Reaching Europe’s Children

Reaching Europe’s Children (REC) is exactly what 210 delegates from 40 countries explored together at a congress this year of the same name held on the shores of lake Balaton in Hungary.

Presented in both Russian and English, speakers came from right across Europe and some from as far as the US, India and Australia. There was a rich offering of teaching and training from Releasing children to serve in the church community, to Children in the Digital Age, The Big Story of the Bible, Sports and Festivals, Parents as disciple makers, Strategic Planning for ministry and Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children were just some of the many topics covered.

A large chunk of time saw delegates working together in ‘special streams’ of their choice around particular topics. Streams such as Reaching children not attending church created facebook groups to continue the conversation post REC and provide a place to share ideas and challenges.

Time was also given each day of the congress for National groups to gather and strategise a way forward to work together. With 40 different ministries and churches represented, organisers are hopeful the national groups will see greater cooperation across ministries into the future.

Prayer was key part of the daily program and a highlight was a prayer session that featured seven prayer stations encouraging intercession for children and their families and communities around the world.

Delegates were presented with the vision of Children Everywhere Walking with Jesus and went home carrying with them Challenge sessions and a Children Everywhere Toolbox USB packed with resources for ministry to and with children.

They also carried home with them new ideas and relationships to inspire them and those in their own faith communities and ministry organisations, to continue reaching Europe’s children.