A new conference in Winnipeg comes from the desire to lead youth to understand their purpose and the responsibilities of life.

The Discovery of Purpose conference taking place this month is one borne from a passion for leading youth.

"I have a passion for young people... I've seen a few things in life and I've grown," said Philip Olabisi, the conference convener. "I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, so I carry a burden to help young people find their footing and their purpose very early in life."

Olabisi says he believes firmly in sharing with young people mistakes he's made and experienced in his own life, so as to help guide them in not falling into similar negative patterns. "If you understand what you're supposed to do [and] your purpose very early in life, you make fewer mistakes," shared the convener.

Various speakers will take part in the conference, including Olabisi, ranging in experience from interacting with youth to regular work in youth ministries.

Purpose, says Olabisi, can be a broad term.

"We want to narrow it down... what do you need to know in terms of discovering your purpose? We will examine responsibility."

Responsibility is indeed a trait Olabisi feels is lacking in the younger generation, but not one lost to it.

"We want young people to become very responsible; that is becoming very obsolete. We have so many young people that are almost, permit me to say, irresponsible," says Olabisi.

If young people aren't properly equipped to understand what their purpose in life is and how to pursue that thoughtfully, it can result in greater difficulty making decisions later on in life.

"The consequences of your choices may be difficult to wipe out."

Encouragement towards productivity, pursuing constructive relationships and taking responsibility for what they're doing in their own lives will be spoken on with youth throughout the course of the conference.

"What we see as responsibilities is a response to our abilities," Olabisi explained. "We want you to respond to the kind of abilities that you have. That's what will channel you to make the right decisions.

The Discovery of Purpose conference is ideally intended and open to teens and young adults, ranging in age from 13 to 30 years old. The conference will take place on Saturday, April 27 at Victoria Main Hall (80 Derek Street). For more details, contact Philip Olabisi at 204-590-9208 or philip_olabisi@yahoo.com.