“Follow the Path, Lead the Way” was the 2009 WELS International Youth Rally theme.  The theme was based on 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”  The location of the rally was at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa (www.iastate.edu) and the dates were Wednesday-Saturday, July 8-11.

Grace Evgangelical Lutheran Church sent 11 youth to the 2009 WELS Youth Rally including Anna Haselhaun, Alex Hynick, Anna Gutch, Chelesa Crile, Spencer Steinke, Laura Steinke, Taylor Rennich, Avis Van Zomeren, Nadine Van Zomeren, Katherine DeMarce and Marie DeMarce. Chaperons included Gloria Steinke and Darci and Brian Crile.

The opening session message was based on Psalm 16:11 - "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." The closing session was a message based on Colossians 4:5-6 - "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."