The National Youth Gathering is July 17-21.

National Youth Gathering Update #1
By Samantha

We had a great flight into New Orleans yesterday and got to sleep in a little today which is good because our schedule looks very busy the rest of the week.
This afternoon we hung out at the convention center and met lots of people. We are having people from different states sign our backpacks and we even got some from Australia. They were so fun to talk to!!!! We had a mile walk down to the Superdome and wow the humidity about killed us – it reminded me of living in Texas. Our first Gathering event was a mass gathering with all 25,000 of us. It was awesome to see all the teens praising Jesus. The band is great, the drama act is amazing, we got to see The Sand Painter, and the speaker was incredible. The walk back proved to be difficult with everyone because our patience was running thin at that point. Overall it was a GREAT day.

National Youth Gathering Update #2
By Ben

Today at the gathering we had our first bible study which was on John chapter 9. Most of us thought it was ok but he seemed to drag it on too long. Then they let us into the convention center and it was filled with stuff to do. My favorite thing to do was the bungie run. After that we just walked around a little and then went to the Stellar Cart concert which was like a punk rock concert. Then was the Mass Event. It was really amazing. They showed a video of four people that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. They had an illusionist that escaped from a straight jacket while standing on a pile of glass. There was also a lot of music. All in all it was just a powerful night.

National Youth Gathering Update #3
by Sawyer

On Tuesday we went to a bible study on the story of the Samaritan women talking to Jesus and setting barriers apart that would normally separate people. Then we went into the LIVE sessions and explored the many things we could do to help people. Such examples are: making blankets for Katrina Victims, writing thank you notes to the staff of the gathering, sending letters to the oil spill workers, and learning about all the different mission opportunities. We then went to listen to Bill Yonker speak about how we can be “non boring” Christians and go past the stereotypes and be what we were created to be. To not fall to hedonism, meaning to do things for ourselves at all costs. During Bill’s awesome lecture we got to listen to a cool band named KylanKayeWorship. They put a nice spin to spiritual music. Once that was done we headed to the Super Dome to attend the 3rd Mass Gathering. We met some cool people during it and the speeches were very moving. I especially liked the Skit Guys version of Adam and Eve’s fall from Eden. All in all it was an awesome day

National Youth Gathering Update #4
By Sydney

The day started with an early rise, and a rough start. We got up and got ready to head out for our buses that would take us to what I called “Sector Nine”, but is really called the Upper Ninth Ward. We finished painting a side and a half of a green house, and got to talk to the pastor about what he is doing and plans to do with his block-by-clock clean up. After getting back, I had to rush and get ready for a dress rehearsal at the superdome with my dance troupe. We practiced up until the actual performance of the mass gathering worship service, and as I was head down to my spot, I saw my group and they were all yelling things that gave me that last bit of encouragement I needed. As I waited to walk the banner down the aisle, my nerves went away and the power of God just seemed to empower me… I felt so strong that I couldn’t wait to get on stage. No performance I have done has ever felt so powerful and so good. I am so glad I could be a part of that service and all the practicing and stress was well worth it.

Gathering Update #5
by Cheryl

Well, today was the last day for the Gathering. We started our day early, heading to the Superdome at 7:30 am. The final Mass Event was full of energy. We sang songs of praise, we had a very powerful speaker, Jeffrey Meinz (he was the guy doing the “Gathering News” skits that were very funny). He retold the entire story of Jesus’ birth, his ministry, miracles, crucifixion and resurrection, in a very unforgettable way, with a splash of humor! Then they passed out noise makers called “Boomwhackers”. Each section of the stadium had a different size and color, which produced a different sound. The whole dome was rocking! It was awesome! When the event was over, no one wanted to leave! After most of the people had finally started to leave, we were able to go down onto the stage and have our picture taken. We also had a group shot with Jeffrey Meinz, which was so cool, considering that he was such a hit with our entire group!

Once we left the Superdome for the last time, we went to the French Quarter for some sight seeing. Some of the group enjoyed lunch at “Bubba Gump’s”, while others strolled thru the shops.

We capped of our day with a dinner cruise on a sternwheeler boat named the “Natchez”. We had dinner and enjoyed the scenery while heading south on the Mississippi River. There was wonderful jazz music playing and it was a time to relax and reflect.

Final Gathering Update (#6)
By Robby

Today was a very calm day, and lay back day. For breakfast, we hopped on a ferry and went to Gretna to eat at a small café owned by Dave and Beth Wilson’s nephew Tom. Tom cooked for us and it was so good. With our bellies full, we went back to the hotel to relax. Later, we went to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville for dinner. Afterwards, we walked around in the French Quarter for a little bit and then we went down Bourbon Street. It was remarkable the amount of sin going on the side of the street, and the smell was honestly disgusting. Meeting back at the hotel the whole group sat down and talked about their week and how immensely life changing it has been. The best part of the evening was the closing prayer; where everyone thanked the Lord for bring us here and expanding our faith.