Top 10 Highlights

National Youth Gathering Theme: God’s Hope Changes Everything

Highlights included from Messiah’s Youth at the National Youth Gathering:

1. Rebecca, the 11 year old transgender girl, was so brave to share her super-personal story

2. “God doesn’t need us. If so we’d be disposable. God wants us.” Maria Rose Belding

3. “We are not what has been done to us but what God has done for us.” Maria Rose talking about her rape

4. 10th Avenue Concert

5. Everyone in the mosh pit with us on the floor was so happy.

6. The racism booth - powerful and deep.

7. The Gay Pride booth was an area where God helped all people connect

8. Our youth were respectful of everyone. Didn’t push or shove in line. They were helpful and great kids.

9. The bracelets made from scraps of the peace blankets they made were dipped in water and made into bracelets when wet as a baptism remembrance

10. Everything now feels more hopeful.