Brenda Matthews wants young people to step into their spiritual destiny.

Adorned with glow sticks, youth and sponsors were standing and cheering within minutes of Matthews taking the stage. Matthews, a poet from Chicago known as “Mama” Brenda, spoke Tuesday night in the opening worship at the youth convention.

Times are hard, Matthews said, and youth of all Christian denominations are well placed to spark a spiritual revival nationwide.

“It’s time to get suited and booted, and get your butt in gear,” said Matthews, who was speaking at a Mennonite Church USA convention for the third time.

She reminded the youth that they are in a crucial time of life, urging them to take what they learn home with them and get to work.

“It’s time for you to step into your spiritual destiny,” Matthews said. “Don’t take this time for granted.”

Matthews spoke passionately about claiming one’s faith and seeking God, especially as young people can be drawn into sex, alcohol and drugs.

Even when youth make poor choices, God cares for them intimately, Matthews said.

“The Holy Spirit knows our faults and never gives up on us,” she said.

Matthews is also praying for youth to have a renewed experience of the Holy Spirit.

“The Holy Spirit is the part of God that lives inside of us,” she said.

Matthews compared the Holy Spirit to the battery in a car, giving us the power we need to work for God’s kingdom.

“The Holy Spirit is the juice,” she said.

Matthews invited youth to stand and raise their hands as she prayed for the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on their lives.

“We need you to be a witness and not be ashamed!” she said.