Poland Summer Camp

July 14, 2016

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Coming together for camp is always a wonderful time to rejoice and the happiness God gives us was this year on display in Poland. The European camp was this year held at the seaside town of Ustka next to the Baltic Sea, and was an amazing week of fellowship, great talks and seeing the evidence of God working in people’s lives today. The theme of the camp was Philippians 4.4: “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice”. And there was plenty to rejoice about!

We had talks in German, Italian, Polish and English with our talented translators making sure everyone could be edified by God’s word. Just some examples of talks include our brother Kay from Germany, who spoke about how the end times should give us happiness, as we know it simply means we are getting closer to God’s return. London’s Glen spoke about how we can rejoice anywhere – whether it is in the Italian alps, the Polish seaside or across the other side of the world in Australia. Newcastle’s Peter also gave ministry, speaking about how the joy of the Lord helps us to grow stronger in His word.

Overall, the main message was that even when things are going wrong in the world or in your own life, praising God is always the best thing you can do. But it wasn’t all talking at the camp, with items around a campfire on one of the first nights. Complete with Polish sausages, thick mustard and too many marshmallows around the campfire, we heard a variety of beautiful songs all written to glorify God. One of the highlights was the beautifully written Italian song by Kelly, items from the London assembly as well as cross-cultural harmonies in a spiritual song written by Paul, visiting from Australia.

The harmonies, provided by Aussies Nick and Paul, New Zealander Kelly and Poland’s Pavel was the perfect example of how despite our language barriers we can come together in God’s name. During the days, some went exploring nearby towns including Gdansk or even just made the most of the beautiful beachside with walks. Some were even brave enough to take a dip in the cold water. But one of the highlights of camp was when two people were baptised in the Baltic Sea with one even receiving God’s Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. What an end to camp!

By the end of the camp you couldn’t tell a good proportion of the people at camp couldn’t speak the same language as we mimed and joked our way around the language barrier. The camp always reaffirms to everyone who visits just how God can work in anyone’s life, no matter where they are from or what their backgrounds may be. Now all we have to do is stave off those post-camp blues and look forward to next year’s European camp in Italy. Can’t wait to see you there!