The Tabernacle Church to Host Rites of Passage Ceremony for Young African-American Males

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. - June 24, 2014 - PRLog -- Earlier this year, The Tabernacle Church launched a new rites of passage program called ‘Ulendo’, which was designed to help young African-American boys navigate their way through adolescence and make a smooth, successful transition to manhood. For the first installment of the program, six boys between the ages of 12-15 from Middlesex all the way to Morris County, enrolled with a male family mentor. As part of the program through a series of discussion sessions, activities and events, they were all equipped with the tools they need to become upstanding young men and positive role models for others.

It should be noted that the mentors with whom the participants walked through the program are more than kind-hearted volunteers - they are their fathers. Through this unique approach, the Ulendo program is not only able to teach sons how to become men, but also teach men how to become better fathers. As part of the program, the participants embarked on a journey of self exploration by delving into their family history and heritage, learning proper dining etiquette, conflict management skills and being exposed to the opportunities available to them for higher education and lucrative career paths--all with their fathers at their side every step of the way. Together, they took field trips to local businesses and universities, further exploring the many opportunities for personal growth and prosperity that await them in manhood.

“This program was uniquely designed to help African-American boys develop into pillars that their families and communities can depend on. The completion of the rigorous curriculum that the boys were taken through signifies that they are indeed ready to take on this role in their homes, schools and in their communities,” said De’Andre Salter, Senior Pastor of The Tabernacle Church. “The positive transformation that I’ve seen in the boys' lives and their fathers' lives has been incredible and I’m both excited and honored to officiate the rites of passage ceremony which will symbolize the transition from boyhood to manhood for all the community to see.”

On Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 11:30AM, a formal rites of passage ceremony will be held at The Tabernacle Church in South Plainfield, NJ, where the first group to successfully fulfill all the requirements of the Ulendo program will make their public transition into manhood in front of their community, church congregation and families. For more information regarding Ulendo or the ceremony call 908-222-9990 x16, or email pr@thetabernacle.com.

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About The Tabernacle Church:
The Tabernacle Church’s vision is to train people to intentionally use their time, talent, and money to make a Christ impact in the world. Located at 1253 New Market Avenue in South Plainfield, NJ, De’Andre Salter, a notable entrepreneur and author, serves as Senior Pastor.