Day 4: Practicing Peacemaking

The day began with sunshine and clear skies. Kayla, Sarah, Bob and Pastor enjoyed breakfast at Ruby Slippers Cafe, the rest enjoyed a little extra shut eye. We met up at the hotel for our walk to the Convention Center for our morning of practicing peacemaking.

First, we worshipped together with those assigned to this peacemaking day. We began with praise songs. In an interval between the songs, as music continued, the worship leader said, "This is traditional Lutheran worship." When the response was laughter, he continued by saying that Lutheran worship is marked by tradition, even if you call the first songs "praise songs", what we sang was the opening hymn. He continued with a description of what we would do: remembrance of baptism, confession and absolution, word, sermon, closing hymn.

This was no different from the structure of traditional worship. Yet it was different! It was full of energy and motion. The words were familiar, but, somehow, the way they were interspersed with music made them more meaningful.

From worship, we moved to the interactive center where there were a variety of activities designed to increase awareness of global issues and provide ways to respond.

Later, we went out into the city to explore, buy souvenirs, try some traditional cuisine (jambalaya, gumbo,
alligator and crawfish) and experience a little of the atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Then we walked back to the "Luther Dome" for our last evening of music, dancing, stories of faith and encouragement. It was hard to imagine that after tonight we would no longer be with our 33,309 sisters and brothers. We've met so many wonderful people.

The evening began with the "biggest dance party of Lutheran youth ever held in the Dome." During the event, a series of dance moves was taught each night. What and amazing thing it was to see all the crowd dancing together!

Speakers once again brought messages of encouragement and inspiration. Tony Acompanado told us about the importance and risk of speaking the truth about injustice, intolerance, and bullying.

Pastor Andrena Ingram told her story of abuse, addiction, and HIV infection. She shared how pastors of a Lutheran church showed her the amazing grace of God in Christ and acceptance for
who she was. She was encouraged to pursue a call to minister with persons
who are HIV+.

"Be the change you wish to be in the world." (Ghandi) This was the message for the youth throughout the event. Rachel Kurtz's song, "Make a Difference" was the theme song for the Gathering, and the program ended with everyone singing,

"I want my life to make a difference. I want my life to make a change. I want my life to do some good here. I want my life to make a change."

The last treat of the evening was a performance by the band Switchfoot. This popular band plays both Christian and pop music. When they were announced, the stadium erupted into cheering, and many of the youth joined in singing along with their songs.

Just before the concert ended, we left the stadium to walk back to the hotel to pack. At 10:30, we gathered in Cris and Pastor JMe's room for discussion of our experiences in New Orleans and "Candle Prayer." We had so many things to thank God for: new friends and reconnections with old ones, grace-filled messages by the speakers, the fun we had together, what we learned and experienced about the transforming power of Christ, and so much more. There were heartfelt prayers offered for the people of Aurora, Colorado, for safe travel, for the people of New Orleans who welcomed us to their city, for the security and police officers who put in overtime away from their families to keep us safe as we moved throughout the city, and for organization like St. Bernard that continue to help the people rebuild their lives and homes 8 years after Katrina.

ZYM life without Bob as the Guide and church "father" for the youth was also on the hearts and minds of all the youth in the candle prayer circle. We all gave thanks for the years that he has shared his gifts and caring with the youth and families of Zion. Prayers were lifted up for his new ministry of caring as an EMT. By the end of our prayer time, there were tears flowing.