Sometimes young people who can speak another language spend some time in their summer holidays putting that language to good use in sharing the Gospel with children overseas. Sam Galloway did just that this summer. Here’s what he writes:
“From the 28th June to 11th July 2009 I was in Switzerland on a campsite called Avenches. CEF run two Holiday Bible Clubs a day there. They have been running for around 25 years, and were started by a woman from the local church. When she sadly died, she gave her caravan on the site to CEF.
The clubs take place in a large tent on one of the caravan pitches.
The Swiss HBCs are very similar to those in Ireland. However at least half the kids would shake each leader’s hand and say thank-you after the club, which was a nice change! For the first of the two weeks we had approximately 25 children at each club and for the second around 60. The week after I left there were over 100 at some of the clubs!
Each morning I was involved in a short sketch or play at the start of the club. For the first week I was Franz Forscher, an explorer archaeologist uncovering treasure in Egypt. (The Bible lessons for the first week centred on the story of Joseph.) The second week I was an Indian warrior along with my Indian Chief, Tomahawk. These sketches were great fun and helped to get the children involved in the club. I also had the opportunity to do a memory verse and to lead two of the clubs. This was really scary, to teach and lead in German, but God was with me and really did give me the words to say.
It’s a great opportunity to get to know the children on the campsite because you’re living so close to them. Literally everywhere you go you’re guaranteed to meet one of the kids. For me, this was the best part of taking part in the work at Avenches. It was amazing how God built relationships with the children and the team, and how He was willing to use me with the children. The children (and some of the leaders as well) were fascinated by this strange, tall person who couldn’t speak their language properly.
At times it was difficult, but it was where God wanted me to be. My time in Switzerland was fantastic, and I’m so glad God led me there.”
So for those of you who are studying French, German, Spanish or whatever, why not think of next year spending some time using that language to reach boys and girls with the Gospel? Keep reading this blog to see what opportunities are available.
Angie
Great to read the article about Sam’s experiences in Switzerland over the summer and to have been a little part in making it happen. As Angie says, we have lots more opportunities for next summer.
With CEF workers in many countries worldwide, just tell us where you want to go and we will find you a place!