For church minister Terrance Stovell, the small crowd at Bermuda's first Youth Appreciation Day was no cause for discouragement.

"It only took Jesus and 12 men to change the world,'' he said.

The Minister from the United Holy Churches of Bermuda added: "Remember, each one of you can make a difference.'' "Making a difference'' was a theme strongly in evidence throughout the day at Victoria Park.

It was in the speeches, the prayers and the music. And it was in notices attached to the bandstand -- all of them directed at Bermuda's young.

One notice proclaimed: "If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you've got to sit up and pay attention.'' Another read: "Know who you are, know where you come from, know where you are going, seize the opportunity, you can make it!'' It was even in fliers advertising the day: "We love you and appreciate you, you are somebody, you are the best.'' Saturday's event was laid on by the Christian group, Youth Are People Too headed by Fern Wade.

Among those who turned up for an afternoon of family entertainment were Premier David Saul and Youth Minister Tim Smith, both showing little signs of the wear and tear of an all-night sitting in the House of Assembly. Also present was Opposition Sen. Terry Lister.

The three politicians congratulated and encouraged the Ministry in its efforts in promoting Bermuda's youth.

The day included speeches by students at Warwick Academy, Whitney Institute, Warwick Secondary, Sandys Secondary and Berkeley Institute.

And it was rounded off by closing prayers and a pizza party.

Mrs. Wade said she was far from disappointed by the turn-out, pointing out the event coincided with graduation ceremonies and a circus.

"I reckon about 75 people altogether turned up for our first Youth Appreciation Day. The message we wanted to get across was how much we appreciated young people.'' She added: "Young people are our most precious commodity and we must daily commend them for the good they do. Love is unconditional.'' CONFERENCE CON