Report on TeenStreet, July 26 - August 2, 2024

TeenStreet? We didn't know exactly what to expect. TeenStreet is a 6-day mission conference in Germany organised by OM for teenagers from all over Europe. It takes place every year at the end of July and is attended by several thousand teens.

The event took place at an exhibition center in Germany. The halls were arranged in a rectangular shape and in the middle of the halls was a large square with various food stands. Our task was to represent Youngstars International with a stand, which was part of this “TS Village”, where people liked to hang out and where there was a festive summer party atmosphere, especially in the evening. We were able to make a small fire in a fire bowl and anyone who wanted could come and grill marshmallows - and many people wanted to. We used about 25 packs of marshmallows and 800 wooden sticks!

The conference was incredibly good on several levels. On one hand, it was an excellent opportunity to make Youngstars International known as we talked to teens, on the other hand we met accompanying adults - leaders and coaches working with children and youth in their countries. Many of them would also like to have Youngstars in their country and we hope to make some new contacts and opportunities to be able to work with existing organisations in the future or to start new Youngstars ministries. A sponsored run, called the RAG Race (Raise and Give) also took place. We are richly blessed as one part of the money raised will go to Youngstars International.

Of course we weren't the target group, and yet the topics of the main teaching sessions really spoke to us. And yes, the worship was not only loud, but very, very loud - teens are loud in everything they do! But the week was not just about fun - it was incredibly encouraging to see how enthusiastic these kids are for Jesus, how seriously and devoted they want to follow him. We are convinced that they were encouraged and strengthened by the whole event - and the same applies to us. We are absolutely impressed with TeenStreet and the concept behind it.