Nine international guests also attended the Swiss Youth Group Gathering (STR). In their host youth group, they helped with the dishes and played with the children, weathered a thunderstorm, and shared insights from their youth ministry work. What will they take away from the experience?
In 2000, the «Miss Stone» social center—named after the former missionary Ellen Stone—was established in Strumica (North Macedonia). Even back then, the idea was to be there for people in need. It’s amazing to see how much has grown since then—and it stands as an impressive testament to tireless dedication and genuine compassion.
Bożena Daszuta, a member of the church council in Poland, was a guest at the Connexio Mission Talk on January 20. She talked about summer camps, the invitation from the Polish president and the growing fear of war. And she thinks: The church needs to become more authentic.
At the end of November 2025, the ninth «Youth Gala» took place in Cluj-Napoca (Romania). This event honored projects carried out by and with young people. The «More than Boxing» program was awarded first place by the juries in two categories. What may come as a surprise is that this program is not backed by a sports club, but rather is a touching form of «church for others.».
The list of global crises is long—food crises, climate crises, war, military conflicts, and a crisis of confidence in liberal democratic countries are clouding the prospects for a better future. People in the Global South, who are struggling with numerous crises, are particularly affected. How are they faring, and what glimmers of hope are visible on the horizon?
Meet people from Connexio hope and develop partner countries online. This time: Gjergj Lushka. Responsible for the Center for Early Childhood Development in Tirana.
The first "Connexio Mission Talk" on the evening of December 2 focused on the work of the Methodist Church in Romania. The surprising outcome of the first round of the presidential elections was also an important topic of discussion.
