I was just in New Orleans, along with what seems to have been every teenager in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). It was time for the Youth Gathering which takes place every three years. My daughter went with our church youth group, and I headed to the city separately for some much-needed R&R with family.
It was a beautiful thing to witness. I didn't plan to see the gathering, but everywhere I went in the city there were Lutheran kids! A third of the gathering did service each day, all wearing BRIGHT orange work shirts. Driving around, I saw kids clearing yards, gutting houses, working in parks, cleaning the streets. They looked hot, sweaty, and very happy!
In total, about 37,000 young Christians gave 250,000 hours of community service to the city!
When they were not working or doing activities in the Convention Center, the young people visited the great sights of New Orleans. Now, you have to understand that this is easily one of my favorite world cities! I loved seeing the kids (often in matching youth group shirts from their home churches) on the street car, at the art market, eating in restaurants, and taking LOTS of photos. The power of their economic impact to local business is almost as important as their servant work.
Speaking of money, the kids brought change from their home congregations, and from their own pockets, to donate to a youth-led movement called "Change for Change." The collected funds are dedicated to help fight hunger. The youth raised over $130,000 at this event.
I know the kids had a good time playing, learning, and serving. They were a blessing TO the city, and they were blessed BY the city. God is amazing!
I pray that my own teenager will forever be changed by this experience of living out her Baptismal promise. As she becomes an adult, I pray that she will respond to God's call to deliver love whenever and wherever it is needed. I pray that she will be bold to speak up against injustice even when it is risky. I pray that she will never stop finding ways to be God's hands and feet in the world.
