A long walk to the Super Dome followed. But most of us had no idea what we would encounter there. The stage band welcomed us with great music that kept us on our feet. Band members were from various, known Christian Rock groups. Tyler turned to PJ and asked, "can we get these songs for church?"
Close to 35,000 Lutheran youth and adults almost filled the Dome. "The Wave" circled the area repeatedly. Lights flashed in the crowd, on screens, and around the walls. All these young people, and we're all praising Jesus!
Inspiring speakers included ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson ("Are you ready to be surprised by Jesus?"); Pastor Yahirl Curry ("Gumbo is welcome food. we area great big bowl of gumbo. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcome here!"); and Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, aka "the sarcastic pastor" ("Nobody believes that I am an ordained Lutheran pastor. there are some who think someone like me shouldn't be speaking to you. I have a few tattoos and I swear like a truck driver.") Even SIRI made an appearance! Try asking her about "ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson."
Emcees were Josiah Williams, a young leader in ELCA-LYO and hip hop artist and Kaelie Lund, another LYO leader who is newly graduated from high school.
When asked what the highlight of their day had been to that point. Pastor Nadia's presentation was the top choice. "She was amazing!" said Duncan Brady. For Alec, the priest with the tattoos was his choice: "her rough life and how she thought she would be dead by the rime she was 30 and she overcame everything and now is a successful woman... That was pretty inspirational." Kayla Gromen and Andrew Sherwood agreed that it was amazing to be with so many other young people from all over the US, "Even Alaska!"
Many of us have experienced rain delays when attending events. Last night, after our emcees had said good night, an announcement was made that , due to a severe thunderstorm, our departure from the dome would be delayed. We hung out for over an hour waiting for the storm to abate. While waiting, Bob led our "Last 15" and devotional time in the midst of the awaiting crowd.
When we finally made our way out of the Dome, it was still pouring rain and lightning was still flashing. It was a very wet, mile-long walk back to the hotel! yet there were no complaints after the awesome evening we had with the saints.
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