Title: Good News for Minnesota Lutheran Teens ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF June 12, 1997 GOOD NEWS FOR ADA'S YOUTH As 35,300 young people and adults from across the country prepare to attend "River of Hope," a triennial Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, youth affected by the devastating floods of the Red River Valley "do not have the resources or energy to do so," said David Hunstad, director for youth and family ministries, ELCA's Northwest Minnesota Synod. "Because of the flood and people's situations, there was some real hesitation at pursuing any kind of fund raising to finance our trip, especially with our church and personal homes in despair," said the Rev. Gregory E. Isaacson, Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, Minn. "We talked about canceling our trip and doing a shorter trip closer to home, but through the goodness and grace of others we have received some generous offers," said Isaacson. Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Barnesville, Minn., offered 17 seats on a coach bus as a contribution to the effort. "We have 16 youth and myself signed-up to go. They have exactly 17 seats available! I was concerned about an adequate number of chaperones on our part, but Our Savior's have two additional chaperones who will cover our participants," said Isaacson. "We are truly humbled to be on the receiving end of such gracious generosity," he said. The 16 youth from Grace Lutheran Church are now planning to attend the gathering. "River of Hope," set for July 23-27 in New Orleans, will be the largest five-day gathering of young people in the United States. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html