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             My trip to New Orleans was a life changing experience for me.  First of all I would like to personally thank the congregation for the time and effort that each and everyone on of you put into making this trip possible.

             We left on a Friday afternoon on an airplane leaving Fort Myers.  I was so excited because this was the very first time I have every been on a plane.

             I had a wonderful time walking through the streets of New Orleans, and seeing everything that made the city unique.  During the week that I was there it seemed like New Orleans had been invaded by Lutherans of all ages, from various places in the United States and from various countries.  The youth group would walk to the Super Dome every night along with other youth groups, to worship Jesus Christ and to learn about the many miraculous things He did, and the price He paid to give each and every one of us eternal life in His kingdom.

             There were many speakers at the youth gathering, but one really caught my attention.  This woman was up on the stage and she shared with us that her daughter was killed in a car accident.  She told us, that when her daughter died she was in the middle of texting the word “Tomorrow”.  This woman explained to us that God has a plan for each and every one of us.  She also told us that God will take some sooner than others.

             After the service at the Super Dome all of us in the youth group would walk back to our hotel where we would split up into our family groups to reflect and discuss what we had learned that day.

             New Orleans is full of unique people and places.  The second day we were there, we were looking for a place to eat breakfast, when this man noticed our youth group and introduced himself as Bid Dog.  He led us to his restaurant named Hobnobber’s.  His staff made the most delicious pancakes, eggs, and bacon I have every tasted.  We ate there almost every day for breakfast.

             On the final night a the Super Dome, I experienced a traditional church service, complete with hymns, sermon, and communion.  The staff of the National Youth Gathering served communion to over 250,000 people in less than 15 minutes!  It was just completely mind blowing.

             I would also like to thank Judy McDermott for being my prayer partner.  I would also like to thank her for her prayers, texts, and letters throughout the week.

             Again, I would like to thank everyone for making this a wonder experience for me and a trip I will never forget.

                                                                              God bless all of you.

                                                                              Justin Irizarry

I WANT IT NOW

             These past 2 years have been a wonderful journey for me.  I’ve prayed more than at any time in my life.  I’ve learned to have more patience than ever before.  The Holy Spirit taught me this extra patience as he worked in our midst.  And how hard he did work to get my attention.

             I used to pray with the attitude of the J.D. Wentworth ad on TV.  You know the one where they say “I WANT IT AND I WANT IT NOW”.

             How self-centered I was to think I could simply make known our church family’s needs and it would be delivered to our table like a grand meal correctly prepared, hot and presented just to our liking.

             Looking back I now recognize his plan was perfect.  His timing was perfect.  His fulfillment of our needs was timed for us (me) to grow in faith; to be able to recognize and use his gifts in the best way we can.

             He has sent us the best people starting with Pastor Jerry.  Do you think that it was a coincidence that Pastor Jerry was being groomed and trained right here in our area so that when we needed him he was just the right fit for us?  I don’t believe in coincidents.  Do you?  The Holy Spirit has in my opinion been planning for us for at least 8 years.  He also put in place other people to assist in our spiritual growth and community service.

             You remember all the hopes and dreams we had for sometime in the future?  Well I’m please to tell you those dreams are being planned for at this writing and will be revealed to you soon.

THE TIME IS NOW

Y.E.S. is the answer.

I’m totally stoked (as the kids say!)

In Faith-Love-Service

Barry Wanbaugh, President