“Here I am”: the website for the International Youth Convention 2019 is online

After the Pentecost service in Vienna the Chief Apostle went to the microphone once more to personally inform the young people of this big event in May 2019: “I am glad to have this opportunity to inform you about the International Youth Convention 2019 (IYC). Many Apostles and members are currently busy with the preparations for the weekend from 30 May to 2 June 2019.” He also announced the motto of the four-day convention that will take place at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair grounds. “I would like to announce the motto of the International Youth Convention already now. It is going to be: ‘Here I am!’”

A motto that invites the youth to participate

The organisers agree that this phrase allows for various approaches. On the one hand, it is God who speaks to us, assuring us that He is there for us human beings. On the other hand, we human beings call to the Lord, “Here I am.” And not least it is the young people in their individual congregations who, through this motto, express their availability and willingness to help along. This motto therefore has many facets. It is easy to translate into many languages, is catchy, and will be the basis for all further planning for the youth convention. Finally, it is a motto that translates well into a graphic design: two hands that reach toward each other plus the lettering “Here I am”. That’s it. It is an open message that is simple and easy to understand.

The rental contract has been signed

The rental contract for the fair grounds in Düsseldorf has been signed. The New Apostolic Church will use the outdoor space of the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf for a whole week, including the arena and the convention centre. More than 30,000 young Christians from all over the world are expected to attend the youth event from 30 May to 2 June 2019. Ten years after the European Youth Day 2009, Düsseldorf will once again host a major event of the New Apostolic Church.

There are a number of halls offering a total area of 126,000 square metres of space. Distances between them are short. There are additional rooms for workshops or smaller events anywhere from 20 to 150 people. Also available are halls with on-site catering facilities and nine halls with 123,000 square metres that will offer space for up to 24,000 people to sleep in. The grounds outside can be used as an open-air stage. The exhibition grounds in the North-Rhine Westphalian capital are perfect for such a huge event.

Evaluation of the first survey

All New Apostolic Christians between the ages of 14 and 35 are invited to this youth convention—irrespective of their marital or family status. There will also be chaperones and hundreds of helpers. In the meantime, an initial survey has been conducted among the target audience. The evaluation will show what the young participants expect in the way of content. The survey is intended to give us a guideline, the planning committee says, so there are no right or wrong answers.

“Of course we cannot promise that the programme on the International Youth Convention will reflect the answers and expectations of every participant,” Apostle Franz-Wilhelm Otten, the project manager, says. But he promises: “We will do our best.”
The results of the survey are expected to be published in the second half of this year. Parallel to this, a survey will be launched in which youth groups or individuals can register projects or just submit ideas.

Photo: EJT Fotografen-Team