Euroventure 2023: I Have Come that You May Have LIFE

Jesus came that we might have LIFE and have it abundantly (John 10:10). And that is what 118 youth and adult leaders did during Euroventure 2023, 31 July – 5 August in Lenk, Switzerland.

After four long years without an in-person camp, it was great to return to Switzerland and experience all that Euroventure has to offer – Bible teaching, group learning, seminars, devotions, team challenges, and fun in the Swiss alps.

Jody and Hannah Esguerra were the speakers for the week.  With Jody from the Philippines and Hannah from Northern Ireland and having met in Singapore, they brought an international flavor and dynamic to their teaching and interaction with the students.  The camp motto for the week was “With life there must be light. Light reveals our identity. Knowing our identity gives us freedom. Freedom in Christ is everlasting.”  Each day they broke down an element of living LIFE to the fullest – Light, Identity, Freedom, and Everlasting.  They challenged the students to dig deep into the Word of God and discover for themselves what living the Christian life was all about.  The week closed with a time for students to commit or re-commit their lives to Christ and seeking to serve Him on a daily basis.

Each day students also had the opportunity to explore other topics through seminars that were offered.  These seminars included Christan Meditation, Am I Good Enough?, Calling All Guys, Worship through Creating, Outdoor Skills, Anxious about Nothing, Cultivating Your Story, and IDENTITY in Christ > Identity Crisis.

During the Worship through Creating workshop, the students combined their talents to write a song during the week (each of the four daily sessions contributed a part).  The final song was performed on Friday evening as part of the closing of camp.

Afternoons were free for students to experience some of the recreational activities the Simmental Valley had to offer, including swimming, hiking, bouldering, bowling, trotti-biking, and zip-lining.

Being in a new location, we were also able to enjoy a bonfire one evening (complete with s’mores) as well as a dance party on a different evening.

Worship times were led by Martin Mahares and a group from Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Missouri.  A group from HLGU has been coming to assist with the camp for more than 20 years.