The atmosphere across the outdoor tennis stadium at the StubHub Center in Carson crackled with the energy, enthusiasm and clamor of more than 6,000 junior and high school students during the annual Christian Service 4Life rally on Oct. 14.

Special guest speakers and activities combined to celebrate and support the sanctity of life, from conception through natural death. Notable guests included actor David Henrie, known for “How I Met Your Mother” and “Wizards of Waverly Place”; Brittany Sharaun, former “America's Next Top Model” contestant and founder of Burgers and Bibles; and Maria Cahill, an inspirational speaker and Miss Delaware 2011.

Archbishop José Gomez welcomed the youth, encouraging them in their efforts to promote a culture of life.

And keynote speaker Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide in 1994, offered a powerful presentation, sharing the pain and anguish she endured losing nearly her entire family during the horrific slaughter of Tutsi — including her mother, her father, two brothers, as well as friends and neighbors.

Finding herself increasingly consumed by a growing desire for revenge, she instead “fell to my knees” and turned to God, whose love taught her to forgive.

“You are the light of the world,” Ilibagiza told the youth who filled the stadium. She urged them to embrace forgiveness, praise God, pray the Rosary and always support all life. “Go out into the world and shine brighter, brighter and brighter!”

The Christian Service 4Life rally also featured a special video message from Darryl Sutter, head coach of the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, and his son Christopher, who has Down’s syndrome. Smiling together into the camera, they proudly proclaimed, “We are champions for life!”