BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Thousands of teenage girls are expected converge on Nashville, Tenn., for the National Acteens Convention (NAC) July 29-Aug. 1.

Baptist Press reported the theme for this year's convention, "SyncroNations," and reflects its international focus. In addition to young women from the United States, girls from six continents will have the opportunity to participate in the convention. They will come from Australia, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Fiji, France, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine, Venezuela, Wales and West Indies.

"We are so excited to be able to bring girls form all around the world to join in this National Acteens Convention," said Andrea Mullins, NAC steering committee chair. "NAC provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for girls to connect and develop a deeper understanding of God's love for all the nations."

Celia Whitler, a Christian recording artist and songwriter from Nashville will lead praise and worship. Field personnel from the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board will be featured speakers during the general sessions.

A global village will provide attendees with a glimpse of what it is like being on missions around the world, according to the report.

"We anticipate the global village being one of the highlights of NAC as participants enjoy an interactive experience with multicultural virtual communities," said Becky Yates, director the product development center at Woman's Missionary Union. WMU launched Acteens, a missions organization for girls in grades seven through 12, in 1970.

Acteens members are inspired and challenged to be involved personally in missions and fulfill their part in God's plan as they learn about and pray for other cultures and missionary work, both nationally and internationally.

The national convention takes place about every five years.