Today saw the close of the 60th anniversary celebrations for the LWF. After a very impressive and international Eucharist service at the Lund Cathedral, we were off to the main hall at the Lund University for the final celebration and closing ceremonies.
As the youth representative for the ELCIC I was asked to take part in a symbolic transfer of items important to the LWF during the last sixty years. A youth from each of the seven regions (North America, Latin America, Central-West Europe, Central-East Europe, Nordic Countries, Asia and Africa) was presented with a gift from an elder of each of the same. I was presented with “Dialogue” from Bishop Maria Jepsen of Germany. The other items were the Bible, Luther’s Catechism, olive oil, water, a key and a collection box.
Each of the elders presented the gift to the respective youth, and the youth responded with a short statement they had written themselves. My own statement called for the tolerance, understanding and acceptance of all people through a respectful sharing of ideas, no matter how diverse our opinions were. I am told by the people attending that the entire presentation was a rather poignant moment – like a passing on of the traditions from those who have the wisdom of experience to those who will continue the work. In addition, each of the seven youth representatives lit a candle during the closing prayers for their region, led by Bishop and President Mark Hanson.
It was an awesome experience – to be there with people from each of the regions of the world, sharing a common purpose and praying together for the future.
The most awesome experience of the whole trip has to be when we pray the Lord’s Prayer together. Every person prays in their native language, and each time we do I get a little choked up. The sound of all the voices speaking the same words of prayer in so many languages, all at once…it can only be described as awe-inspiring.
I only have one full day left here, and I know I will be very sad to leave. The people I have met and the friendships I have made – well, it is really rather sad to think that it will be a long time before I see anyone again…and maybe I won’t see them again at all. I have made friends with people from Cameroon, Tanzania, the Congo, Japan, the Philippines, Columbia, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Guyana, Hungary, Poland, Australia and many other places. In a setting like this, bonds are made very quickly. When you know you only have 10 days with people that you have begun to like very much, everything is that much more intense. I fear I am going to bawl like a baby when I have to say goodbye to everyone tomorrow night.
I came to Sweden not knowing what to expect, but with a sense of my own ideas on how everything would work. I leave with a wealth of knowledge that can only come from experiencing so many diverse cultures, ways of thinking, and a more developed sense of world service. I hope I can bring this experience back to everyone in Canada, share what I have learnt and really convey the significance of the work that the LWF does. It will be a big job.
- Amber Kendel, Liaison to the LWF Youth Desk
Amber’s Blog can be viewed at: http://community.livejournal.com/elcic_lwf_youth/
Amber,
“Respectful sharing of ideas” ,what a wonderful concept for
the places in the world who find themselves in conflict.
I believe Bawling is a sign of humility so it definitely approved of.
You are only an e-mail send button away from your new found
brothers and sisters in Christ.. God Bless the World Wide Web…
Amber, you are not expected to bring “everthing” you experienced back to us,mostly you will carry your memories with you as your journey continues ..we just really want a really good story or two.
Be safe, We will see you soon. God Bless,
Gerald Martens
Amber,
thanks for the blog.. sounds like an awesome experience.
I can’t wait until you come back and tell us all about it..I’ll bring the tissues.
God Bless, Be safe,
Gerald