NAYC Quotes: Paul Pamer

Barberton, OH's Paul Pamer offered these 2 gems at the mid-Friday General Session:

• "If the only thing you do is go to church then someday you won't."

• On cell phones (& technology in general): "It's time we stopped using them as toys and started using them as tools."

Youth Congress 2011

Just returned from the spectacular North American Youth Congress 2011 in Columbus, OH. While attendance probably didn't break the 15,500 mark any night (and honestly, since when is 15,000 teenagers worshiping God a negative?) there was always an overabundance of the move of the Spirit.

All 3 night speakers were spot on, but so was Music Coordinator Kristin Keller. On both Wednesday and Friday nights, she ended the evenings on amazing worship highs. She was pitch perfect in music and Spirit, and - at the risk of being accused of overstatement (or carnality) - held the crowd in her hands as masterfully as Bono. Except God received all the glory.

Didn't see the usual Youth Congress article from the local paper of record, but they did cover the North American Bible Quiz Tournament. (Make sure you read the comments at the bottom.)

While I'm sure there were disappointments and frustrations, congratulations to all who contributed. It was spectacular (again).

80,000 Readers

I'd like to make you an offer you can't refuse.

In 2007, ninetyandnine.com live-blogged the North American Youth Congress for 80,000 readers. All we did was write and photograph whatever we thought was worth sharing and the world came to us. The local city newspaper even ripped off one of my headlines.

We're putting together a blogging team for Youth Congress 2009. Want to join?

If doesn't matter if you've never blogged before, it's simple. It doesn't matter if you won't have a computer in Nashville, they've got Internet Cafes at the Convention Center. All you have to do is write a post every day (more if you want) you're there.

If you're interested email us with your name, age, church and pastor. We'll get back to you.