National LCMS Youth Gathering - 2010

Ask a NOLA Native

We know that there are many questions about New Orleans: what life is really like there, how residents are faring and how the rebuilding effort is really going. We have arranged for a group of LCMS native New Orleanians to respond to the questions so many of you want to ask. Please post your question and check back in a few days for a response (or several responses).

Question: What is the estimate of the cost for the youth gathering?
	Answer: You can use this chart to get an estimate: Gathering Registration: $275.00 Gathering Housing: $235.00 (Estimated on $125/night +tax/night , 5 nights, 3 per room) Travel to NOLA: $275.00 (Depends on Mode, etc.) Travel in NOLA: $50.00 (Depends on Mode) Food in NOLA: $150.00 (Minimum $30 per day) Gathering Offering: $10.00 Group Special Event: $50.00 District Event: $50.00 Total (Estimate): $1,095.00 Please note that we are NOT tax exempt in Louisiana as we were in Florida. Answered by: YMO Communications

Question: Aloha, Is this event only for high school age kids (15 plus) or junior high as well? Just curious. Thanks! Can't wait for 2010!
	Answer: To register for the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering, youth participants must be at least (1) 14 years old at the time of the Gathering; OR (2) entering their freshman year in high school at the time of the Gathering; OR (3) be a 2010 high school graduate; OR (4) will not have turned 21 by the time of the Gathering. Answered by: YMO Communications

Question: What is the theme?
	Answer: The Gathering theme is "We Believe." It's based on John 20:31, "But these are written sothat you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Answered by: YMO Communications

Question: Is there a possibility that the gathering may be moved again (as in 2007)due to the hurricanes that have just occured or is this a not known topic yet?
	Answer: Dear Brenda, Thank you for your concern and prayers for those living on the Gulf Coast. We have been in close communications with our local contacts and representatives from the New Orleans Convention and Vistors Bureau, and at this time they are still looking forward to having us in 2010. The two storms that hit the area this past month have done some damage to several areas around the Gulf. Fortunately New Orleans did not suffer great devastation. If you would like to know more about areas that were effected or how you can be involved in relief efforts please check, www.camprestore.com. Blessings in Christ Our Lord, YMO Communications Team Answered by: YMO Communications

Question: Where can we get the gathering logo to start displaying?
	Answer: At this time, the Gathering logo is still being developed. We hope to unveil it later this fall and will make it available to download on this site. Answered by: YMO Communications

Question: What is the weather like during the time the gathering is to be in NOLA? I am a senior citizen and enjoy the excitement I have experienced at the last two gatherings and want to be able to enjoy another
	Answer: Hot! New Orleans is humid and hot in the summer. You will want to bring a waterbottle and cool, comfortable clothing. Answered by: LCMS Youth Ministry

Question: Are there any fun peaks as amusement parks go for the city of New Orleans?
	Answer: Hi, Jordan! New Orleans is really a different kind of city compared with Orlando (especially when it comes to amusement parks in the "traditional" sense.) If you click on "Go NOLA" on this Web page, you can surf through all sorts of things to do. There are definitely unique things to this area of the deep South: alligator parks, a huge aquarium right downtown, etc. In the past, groups that have driven to NOLA for Gatherings have added days at the front or end of their trip and headed to the Gulf Shore to the beach, etc. and of course that is up to your group. It's definitely a unique and really fun city ~ we hope you'll be there with us in 2010. Answered by: Gretchen Jameson - Associate Director for Youth Ministry

