This week more than 1,000 WELS teens are gathering at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, to attend the 2009 WELS International Youth Rally. The rally kicks off Wed., July 8, with an opening worship service that focuses on the rally theme, "Follow the Path, lead the way!"

Teens and their youth group leaders are traveling from across the United States and seven foreign countries to come together at the rally for worship, education, fellowship, recreation, and service projects. The event concludes Sat., July 11, with a closing worship service that will include a youth choir and instrumentalists from WELS congregations and missions around the world.

Dr. Joel Nelson, administrator of WELS Commission on Youth Discipleship, which coordinates this biennial event for teens, says, "The rally is an opportunity to communicate to WELS youth from all over the world that their faith-life can be taken to the next level by the power of the Spirit."