Simon Züfle from the District Church Southern Germany is one of 18 ambassadors for the International Youth Convention (IYC). In an interview he spoke about his mission, activities, and wishes as an IYC ambassador.
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Photo: Konstantin Hepp
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Photo: Konstantin Hepp
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Photo: Konstantin Hepp
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Photo: Konstantin Hepp
Who are you and where do you come from?
My name is Simon. I am 24 years old and I live in Freiburg. You may know me from the youth convention in Crailsheim or from Instagram.
How did you come to be an ambassador?
Apostle Martin Schnaufer put my name forward when they were looking for an ambassador for the district of Southern Germany. Maybe because I gained some “diplomatic” experience at the German Embassy in La Paz (Bolivia) and with the EU delegation in Kampala (Uganda) in the course of my studies of international politics, but I’m not really sure.
What do you do as an ambassador?
I see three objectives: providing information, putting others in the mood, and motivating them. The ambassadors are to represent the youth and let them know what is planned and what they can expect next year. I will also be giving the youth’s feedback to the planning committee. Setting the mood is something I consider really important. I want to intensify the excitement for the IYC. When we think of the IYC it should create a warm tingling sensation. At the same time, I would like to invite everyone to become involved in the run-up to the IYC. The motto of the youth convention, “Here I am”, also means “yes” to becoming involved in God’s work—whether in preparations leading up to the convention or in the congregations and districts.
How much time do you invest in your mission?
This rewarding work requires daily commitment. I am very thankful for the hands-on support given by many of the youth. I would also like to visit each of the Church districts as often as possible – I have yet to make a visit to the Backnang district. Apart from that, I keep an eye on the Instagram account and try to respond promptly to questions relating to the IYC and to answer invitations to come to the youth meetings. Maintaining contact with the youth is very rewarding. If any of the youth would like to come with me, they are most welcome to drop me a line.
What are your expectations of the IYC?
Imagine the following situation: you are sitting in the arena, enjoying the closing divine service of the International Youth Convention. As we pray and the Chief Apostle speaks from the altar there is absolute silence. We praise our heavenly Father together, we listen to the strains of the IYC choir as it sings “Lord reign in me” (or better, we join in), and join in a Mexican wave with 35,000 spectators. When I think about that I break out in goose bumps. I am certain that the IYC will be a wonderful international festival of our faith, where everyone will find God’s promise, “Here I am”, fulfilled. I hope that there will be a colourful and varied programme and that everyone feels valued in this great congregation.
What is your wish for the youth at the IYC?
We are all ambassadors. This is not a task that only I can accomplish. My wish is that we all travel to Düsseldorf with expectations. Let us give our heavenly Father a chance. I am firmly convinced that we will find His love and His closeness. I hope that the IYC programme will appeal to the youth and that they will have interesting encounters with people from all corners of the earth. I especially hope that our souls will be moved by the divine service. I wish that each one of us finds orientation, strength and peace in Jesus Christ.