Question: Did you watch 48 hours tonight. This is NOT a safe city.
	Answer: The city of New Orleans is not a safe place. Nor is any major city in the US; look at Philadelphia. That being said we have our own particular problems that have been here for a very long time. New Orleans expends a great deal of effort in policing the heavily trafficked tourist areas since tourism is huge for the city since the collapse of the oil industry in the past few decades. Since Katrina, we have experienced a shortage of police, which makes it ever more difficult to provide support in areas that have not been repopulated. [For specific police updates, please read the "Know NOLA" statistics on this Web site]. We all live in a culture of violence; just watch the national news. People have difficulty getting along with one another; they have since Cain and Abel. I do not think that coming to New Orleans is any more risky than coming to any major city. Taking proper precautions, traveling in groups, sticking to tourist areas that are populated, and being out during reasonable hours reduce risks. We continue to work to change people’s hearts as the church. My understanding of a youth gathering is that it is more than entertainment, but a chance to make a real difference. I believe that the youth of the LCMS can make a difference here in my city through their presence and participation. Pastor Goodine St Paul, New Orleans +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ It is true that New Orleans has struggled since Hurricane Katrina. Crime has increased because of those struggles. But it is also true that people here are tired of violence and are fighting daily to strengthen communities. There is an unprecedented opportunity here for unity and reconciliation. As a native that has watched this great city continue to evolve, I consider it a privilege to be part of the recovery. No one can claim that any large metropolitan area is safe. There is crime and murder everywhere. Unfortunately, the media often focuses on negative aspects of our recovery. I can tell you as someone living in the city of New Orleans and raising two young daughters who attend an inner-city school, I am honored to be a part of this great city’s restoration. I am honored to walk these streets with my neighbors. I am so proud that our church body is willing to take a stand and lead with a message of hope and renewal in Jesus’ name. Christie Kieschnick, LCMS member and co-Director for LINC New Orleans +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Unfortunately, we've all heard of Crandon, Wisconsin. This was considered a safe little town--until . . . We've all heard of Virginia Tech? This was considered a safe university--until . . . Highlighting extreme events can always paint a picture that a certain place is unsafe. It makes for good 'shock value' news stories, but unfortunately doesn't give a very real picture for the majority of citizens in a given place. Many members of my family have lived in what many would consider rough parts of New Orleans, before and after the storm. They have lived unlooted, not robbed, alive and well, safe and sound. Unfortunately, those stories aren't told with the frequency of the story that aired this past week. [For crime statistics and police updates, visit the Know NOLA area of this site or call the NOLA Police Department directly]. Pastor Stefan Wismar Lamb of God, Slidell, LA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Concerned writer, I have lived in S.E. Louisiana for 5 years and I have lived in a number of large suburban cities throughout my life. One thing that all these areas have had in common is the negative media coverage. I know that CBS and 48 Hours may have focused on New Orleans and its crime. There is crime that happens in New Orleans, but there is also crime and murders in Orlando, Washington DC, Atlanta, Denver, St. Louis, etc. it is sad to say that there is crime everywhere these days, even in rural areas of the mid west and northeast, southwest, and northwest. The media will always, always focus on the negative. Now is New Orleans a dangerous city? I don't think so, I think one must just use common sense in what he or she/ or a group does. Now I live on the north shore and I have had several opportunities to go into downtown N.O. (Location of the 2010 gathering) and I have never once felt like I was in any danger. I just had the opportunity last weekend to take my wife and two small children along with out of town guest to the French Market and D'town New Orleans. Even with the small children, I felt safe and had no fear. The murders that happen in New Orleans are in areas that gathering attendees will not be. Many are drug related and territorial retaliation, which as I said earlier can happen in any larger urban city in America... I understand your concern, but please don't judge New Orleans based on the media perspective alone. This city is full of caring people and many of which still need to hear the Love of Christ; what better way than to have 30,000 youth/adults fill this city with that love and servanthood? In Christ, Steve Durheim DCE Slidell, LA +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ True. New Orleans is not a “safe” city. I live two blocks from where Helen Hill was brutally murdered in her home. It was a tragedy over which our shocked neighborhood is still grieving. Even so, I and other neighbors continue to walk the streets. We continue to frequent coffee shops and restaurants at various times throughout the day and evening hours. The difference between New Orleans and other cities is not “safe” vs. “unsafe.” The difference is that in New Orleans we have become more aware of the issues that plague every urban environment in the nation (and now, even many small towns – is there a place that has not sustained similar tragedy? Is there a place where the drug trade has not come to affect regular citizens?). It would indeed be a lie to say New Orleans is a “safe” city but that would also be a lie to say of Orlando, St. Louis, Detroit, Philadelphia, Dallas, Los Angeles, Toledo, Camden etc. What we have going for us in New Orleans, however, is the dedication of citizens, both local and national, committed to rebuilding this place and making it safer. New Orleans has become America’s city. We grieve for those we have lost but we do not tarnish their memory by giving up. So, showcase our good, and showcase our bad, but please, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can go to another place and be “safer” than you can in New Orleans. Elizabeth Goodine Ph.D. Department of Religious Studies Loyola University New Orleans Answered by: Various LCMS Locals Living in New Orleans

Question: How do I know the hotel we are assigned to will be a safe location? I know the gathering will book hotels outside of New Orleans proper. If I end up outside of the city in a hotel, how can you assure me the location, and travel to the convention center and dome will be safe?
	Answer: The plan is for all the hotels to be within walking distance of the Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Although the hotel contracting process for the 2010 Gathering is not yet complete, the plan is to follow the same format as was planned for the 2007 Gathering. Other than participants with special needs, there was no hotel shuttling planned for 2007. The same strategy is anticipated for 2010. All of the hotel contracts were in place prior to Katrina making landfall in August, 2005. We are currently in the process of re-connecting with the same hotels to update the contracts. With the exception of the historic Fairmont Hotel, all of the hotels that were contracted in 2007 will once again be available to us for 2010. Answered by: Krista Miller, Gathering Operations

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