“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)
 Priority Registration for the 2013 National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, Texas, is now over. But, there is still time to get registered for the Gathering. In fact, you have until March 1, 2013, to register for the on-time registration fee of $295 per person. And, you have until May 1, 2013, to register at the late fee of $345 per person. But after that, registration will be closed.
One thing I’ve noticed about youth ministry is that parents and youth have a hard time committing to things, especially when the event is several months away. There are so many activities that they are involved in, both inside of school and out. And in the summer, especially, families are planning vacations as well family celebrations. Simply put, demands on people’s time are such a factor in planning youth ministry events.
With that being said, I have some advice for you this week–don’t give up on getting more kids registered for this Gathering! At our church, for example, we have about 15-20 kids who I’m still going to target to get registered. Some of them couldn’t commit to the time just yet, so we are going to wait a few more months to see if their schedule will allow them to attend. Others were waiting to see if they could afford it. So we are going to sit down and start looking at financing and fundraisers and see if we can work it out. And yet others are still on the fence if they want to attend the Gathering or not. So we are going to sit down with them and talk about if the Lord is leading them to attend the Gathering.
I would guess that our situation isn’t unique at all and is probably a lot like many of the situations in your congregations. If that is in fact the case, don’t give up! Keep praying, keep talking about the Gathering, and keep trying to get your students signed up! And, if for whatever reason, you just missed the boat on registration–no worries! You still have time!
The Lord will have exactly who He wants to have at the Gathering next July. I pray that it is you and I pray it is many of your youth!
Blessings to you as you travel the road to the Gathering!