SPECIAL FOCUS: EUROPE CHURCHES
Hope Prague, Czech Republic: English Camp 2008
When we were planning our first English Camp, we had no idea what to expect on the 24th of August 2008 in the picturesque environment of South Bohemia. From the beginning, the organising team didn’t know what the camp would hold. The aim was simple: help young people to improve their knowledge of English and to share our personal experiences with them. What we have to offer is a personal relationship with the living God and to show them that Jesus offers them more they can ever want.
During the week, we all learnt that we can spend a lovely time together whether it was in the morning English lessons, the afternoon free time activities or the evening programme. There were many possibilities for active people for example the break dance workshops by the Wessani, which was popular among the high school students. An alternative was the guitar workshop for music enthusiasts.
Camp participants were able to see the programme for the whole week, which included a trip to picturesque surroundings and an international evening where people could learn a lot of interesting things about the countries of the foreign participants at the Camp. [View camp photos website]
Sport was an important part of the Camp as well: Frisbee, crazy basketball and amateur football. The evening events included a campfire and tea where everyone could talk in a friendly atmosphere. There was also discussion throughout the whole week to try to bring the gospel close to non-believers.
Each day had its own topic (stress, love, faith, heroes etc) which was used as a starting point for the English lessons and evening discussion groups. The discussion groups were where everyone could present their own opinions and listens to others. The important part of the evening programs were the testimonies from guests from different nationalities which were aimed for the non-Christian participants.
We would like to thank the huge amount of support, without which English Camp couldn’t be a reality, given by all the members of HOPE London and members of Hope Germany.
The whole English Camp was a beautiful example of cooperation between a few volunteers from the European HOPE Churches. The English camp was the first in history. It was organised by Hope Prague in cooperation with foreign HOPE churches and the camp was beyond expectations. Everybody definitely left with good memories and the contacts of new friends. (Reported by Jakub Jakl)
Dr Ondrej, Dr Jana & Jonah Sobotka
Hope Prague, Czech Republic (Website)
Hope Follo, Norway: Tonje and Bent's Wedding
Congratulations to Bent and Tonje for getting married recently in Follo, Norway. The teenagers in the church prayed for the couple and did a dance performance during the wedding ceremony.
They wore t-shirts created by Bent this summer which said "Addicted to the Boss" Phil 3:7-8. There were around 250 people joining the couple for the wedding celebrations
Tonje pioneered Hope Follo, Norway church and she has a passion to see many Norwegians come to Christ
Bent & Tonje K. Marken
Hope Follo, Norway (Website)
Hope London: Salsa Sunday
On the 31st of August, Hope London enjoyed a "Salsa Sunday", where church members, friends and visitors all enjoyed an evening of elegant salsa dancing.
We were expertly trained by the sensational Inga and Becky who led the session with great skill and entertainment.
Many participants were beginners who demonstrated a good aptitude for dance, and much fun and amusement was had by all. Fred and Ginger would have been proud!
Pastor PK & Kim Tse
Hope London, United Kingdom Website
