I just returned from New Orleans, our Lutheran National Youth Gathering. 37,000 of us hiking around downtown from hotels to the Convention Center, and from the Convention Center to the Superdome. It meant a lot of walking, a lot of waiting in lines for food or just about anything, and a lot of time just chillin'. And yet...
The theme of the gathering was JESUS, JUSTICE, & JAZZ. We joked the first day that the theme should be patience, persistence, and prayer. The goals were worthy. Let's come to New Orleans and make a difference in a city that the nation forgot. Let's give a hand up and instill within our youth a sense of service. Each night we heard inspirational speakers that repeated one theme over and over again; no matter who we are, we can make a difference. Each day 1/3 of the assembly was sent out into New Orleans to bring about positive change and each night we heard about people who are changing the world. Each day we had an opportunity to educate ourselves about the needs of our world and the resources of our faith, either through workshops or interactive activities, and each night we were able to scream and shout as popular music groups got us excited about being followers of Jesus. It was a grand and great vision.
As so many were in attendance, you can imagine the implementation of this was spotty at times. With 37,000 youth in attendance, justice issues could easily lose out to the "just us" sort of things. It was easier to seek out the jazz of the French Quarter and become a typical tourist rather than turning New Orleans upside down with the "rifts" of the gospel.
Having returned, I still wonder about what I conservatively would guess is the $5-6 million price tag for this event. I wonder whether such a vast sum could better have been used to develop grass roots ministry in the synods as they work with congregations in their communities. Looking back I am disappointed by the limited opportunities for service, and the minimal impact of the educational pieces. Yet looking back, I can say when Mayor Ray Nagel thanked us the last night, and when Bishop Hanson read the letter of appreciation from President Obama, it did make me feel proud to be a part of such an audacious act of hope. When I remember the people driving by and thanking us as we walked up and down the boulevards of the city, I can say that we did make a difference. Not only was it our service, but the sense we got from the folks that they were simply glad that we had not forgotten them. Like in Haiti, perhaps our greatest ministry was one of accompaniment.
It's good to be home now, but may we remember that all the earth is the Lord's and we are merely caretakers of these home we call earth. Peace.
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