“Here I am“ ↑
- the motto of the International Youth Convention 2019
“Here I am” has biblical references. It can be found in the Old and in the New Testaments; for example, in 1. Samuel 3:4, “That the Lord called Samuel. And he answered ‘Here I am!’” A further reference comes from Acts 9:10, “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’"
The church sees four different main aspects for the International Youth Convention 2019:
- Here I am: God speaks
- Here I am: Our response to the call of God
- Here I am: Our position
- Here I am: Our willingness to help along
The key image ↑
Graphically, the motto “Here I am” is represented by two hands approaching one another. This key image is the principal visual motif of the International Youth Convention.
The hands symbolise the act of giving and receiving. The key image is emotionally charged and says, “I am there for you!” The hands therefore also represent the four different aspects of the motto:
- God stretches out His hand to mankind. He offers His help and support.
- Mankind reaches his hand out toward God. The faithful are active in seeking fellowship with God.
- God grasps the hand of mankind and, at the same moment, leads him, so that he can find orientation in his life and in his faith.
- The hands also stand for involvement, commitment or helpfulness; for example in the local congregation or neighbourhood.
Other associations with the image of the hands include activity, fellowship, reconciliation, touch, building, and prayer.
