Over the Easter weekend, from April 2 to 6, the Offenburg Exhibition Center became a hub for spiritual growth, fellowship, and social engagement as it hosted the 20th anniversary of the Youth in Mission Congress (YiMC). More than 1,400 young adults, primarily from German-speaking countries, attended the milestone event.
Organized by the Adventist Youth Ministries of Baden-Württemberg, the congress centered around the theme "I Am with You." This motto was chosen to remind participants of the constant presence of God’s love, offering them strength and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.
Inspiration Through Word and Action
The congress schedule featured a dynamic blend of keynote presentations, practical workshops, and community activities. This year’s main speakers provided a diverse range of perspectives:
Taj Pacleb (Hawaii): An independent nature filmmaker and international speaker known for blending environmental beauty with pastoral and spiritual themes.
Dr. Christoph Berger: A pastor and one of the original co-founders of the YiMC, two decades ago, who offered reflections on the movement's journey.
In addition to the main sessions, attendees chose from over 20 specialized workshops covering biblical studies, Christian ethics, and practical life skills. An on-site exhibition also highlighted the work of various Adventist institutions, including schools, universities, publishing houses, and healthcare facilities.
Engaging the Community
Faith at YiMC was not confined to the exhibition halls. On the afternoon of Saturday, April 4, hundreds of participants headed into downtown Offenburg to engage with the public through creative outreach. Activities included puppet theater for children, "Deep Talk" stations for meaningful conversations on life’s big questions, an information booth, and even a smoothie stand.
A Movement, Not Just an Event
According to Sebastian Wulff, director of the Adventist Youth in Baden-Württemberg, the Youth in Mission Congress is best understood as a multi-faceted movement. The goal is to empower young people to live out their faith authentically in their everyday environments, thereby exerting a positive influence on society. The seamless execution of the large-scale event was made possible by the dedicated service of hundreds of volunteers.
Media and Further Information
For those who wish to see more, the official website offers extensive photo galleries and further details. Video recordings of the keynote sessions and highlights are available on the Adventist Youth Baden-Württemberg YouTube channel.
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