We have been looking forward to it since the last conference and during summer it was finally time again; the bi-annual iTeams conference for workers in Europe!
Together with a group of around 110 people, we met in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany. This was my sixth conference and every time I enjoy it. What makes this conference so special?
First, the people of course! It is great to be together with different nationalities. I counted at least 10 different ones. So nice to see unity among so many different people. The Dutch group was well represented, and it is very valuable to meet "our" missionaries face to face!
Second, you notice that everyone has the same passion; follow Jesus and make him known to the people around us. We have a good tradition that every team has 5 minutes to share something about what God is doing in their little part of Europe, that's always so encouraging!
Third, there is also encouraging teaching and equipping times. The theme was "renew your passion". The speaker shared something about this theme every morning and in the afternoons there were seminars to choose from.
Last but not least there was a fantastic team of youth workers. The conference is always a highlight for our children and that is mainly due to this team of people who are committed to the kids. The children also find that they have a lot in common with each other as they all grow up abroad and that creates a bond.
We are grateful for the Austrian team that organized it, I am already looking forward to the next time!
Joni Versteeg