Recently, I attended the Baptist Youth World Conference in Leipzig, Germany. Now, if you think this was just another church conference, or youth group meeting, well then you are entirely wrong. From opening to closing day, it was an exciting adventure. With over 6,300 youth there, representing over 89 different countries, it was like nothing else any of us had ever experienced before. Each day presented something new and left impressions I will never forget.
Kellie Johnson (front row, left) in the Leipzig Convention Center with Chris Guse (front, right) and (middle row from left) Lisa Granger, Gabrielle Granger, Beth Guse, (top row, left) diane Guse, Seth Horell and Jordan Bristow.
As an overview, each day of the conference started with a morning celebration and Bible study. Then we'd split into family groups where we interacted with youth from all over the world. After lunch with our family groups, we took time for ourselves and there were plenty of options. Just to name a few, there were lounge tents available for people to go and relax in. There were also game areas set up for those people who wanted the fun to keep going nonstop. There was also the option to go out and see more of the city of Leipzig. Dinner came next, along with evening worship to follow. Along with worship, different speakers came and presented their point of view and topics on diving deeper with God. The worship leaders, including the band, gave impressions that lightened the mood and helped us get in the spirit. After worship each night, groups from all over the world were able to perform and show that everyone has their own culture and are proud of it.
Upon arrival, the welcome was incredible. Everyone was excited to be there and was welcoming to all the other cultures present. It was an incredible view to see that large number of Baptists, all different, come together for and through God. The impressions left by all the different people are unforgettable. The other day, I was watching the march of athletes at the Olympics, and as the country of Cameroon walked out, I got very excited and said, “I know someone from there!” A country I had never heard of and I now knew someone from there. Knowing people from other countries seems to bring more awareness when something happens. It hits closer to home to put a face with a country. This interaction can change how we as people look at other countries in the world, and give us new perspective.
If one of my friends were to ask me, and believe me they did, how my trip was, I'd say it was simply amazing. There are no words that can describe the event to its fullest. This was an event of a lifetime, and I'm sure others will agree. Even though the same event takes place every four to five years, it has to be different each time. There is no way each venue can offer the exact same options as the one before. However, the event can produce the same attitude and emotion, a positive and exhilarating one.
Kellie Johnson is a member of Williamsburg Baptist Church in Williamsburg.