I want to put you guys in my shoes for a moment.

The year is 2018. It’s my 18th birthday, and we’re getting ready to leave for the Youth Gathering! Little did I know that I was about to embark on a week that would shape my faith life for years to come.

I woke up at 3:30 a.m., ready to leave my home for yet another weeklong summer trip. We met up at church and all headed to the airport to catch a plane. I had never done that before and I had some anxious excitement.

And somehow, I now got to celebrate my 18th birthday for 25 hours!

We made it through the flight with all the excitement in the world and landed in Houston, Texas. We spent the day exploring the city with not much of a plan, but we were all full of excitement for what was ahead. Then, when it was time for our first activity, we loaded onto a city bus and were shuttled out to the football stadium for our first Mass Gathering.

Imagine this: we were some of the lucky few who had floor seats on the first night. We were surrounded by 20,000 of our closest friends. We heard thought-provoking speakers who challenged us to be leaders in the world in the name of Christ. We got to experience a live concert from one of the biggest Christian artists of the time.

But more than anything, I was overwhelmed by the body of Christ.

Never had I imagined there were so many Lutherans! We got to meet people from all over the country, worship alongside thousands of other young Christians, and experience just how big the Church really is.

It was also an opportunity for me to get to know my friends on a deeper level. Some of the relationships I developed that week are still being nurtured and growing today.

Looking back, I didn’t realize it at the time, but that week would become an important part of my faith journey. It was more than just a trip. It was an experience that helped me see the Church differently, strengthened friendships, and reminded me that I was part of something much bigger than myself.

This summer, we have the opportunity to experience that again at the National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis.

I would love for your student to join us June 27–July 2 in hopes that this trip can mean as much to them as it did to me. I want them to have the opportunity to make memories, grow in their faith, build relationships, and experience the incredible community of the Church gathered together.

If you want more information, reach out to me—I would love to talk about it! Our registration deadline is October 18, so act fast!