by Michelle Bauman
It’s been a few days since the Y4Life in Washington, D.C. conference and the March for Life, and I am still riding an emotional high. A bit like being dunked in a pool of joy, I find myself unable to dry off completely, and frankly, I’m okay with that. In fact, I’d like to splash a little of that joy on you if I may.
After last year’s disappointing cancellation, this year’s long-awaited gathering more than made up for it. It was a fantastic event, full of enthusiasm, memory-making, and laughter. The conference brought students together who had only ever seen each other on Zoom; it introduced youth from neighboring communities and states, connected college students across Concordias, and laid the foundation for new friendships. The conference was filled with hugs and cheers and selfies.
And if those gifts weren’t enough, God gave more.
Over 140 attendees were deeply invested in supporting LIFE. They filled posters with creative, life-affirming, Gospel-motivated messages. They engaged our speakers, asking thought-provoking questions about how to get involved in a post-Roe society, how to reach out to those experiencing gender brokenness, how to uphold LIFE in a world enamored with death.
Despite the cold weather, participants not only rejoiced in the opportunity to march with tens of thousands of other for-life advocates, but they also remained positive while doing so. The wind was brutal at times, but our Y4Life youth smiled back at it, sang hymns, said prayers, and encouraged others.
Our panel discussion on temptation, especially as it relates to sexuality, hit home. Given the chance to ask questions anonymously, our youth posed more than 200 queries in a matter of minutes. Our panelists were gracious and patient, answering questions scripturally, providing practical ways to avoid temptation, and reminding students of the hope they have in Christ.
During the panel discussion, it also became clear that more than one youth longed for forgiveness for the sexual sins they had already committed. Thanks be to God that a pastor on our panel was able to, in the stead and by the command of Christ, pronounce that much needed forgiveness.
These are just a few of the gifts God gave last weekend, and I hope they bring you both joy and encouragement. God is at work in our youth. He is at work in our adults and in our leaders and in our National Staff too. God is at work to affirm LIFE, and His work is wonderful.
Thank you for being part of it. Thank you for allowing Him to work through you to uplift the lives of others. Thank you for saying yes to team ministry at LFL and God’s ministry to Lutherans and their neighbors. May our work for Him be filled with joy this week and always!