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?
The Methodist Church in Cambodia operates in a predominantly Buddhist environment and faces challenges such as poverty, climate change, and the still very tense situation along the border with Thailand. Nevertheless, the church aims to provide a place of refuge and blessing. It is just over 25 years old and aims to become independent next year. Lun Sophy, its president, emphasizes: «Moving forward requires action and change. Growth is both: growing in years and growing personally. Personal growth means maturing.»
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.
Freddy Nzambe lives in Tunis and is superintendent for Algeria and Tunisia, two countries where the situation for Christian churches is very difficult. He is also a confidant for young people from countries south of the Sahara who are studying in Tunisia. They are often confronted with racism. There are also questions about life and the future.
Many people have slipped into poverty. If they demonstrate, the police crack down. What can the Methodist Church do in this situation? Bishop Américo Jara Reyes talks about the causes of poverty, swallowed anger and a church that looks and acts.
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.
