This summer I was privileged to attend the 2002 Thy Kingdom Come Black Lutheran Ministry Convention in Orlando, Florida on a full scholarship. Up until this summer, I had never attended a convention, so I really didn't know what to expect. In fact, I was skeptical and began to worry that I would be one of the only teenagers at the convention. However, to my surprise and pleasure there were plenty of teens like myself who made me feel right at home.

The first day I attended the convention, I participated in several workshops that allowed me to experience God's word and have fun at the same time. I immediately made friends, and together we rotated around the four different classrooms. Some of the themes in the workshops included: trusting in God, living by faith and not by sight, and God's gifts to each and every person in his kingdom. Each activity really got everyone involved and the leaders in charge of the groups seemed as if they sincerely wanted to be there. My favorite workshop was the one with the Concordia college students. I really had fun learning their step routine, and it was good to be around positive young adult role models.

The climax of my trip was when Pastor Wiggins preached his sermon about men handling their business. I don't think I've ever heard anyone mix the word with modern day references as he did. I found myself laughing and learning as I listened to his sermon. In fact, I can't wait to go back to the convention next year to purchase the tape.

Besides the workshops and sermons, another great part of the trip was meeting and having fun with the other teenagers. On the day when their were no workshops, we were able to go to Disney World where we spent the entire day having fun. All of us got really close, and made sure to exchange information before we all left for home.

Overall, I had a faith-replenishing and memorable experience at the convention. I thank the Chicago committee for giving me the opportunity to strengthen my faith and meet new friends. I recommend going to this convention and experiencing for yourself what I was blessed to experience. This trip was the beginning of what I hope will be an annual routine.

Before I share my experience with the C.B.M.U, I would first like to thank each of you for the scholarship funds for without it I would not have been able to attend the convocation. While in Orlando I had a spiritual uplifting at all of the morning and evening worships. For as long as I have been in the Lutheran church I did not know that Lutheran churches worshipped like this. My mom and I both where shocked.

The messages were very inspirational while at the same time funny. I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing people who I had not seen in a very long time. I like worshipping with people of my age. I loved the praise dancing, it was so beautiful and inspirational, I was shocked when I saw a boy praise dancing!

I had many sessions to attend. The leaders of these sessions were also very inspirational. Some names of the sessions were, Who Moved my Cheese, which was about change. Another one was about humbling yourself in the Lord, I had one about survival in the real world and the last one was about beauty in yourself and keeping yourself in good shape and healthy.

With the friends I met, we would go shopping, lunch, and out to dinner. Melody, a friend I met who is from Chicago and went to Disney and had a great time. She also helped me overcome my fears of roller coasters. I had a very good time worshipping the lord with new friends, old friends and family I also hope to attend next year's convocation.

Thank you all of you again for making the trip and experiences happen. God's blessings to you.

July 29, 2002

This letter is written to thank the Black Ministry Unit for awarding me funds to attend the Black Ministry Family Convocation in Florida. Due to this award I was able to experience a spiritually enlightening and exciting event.

The first day of the convocation began with an exciting evening worship. The choir that sang was phenomenal. The pastors that ministered to the audience were on target with the word of God. There was even praise dancing and representatives from churches with banners and flags. One could not help but feel inspired. Then there was the processional of pastors and educators from all over the country. The pastors looked awesome in their robes and the educators looked professional in their black and white attire. This was a great example of the unity of the Lutheran Church.

On the second and third days I began my day with worship and then attended workshops with other kids my age. The instructors were great teachers and knew how to relate to teenagers. Some of the instructors were from Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska. They made learning in these seminars extremely fun. In one of the seminars entitled "Step Into the Palace" we learned how to step dance. This is coordinated rhythmic dancing which involves clapping and stomping. The teens really got into this.

The fourth day began with a service entitled "Youth Day." There was a message from a motivational young man, Byron Williams, Jr., and music performed by youth. Once this worship service adjourned, families were able to use the rest of the day to attend the various theme parks and sights in Florida. I chose Universal Studios.

On the final day, I attended the closing worship that was the end to my convocation experience in Florida but a beginning to my looking forward to the next year. Upon my return to Chicago, I was able to tell others about this spiritual, educational, and fun experience. It is an experience every Lutheran should participate in. Once again, thank you for allowing me to have this experience.

Sincerely,

David Moss