Youth Activities

One of the things that has always thrilled me about the work in Dutch-speaking Europe (Belgium and the Netherlands) is two well the various churches work together top organize events for the youth. A congregation may only have a few young people, or they may only have a few of a certain age group. But when the congregations work together, the young people can know that they are not alone. And workers from the congregations can work together and get to know one another as well as the young people. 

This year we have already had three youth activities: a youth weekend in Ghent in January, a Console weekend in Antwerp in February and this weekend a Girl’s weekend held in Belgium. Next weekend the boys will be welcomed in The Hague to play some sports on the beach and get to know one another. 

In April there will be a sports day for young people of all ages, near the center of Belgium. This will be at the end of a Vacation Bible Kamp held down at our campground in the Ardennes for kids from 8-14 years old. Scott will be helping teach this group from 1 Timothy. Later in the month the congregation in Maastricht is organizing a youth day in Belgium for younger ages (7-15 years-old). This is because “our” kids (the kids from Maastricht) fall into this age group. But this is also a chance for younger kids to experience a youth activity and meet other kids from congregations around Belgium or the Netherlands. 

At the end of May a CYC (Challenge Youth Conference) is being organized for the 2nd time in Belgium. Last year there were about 70 participants. This is a place where the youth can gather internationally. It is always exciting to meet young people from different areas and countries. We are thankful for members who are willing to work with all of these efforts and are blessed in ways to be able to help. 

We will be working with the youth day organized by Maastricht, the VBK and then later in the summer the Benjamin Camp week of Bible Camp. In addition we will be organizing a day out for the congregation in Maastricht in May. In September we are planning as a congregation to organize a singing day for congregations in the REA (French-speaking and German-speaking as well as Dutch-speaking) and will organize the Family Day at camp on September 14. These are also all opportunities for young people to take part with their families. 

Keep all of these young people in your prayers and pray for all of those organizing and working with them as well. We are so thankful for so many who have a heart for those around them and know that God is working mightily in all of us in so many ways.