpose as they come alive and grow into who they were meant to be.
This event is being paid for with a grant received by the Cherokee County Child Collaborative. Food is being provided by Murphy First United Methodist Church.
Register by using the QR code. For details, email Jenni Irwin at: Jennifer.Irwin@vayahealth.com.