A 13-year-old boy heralded as a prophet is the star attraction at a Government-funded event tonight.

Faith-based tourism boss Andre Curtis — who claims that God speaks through North Carolina teenager Parris Jackson — has told Bermuda's church community they are "in for a treat" at Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

Mr. Curtis says Parris had a calling from God at the age of three and was ordained as a minister at six before unleashing his preaching talents on venues and talk shows across the US.

The event, titled "A Nation At Risk", is one of ten get-togethers set up under the controversial faith-based tourism initiative this financial year.

Mr. Curtis, who runs Premier Ewart Brown's constituency in Warwick South Central, has repeatedly faced criticism over his handling of the project, for which he receives hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' dollars.

Both deny faith-based tourism is being used as a method for Dr. Brown to get cash to Mr. Curtis as a thank you gesture.

Yesterday, Mr. Curtis told The Royal Gazette he was excited at the prospect of seeing Parris Jackson in action.

"He's very powerful, very dynamic. Bermuda is in for a treat," he said. "You come, you listen, you record, and then you watch. What he says will happen. God speaks to him."

Asked if Parris could predict the future, Mr. Curtis replied: "He doesn't predict. He merely says what God is telling him to say."

While He may speak through Parris Jackson, Mr. Curtis says God has been acting through himself in his organisation of faith-based tourism events.

"I believe God directs me and puts me in contact with the right people to make certain things happen," he said.

"That's why these people are here. There's no credit I can take here, as much as I want to. It's a divine being. God puts these things together. Right now, I'm the guy he's using to bring them to the fore.

"I'm humble. Sometimes I'm moved to tears, the fact he's chosen me."

According to a draft copy of Mr. Curtis' contract, he is due to receive $400,000 to set up ten faith-based events in 2007-08, and is required to bring in a total of 2,200 tourists.

Responding to criticism earlier this year, he called a press conference and produced a complicated explanation as to how that money was being spent.

But he was attacked once more when he refused to entertain any questions at the press conference, and Opposition United Bermuda Party MPs claimed his explanation was unsatisfactory.

Yesterday, Mr. Curtis said he was unable to say how many tourists had turned out so far.

He said that at the last event, a multi-church gathering at the National Stadium last month, a large cheer went up when the presenter asked if any foreigners were present.

He said he did not know how many tourists would attend tonight's show, and refused to say how much money it had cost.

However, he suggested answers may be given after the next Parliamentary session opens when Dr. Brown will finally be obliged to respond to questions on the subject originally posed by Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley in June.

"I'm confident everyone will be satisfied," said Mr. Curtis.

A Nation At Risk, organised in conjunction with Sozo, City of Refuge Ministry and Restoration Fellowship, is billed as an attempt at addressing problems including absent fathers, prostitution, drug trafficking, the failing education system and gang violence.

Admission is free and everyone is invited. It starts at 7 p.m.