Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park

Andry and Abdi Gunthoti attended this summer’s Leadership Lab at Augustana College in Rock Island. Leadership Lab “is designed to teach students leadership skills as they encounter Jesus within the community. The mission is that students will grow in their faith while learning skills they can take back to their churches, schools, and communities.”

By Andry Gunthoti

The toothbrush in my hand swiftly cleansed my teeth, tooth by tooth; I took my time to replicate decisive movements that would result in a desirable position. Finishing off any missed spots, I tidied myself as I began to hear what my parents had to say. “Get ready nana (child), we’re getting ready to leave,” they announced. Out of anxiousness I suddenly tilted my head towards their direction–though I knew what to expect.

Well, this was before my venture to the Leadership Lab. Yet, it had so many similarities to my daily life. Just as I would cleanse my teeth, the experience from Lab seeped in gradually. I came in with uncertainty, exuding courage driven by my desire for independence. It was something to test how I would live under the conditions of myself. A way to explore a new life, forgetting why I came in the first place.

I knew that the Leadership Lab was a Lutheran camp. However, my intentions were different. I met with my roommate, who was a very vivid person. It signaled my natural response to the brain to act responsibly and adapt to my current situation. I listened to what he had to say, and we headed off for our first worship. Separated in different ways, we found each other on the nearby seats. Just as the paste spreads across your teeth, we settled on identifying various social groups.

It was only after a while that we came together as people. A brave young man named Elijah shared his testimony with the crowd. It was a very heartfelt story that brought many people to tears. Ironically, I would recall the statement “one action opens another,” whether it was my parents or my inner consciousness that reminded me. That vulnerability, like any missed spot, was filled with toothpaste (fellowship). I had found my people.

With new friends, my perspective on a group of strangers changed. Yet, these groups of strangers acted like we were old friends. It was a connection that tarnished any hostility. We felt safe with each other. As the days went on with the usual lab schedule–first group meets, first worship, the only break, second group meets, and finishes the day off with the final worship. People were strategically brought together with various activities.

Now I say strategically because it was indeed strategy based. There were three main groups: Lower High School (9th-10th), Upper High School (11th-12th), and Crossroads (college or still deciding). Each had specified qualities that matched the person’s maturity level or their intended spectrum. The Lower High School would get messy or have varied activities to enjoy, whereas the Upper High School would go onto more debate-styled activities. It was things that not only tested our faith, it experimented with our community as people.

To be realistic, it was to attract more people back for next year. The younger people are the ones who usually come back. Therefore, they invest in more fun activities. But this was not the same as years ago. Ever since the pandemic, fewer people from the past returned. The Lab program was stuck. Yet, they kept persisting. Their love organized something together and ensured that any kid who came felt attended to. I would never stop hearing about the staff and leaders conversing about how they had to do certain things when the time came. They invested in making sure that the message of God was spread across people in a positive light, the same way it impacted them during their past years at Lab. Fun fact, most of the staff were Labbers themselves.

Their passion has driven me to change and take things more seriously. The once silent boy named Andry would change to become willing to share his ideas and knowledge. Lab encouraged me to take care of those who never got the chance to share their story. After all, their main topic for this year was to bring it “[to] the table.” All your sorrows or happiness. This table had the space to gather and share gifts.

As time flew by, everyone began getting attached to the sentiment of being in the Leadership Lab. Young leaders from many states came together, unified as one. It is beautiful to see young people around your age look so restored and committed to their religion. They sincerely loved one another, and this love is a necessity for the generation we live in right now. We are like cells in a body. God cherishes us because we make him whole. If we can’t help each other, we put God’s message at risk.

At the end of my Lab experience, we were all given a chance to write a short quote and some care cards for one another–cards with messages of positivity written in private for anyone of your choice (hidden in an envelope). It was a way to express our joy. I heard many kids conversing with each other about staying up overnight. I stayed up till 2 a.m. in hopes of finishing myself. It felt like we were one big family.

“Just as a person feels new in better clothing, I’ve been provided better glasses. Lenses that see everyone as humans, not just as creations of God.” – Andry Gunthoti. I.e. changed person thanks to the Leadership Lab.
Everyone deserves a chance to attend something life-changing. I got to experience it firsthand. I’m looking forward to the future when I go to Crossroads, and I’m hoping that more join along the way.