This Easter break, as people gathered all over the world to worship the risen Christ, something else historic was happening in the city of Tallinn, Estonia. For the first time for our movement of churches, 300 students and young adults gathered together for ICMC One Europe, a conference to unite and inspire the next generation of Europe.
The conference was a dream so many have had for years, through much prayer and fasting for our European churches, to see them thrive and flourish for the next generation. ICMC One was brought to life largely by a group of young leaders, with a vision to unite and strengthen the bond in Europe across borders and cultural barriers. Their months of hard work paid off as they saw 25 countries represented for the life-changing weekend.
Some highlights of the weekend included a leadership session with a call to be united as Jesus commanded, to imagine that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine in Europe (Ephesians 3:20), to be committed to serving the poor in our communities as Jesus did in his daily ministry, and above all to grow in our understanding of and practice of Christ-like humility.
The welcome was given by Valdur Koha from Boston, Director of the European Missions Society. He shared his vision for the future of Europe, whereby in 2044 there will be 1,000 churches in Europe – one thousand lights around the dark and lost continent – with faith that many of those lights were sitting in the auditorium having their dreams ignited that very weekend. Christoph Müller from Zurich inspired the group with a challenge to be the change that Europe so desperately needs, with a reminder that so many major revolutions started with youth and students. He inspired us to create a revolution for Jesus, living life in a radical way that people simply cannot ignore.
The rest of the weekend was full of breakout classes, city tours, a nation-led football (soccer) tournament, and an incredible worship concert showcasing some of the amazing talents spread across our churches in Europe.
Daniel Winchester, who serves in the church in Tallinn and was one of the organizers of the weekend, said, “ICMC Europe was everything I dreamed it would be. God completely blessed and guided the entire weekend. The fellowship was incredible, the worship touched everyone’s hearts, and God spoke powerfully through all the speakers. We were so blessed to have been able to host everyone in Tallinn. The Tallinn church has been so inspired and we can’t wait until the next one.”
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Europe, that God will bless and fuel the fire in the next generation of leaders, and that next year we will see many new disciples traveling to be together to worship and continue to be lights all over Europe.
