NCM 2016 Mon, Dömös
This year, the teen worker coordinators from each nation met in Hungary, in the picturesque setting of Dömös. From 12-17 April, 30 leaders from 11 countries came together.
Each national team reported on the current situation, developments and challenges related to teen and child labour. After colourful and lively presentations, we stood together in prayer. reflecting on 3 geographical regions, we discussed further possibilities for cooperation.
At the General Assembly (Youngstars International) on Saturday, Moldova and HUNGARY were admitted as pioneer members.
It was a very encouraging and inspiring time, which further strengthened and deepened the transnational network of teenagers and their contacts.
"What struck me was the good atmosphere. You could see that the team was well connected, the regional talks were inspiring, as far as we listened in on one of them.. :) Such a meeting is definitely useful for exchanging ideas, thinking together, sharing testimonies, etc. I especially liked the prayer together, when we prayed without saying "Amen" until the end, because we had formulated a big prayer together towards God. The Hungarian evening was a good idea, we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves in many ways."
Réka Kósik
An article:
http://bice.hu/3/index.php/108-nemzetkozi-tinimunkas-talalkozo-2016-domos
We look back with gratitude to the April Teen Worker Network meeting. nearly 35 young or older leaders from 11 nations came together for 6 days to exchange experiences and ideas, to encourage each other, to plan and to train.
Attila Takács, who with his wife took over the leadership of the BiKa camp again this year, had already years ago raised the idea of organising the annual international meeting in Hungary, so that we could get more (and more people) into the international blood circulation. We are happy that more than 10 of our people were present at the Hungarian cultural evening (see photo) and got an insight into the whole scene. It was good to see how fears and prejudices are slowly being eroded.
Personally, I experienced the few days as a real community, with peers who walk in similar shoes and face similar challenges. One of the highlights was a morning of fellowship around the themes of images of God and spiritual life. There was a greater emphasis this year on the testimonies of each teen ministry organisation, with images and specific prayer requests making it easier to imagine and pray for each other. It is encouraging to hear and see the development, the unfolding and (re)discovery of experiential approaches in different corners of Europe. Quite different cultures, in differently developed parts of our continent, can apply biblical principles. We have much to learn from each other. A good fellowship has developed - even though we meet only occasionally during the year.
Our country is now officially part of the Youngstars network. It's not a major change, just a sign on paper, so to speak, and in the official polls that we are getting more involved. Mainly along the following 2 interlinked and complementary leisure programmes:
BiKa camp: a summer nomadic adventure camp since 2009, with a different historical or cultural theme and a different location in the soft lap of nature every year. A change of leadership and rejuvenation takes place. Growth perspectives in several aspects.
Cogwheel: an initiative developed since 2014 to provide opportunities for encounter, faith and character accompaniment for young people during the year. This year it started in March with a full house and we are preparing for the 2nd weekend of this kind in September. The mentoring scheme is to be further developed. A strong staff team is being formed.
