Contact: Colby May, TBN, 202-544-5171, cmay@tbn.org

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 31, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Trinity Broadcasting Network, America's most watched and requested faith channel, announced that it will be a co-sponsor of the 17th annual back-to-school R.E.S.P.E.C.T. rally for students and their families, August 4th from 3 to 8 p.m., at More than Conquerors Faith Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Several rap and contemporary Christian artists who are regulars on TBN's Smile of a Child and JCTV youth networks will be on hand, and TBN will also provide 3,000 book bags to distribute to students who attend the event.

The Rev. Steve Green, pastor of More than Conquerors Faith Church, launched the annual R.E.S.P.E.C.T. rally in 1994 to help young people embrace the importance of treating others -- and themselves -- with respect. "We were seeing so much violence, vandalism, and disrespectful language and behavior among the kids in our neighborhoods that we knew something had to be done," Pastor Green recalled. "God dropped into my spirit the idea of kicking off the school year with an event that would reinforce to our kids that they need to place the same value on themselves and others that God does."

The acronym R.E.S.P.E.C.T. stands for "Respect Every Single Person Ever Created Today," and Pastor Green explained that as in the past, this year's focus will be on inspiring Birmingham's youth to step up to a new level in their attitudes and behavior towards themselves, their peers, and those in positions of authority. He said that since the beginning both local and national corporate sponsors have stepped forward to help make the event a success.

"This year we are blessed to welcome TBN as one of our R.E.S.P.E.C.T. co-sponsors," he said. "Many of these students and their families are regular viewers of TBN, JCTV, and Smile of a Child, so to have some of the rap and music artists these kids see on TV actually come and be a part will be a real treat."

Among the JCTV and Smile of a Child regulars scheduled for the event will be Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning rap artist T-Bone, host of JCTV's Real Videos and TX10; popular Christian rap artists The Ambassador and Mr. Del; contemporary Christian recording artists Morgan Harper Nichols and Beckah Shae; and noted youth speaker and spoken word artist Katy Coffman. In addition to supplying 3,000 book bags for students, TBN will also provide full television coverage of the event.

Matt Crouch, TBN's Vice President for Administration, said that community involvement has always been a part of TBN's outreach. "We're thankful for the opportunity to partner with More Than Conquerors and the city of Birmingham in this vital event," he said. "Our prayer is that each child and family who attend will be impacted in a lasting, life-changing way."

For more information about the 17th annual R.E.S.P.E.C.T. rally, log on here. To find out more about Trinity Broadcasting Network, visit www.tbn.org.