“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9. (NIV)

In preparing for one of our recent Youth Gathering meetings here at church, I thought that maybe I should show our group a video of past Gatherings in order to show them what exactly happens at the Gathering. It’s one thing to talk about how great the Gatherings are, but it’s another thing to show it!

First I put in the DVD that the Gathering made for all participants that recaps the 2010 Gathering in New Orleans. Just watching a few minutes of this brought me back to the Super Dome and instantly brought back of the thoughts and feelings I had in that Super Dome. I remembered how close to God I felt after the speakers’ inspiring, thought-provoking messages. I remembered how excited I was about Jesus while I was singing praises to Him during all of the Worship Songs. I remembered how I left that event wanting to serve, love and praise God more!

Next I thought I should relive the 2004 Gathering in Orlando. This time I inserted the DVD that was made for our own group with our pictures and videos. Instantly, I was transported back in time, and even though it was more than eight years ago, I still remember those times. What an experience that was for our youth and adults as that was my congregation’s first Gathering!

Finally I watched the historical video the Gathering produced. This video shows the history of the LCMS Youth Gathering from when this was first dreamed up to the last Gathering that was held in 2010. I was reminded countless times during the video of how much the Spirit has worked in and through the Youth Gathering over the years. It was quite amazing to see how so many students have been impacted for Christ during these events.

We are so blessed to have so many pictures and videos available to not only promote the Gathering, but also to celebrate what God has already done through past Gatherings. I encourage you to take some time to promote and to remember. Enjoy the memories and get ready to make many more!

Blessings to you as you travel the road to the Gathering!