Miller tells young Lutherans, 'God knows your needs'

by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service

Donald Miller, author of the book "Blue Like Jazz," told more
than 15,000 high-school-age Lutherans that the "average American
sees about 3,000 commercials every day." And, "it seems to me
impossible for that not to affect our understanding of God."
Miller, Portland, Ore., was a speaker July 6 at the 2006 Youth
Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
The Gathering is bringing together about 40,000 young Lutherans
and adults from across the United States and around the world in
two back-to-back events -- July 5-9 and July 12-16 -- at the
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and Alamodome in San Antonio,
Texas.

"Jesus said people are full of formulas," said Miller, "peddling
techniques to get God to do what we want God to do. Jesus said,
don't fall for this garbage, do not buy into this," he said.
Instead, "Jesus offers a different paradigm" of God as a "father,
who will (lead) you into maturity." Miller, who spoke to the
young Lutherans on stage at the Alamodome, told participants that
"God knows better than you what you need."

Other highlights of the ELCA Youth Gathering's stage production
included Pamela Genghini Hernandez, an accredited representative
with Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. She shared some of
her experiences in representing children and individuals in
immigration court proceedings. Musical performances featured The
Katinas, a family singing group, and Krystal Meyers, a 17-year-
old rock vocalist.