The day began with a long walk to the convention center and morning worship. The worship band was incredible. The songs they led were rocking the center and still, this late in the week, some eyes were shut :) ! We checked and this band was put together just for the gathering....WOW!
After worship we hung out in the interaction center. Bumper cars, dodge ball, basketball and zip lines were done by many of our youth. It was here, that Sheryl said good-bye to her hair for locks of love. It was also here that Nikki gave blood for the first time and I am pretty sure it won't be her last!
We then headed out for lunch at The Riverwalk, where there were lots of options for everyone. The adults had New Orleans Chinese... a delicate blend of southern cuisine and fried rice, veggies, shrimp, and chicken, very good indeed and the youth had a little bit of every thing found in a food court. Then a little more shopping before heading for the hotel to get ready for our final night at the dome...Switchfoot!
The Super Dome was definitely Super! The house band began the evening and they did a remarkable jobas they have all week. Peter Mayer does a great job of putting together a house band for the gathering. Then the speakers began: One young man the evening with some very good advice for our young people : " As followers of Jesus we are called to speak the truth....Speak the truth even if your voice shakes!" Some very powerful words that were menioned by several of our young people during small group time.
Next up was Greg Van Wald.....an 18 year old with some great dreams of making this world a better place. I loved what he said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." So very true! He continued his message saying, " We need to reflect the light of God into the darkest places." This brought the dome to their feet.
The final speaker, Rev. Ingram had a very troubled past. She told our group about all the abuse that she had received in her life and how God saved her. She said that "Hurt people, hurt people." She went on to say that we need to be saint and sinner at the same time....in God's kingdom we are all the same....we are Citizens With The Saints.
The Super Dome ended with Switchfoot taking the stage. What an incredible show they put on....they are one very incredible group to listen to. I hope that all of you had a chance to be there with us through the live feed. If you missed it....check out the pictures I will try to post tomorrow!
Our final night in New Orleans concluded with one more dance at the Sheraton....some great small group time...and LOTS of packing to get ready to leave tomorrow after worship. Loading the bus at 7:00, worship at 9:30, and then a long day of travel.
This has been an incredible week and I want to thank all of the Zion parents for sharing your child with us this week. You should be very proud, these young people were remarkable and they showed the love of Christ to many people in New Orleans. All of us chaperones/leaders were very lucky to spend an amazing week with such amazing kids.
This is the final blog from New Orleans....good night all..... I will let you know how tomorrow goes.... Later :)
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