Biennial

Biennial happens for the European Christian Mission every two years. Obviously. Usually it’s the week just after Easter, still slightly out of season, so it becomes a bit easier to find a reasonably priced venue for a large group of people to come together from all over Europe. It was cold there by the Mediterranean, near Valencia, but the sun rose brilliantly most mornings and the sea was a clear blue

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This is when we, as an organisation, find our expression as a community, and as a Mission family. When we can re-energise in one another’s company, and refocus on our shared values and vision. It’s a huge commitment, in time and in money. For all of us. Even with the discounts it’s an expensive week.

 
But really, it’s worth it. As long as we don't become too big as an organisation and not too far apart, it makes a lot of sense to bring the whole community together for a few days of prayer and reflection (and fun too!). And sitting there, in the sort of hotel that you couldn’t normally afford to book into, gives one an extra sense of the value God places on your life and on what you are doing. Yes, it is all worth it. And three hundred and thirty five people (including about 100 children) all committed to making a difference for God in Europe and gathered together for that purpose makes for an amazing experience

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I like the fact that we’re such a mixture, with all our languages, and funny ways of doing things, and all our diverse backgrounds. And I like the fact that you can sit at table with someone else for the very first time and immediately find a point of contact. And having the worship music each morning thrown together by four extremely gifted lads from Ireland was an added bonus.



I’ll leave the last word with the kids and their constantly inventive way of making life as rich and fun as possible. (The song was created and performed by them at the conference and the movie put together by a creative Romanian called Florin)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgZefuIV97s&feature=youtube_gdata_player


 (sunrise photo : courtesy Nigel Cameron)