A powerful message struck Erik Varden two years ago.
Not that the youth minister at Old Town Hill Baptist Churchhadn't heard the words before. He had just never heard them spokenso passionately.
In 2001, Varden listened to Pam Stenzel's presentation at JayCounty High School's abstinence assembly. The abstinence speakernot only named unheard-of STDs and statistics but connected withstudents, Varden said. That assembly inspired Varden and Muncie'sCommunity Service Committee to bring Stenzel to Emens Auditoriumtoday at 7 p.m. Her program, titled "Sex, Love and Relationships"is free.
"She speaks very passionately and truthfully," Varden said. "Itdoesn't come across like a lecture. She keeps it fun the wholetime."
Stenzel has performed throughout the country, touring highschools and arenas. She appeared in front of 45,000 teenagers atthe Indianapolis RCA Dome as a part of Teen Mania Ministries.
Though many of her principles stem from the Bible, Varden saidthat Stenzel's message crosses over religious boundaries. Sherelies on health information and her experience to encouragemonogamy, Varden said. After her mother was raped, Stenzel was putup for adoption. As an adult, she worked as a counselor forpregnant teenagers.
"So much of the media doesn't give the whole story," Vardensaid. "She has a list of 20 to 25 STDs that most people have neverheard of. After her presentation, students can't say that (they)didn't know."
Student Melissa Turner said she plans to attend Stenzel'sspeech. Turner, who lives in the Baptist Ministry House nearcampus, said that Stenzel's message should inspire students.
"I hope that she presents it in such a way... that students canaccept her message," Turner said. "That way they can be inspired tosave themselves and be accountable to themselves as a person."
Stenzel's campus appearance will present a mix of informationand entertainment, Varden said. He said that he hopes Stenzel'swords will enable students to make positive choices.
"(She) educates kids and students. Hopefully, she can save themfrom heartaches and difficulties -- keep them from situations thatthey would not be able to handle," Varden said.
After her Emens stop, Stenzel will speak at Muncie's Southsideand Central high schools Friday. DiLynn Pheles, assistant principalof Muncie Central High School, said that Stenzel might empowerstudents to seek help when they need it.
"It might open kids up more to be less afraid when it comes totalking about sex," Pheles said. "It's time for kids to hear thatit's okay to go to any guidance counselor and ask about(things)."
Ultimately, though, students make their own choices, Phelessaid.
"Students have to make their own decisions. We just want to givethem as much accurate information as possible."
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