Youngsters at a church conference received words of wisdom from a surprise celebrity guest at the weekend.

Superstar Wyclef Jean took time out from the Bermuda Music Festival to address 500 young people at an African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) church meeting on Saturday.

He spoke of his humble beginnings in poverty-stricken Haiti and the importance of faith and following your goals in life.

The 30-minute speech left such an impression, the youngsters dug deep in their pockets to raise $3,000 for the star's charity, Yele Haiti, as an expression of thanks.

Lisa Amore, a publicist for the Bermuda Music Festival, said: "The kids spontaneously took up a collection for Wyclef's foundation and within five minutes presented Wyclef with a cheque.

"He was very moved. It was a very inspirational morning. He then spent nearly another half-hour taking pictures with the kids and signing autographs."

Ms Amore said the musician had offered to speak after meeting Reverend Lanel Guyton of St. Paul A.M.E Church in the grounds of the Fairmont Southampton the day before.

The 500 young people, from Bermuda and the US, were aged five to 26 years old and were attending the First Episcopal District Young People's Division Annual Conference, held this year in Bermuda.

Ms Amore said: "Wyclef was very eager to talk to the young people and was a surprise guest after the morning prayer service.

"When he walked into the room it was as if you were at a rock concert. Everyone went wild, jumping up and down.

"He told the young people to be proud of themselves and to pursue their goals, to be strong, intelligent, and not to get involved with gangs.

"Wyclef said although he was a star now, he came from very poor beginnings. He told them how he was born in a dirt hut and grew up hunting for food with a slingshot, but finally he found his way out."

Rev. Guyton told The Royal Gazette: "Wyclef gave a wonderful and uplifting speech. He was eloquent and very personable.

"He spoke wonderful words of encouragement, about no matter what goals you have in life, children should always put God first in everything they do.

"He encouraged young people to trust in the Lord as they pursue their goals."

Wyclef Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York, when he was nine and went on to find international fame as a member of hip-hop group The Fugees.

As a musician he has sold more than 31 million albums and now gives back to his home country through his foundation, Yele Haiti. Established in 2005, the charity raises money for children's scholarships throughout the impoverished country.