“LOST?” the 2005 LYON Assembly drew nearly 200 Nebraska Synod youth to Kearney over the Nov. 11-13 weekend. LYON board members organized and ran the event with assistance from the adult volunteers in the Nebraska Synod Youth Team.
Participants rocked to the sounds of "Daniel's Window" as they experienced the feeling of being lost through small group activities including a scripture scavenger hunt and a tour around the hotel blindfolded (with a guide of course.)
“This weekend was so much fun!! I can’t believe I almost passed this chance up,” said one LYON participant. “I got to hear another awesome band. Daniel’s Window made everything a trillion times better!”
“This was my first year and it was GREAT!” said another anonymous evaluation form.
The highlight of the weekend for most youth was the keynote speaker, Scott McPhillips. Scott shared his story of being lost in drugs and alcohol during high school and then finding the love of Jesus. Scott was a star athlete with a bright athletic career ahead of him when he was involved in a head-on collision. One person died in the accident and Scott was left with an extensive brain injury. The group listened in silence as Scott and his mother shared the story of the macho-athlete whose life was altered forever by drug and alcohol use. Scott's unique sense of humor and personal witness made a profound impact on those present.
“Scott was really an inspiration,” said several LYON evaluation forms. “ Scott was AMAZING!” was another comment.
As the weekend progressed participants learned how to find their way when they are feeling lost and were reminded that even when we feel lost God's presence is with us always.
The weekend closed with Sunday morning worship lead by Associate in Ministry Sunni Richardson from Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Sunni reminded attendees that, just as God promises to be with us always, we made promises through our Affirmation of Baptism that compel us to reach out to others who may be feeling lost.
LYON Assembly 2006 will be Nov. 10-12.
Nebraska Synod Youth
