YWAM Europe tag:www.ywam.eu,2008-01-30://4 2010-08-23T09:34:44Z Movable Type Pro 4.21-nl YWAM Romania Leader Passes Away tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1904 2010-08-19T13:02:04Z 2010-08-23T09:34:44Z by Shanie Hinge with Belinda ChaplinBeatrice Simion, one of YWAM Romania and KKI (King's Kids International)'s European leaders, passed away on the 1st of August from complications following a car accident that occurred on the 17th of July in Timisoara,... by Shanie Hinge with Belinda Chaplin
Beatrice Simion, one of YWAM Romania and KKI (King's Kids International)'s European leaders, passed away on the 1st of August from complications following a car accident that occurred on the 17th of July in Timisoara, Romania.
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Beatrice's first school with YWAM was the 1997 PCYM (Principles of Children and Youth Ministry) in Budapest. She had already been involved with KKI for some time and wanted to start King's Kids in Romania. She did her DTS in Cluj, Romania in 1998 and became the official King's Kids Romania leader, based in Timisoara, Romania. In 1999 she became part of the leadership for KKI Europe. In 2007, she became part of YWAM Romania's executive leadership team. In April, 2010 she became part of the Central European Leadership Team and was commissioned with Helga Nuernberger and Florin Mihaly to be the joint leaders of YWAM Romania.

Beatrice travelled the globe. She ministered on 5 continents. She ran countless camps for children and youth, took outreaches all over the world, taught in seminars and schools on various subjects such as Human Development, Children at Risk, Counseling Children of Abuse among many other subjects. She hosted several international and regional conferences for both KKI and YWAM Central Europe. 

Beatrice had a major impact on the nation of Romania and how the church views and works with children as well as the role of women in leadership. She was a pioneer who was breaking ground from before the fall of communism. Beatrice was an integral part of moving YWAM and missions forward and she did an outstanding job of bringing the mission together and promoting unity and encouraging relationship between YWAM and the body of Christ across denominational lines. She was a mother, sister and friend to many who did not have one and a counselor, advisor and advocate for many hurting and broken people.

Her husband, Peter, has been an incredible source of encouragement and support for Beatrice and has quietly served her and our mission for over 14 years. Theirs was a deeply committed, precious, loving relationship full of mutual respect and submission and obvious love for each other. She adored him and he her. Her two sons, Benjamin and Timothy, were her joy and she was so proud of them. She wanted to give them the very best and was committed to do all that she could to see them succeed. She was so proud of her daughter-in-law Daniella and pleased that Beni had chosen such a wonderful girl. 

A few weeks before she died, she told her family that she didn't want a big expensive funeral and instead of flowers that the money be given to missions. Her family have honoured that request and instead of flowers and decorations, money was collected towards the YWAM Mombasa base in Kenya - where Beatrice taught last year.

Her testimony has taken root in the fertile soil of the hearts of those who knew her and the hearts of those who will hear about her and these testimonies will grow and bear fruit. Her life touched so many people in so many ways, and even though it is so hard to say goodbye, we know that her legacy will live on through us. Let us all live life in this same way, so that when the time comes, God will invite us home with the same words He used for our beloved Beatrice: "Well done, you good and faithful servant".  

]]> ECW Harpenden 2010 tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1903 2010-07-02T08:48:46Z 2010-07-02T08:56:36Z Communication is about heart, vision and skills. You will get all three in this workshop.... Communication is about heart, vision and skills. You will get all three in this workshop. YWAM CE 50th tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1900 2010-05-25T13:45:05Z 2010-05-12T14:18:53Z YWAM Central Europe held their 50th Celebrations in Timişoara, Romania from the 16th to the 19th of April. 150 people from all over the region and beyond came together to look back over what God has done, see what He... YWAM Central Europe held their 50th Celebrations in Timişoara, Romania from the 16th to the 19th of April. 150 people from all over the region and beyond came together to look back over what God has done, see what He is doing and seek for what He is wanting to do. Al Akimoff (YWAM Slavic ministries) shared many stories of his time working in the region when it was still under the Iron Curtain. Ursy Botting with YWAM Slovakia enjoyed Al's stories, realizing that: "Even though I wasn't there at the beginning, I still have my part in the big story. God still does great miracles now."

]]> First 15:16 Equip in Central Europe tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1899 2010-05-12T12:35:00Z 2010-05-12T13:36:05Z The first ever 15:16 Equip run in YWAM Central Europe took place in Timisoara, Romania from the 11th to the 16th of April 2010. This YWAM Staff Training event took its theme from Genesis 26, and focused on "Digging the... The first ever 15:16 Equip run in YWAM Central Europe took place in Timisoara, Romania from the 11th to the 16th of April 2010. This YWAM Staff Training event took its theme from Genesis 26, and focused on "Digging the Wells". The 80 or so participants were treated to talks by Lisa Whitaker, Camille Bishop and Al Akimoff. Besides the main sessions, the participants could choose to go to two different workshops: one on Monday and Tuesday, and the other on Wednesday and Thursday, both lasting a total of 6 hours.
 
]]> Many participants struggled to choose from the wide variety of workshops: from Communication to dynamic DTS, "how to read a book" to leading outreaches: each person could find their own particular interest and be taught in a small interactive setting: coming away not only with new knowledge and practical skills, but also new friendships in the group: "The modules were very helpful. It was good that the module groups were not so big, it made it easier to interact."
 
Another important aspect of the Equip was that everything was a model of how things should be done: One participant saw how the leadership helped us all process: "The conference had good and various models of how to lead the students to process. It helped me understand and experience more about the importance of processing and not only providing lectures.  I will give more effort to leading processing times in a creative way whether in schools or other corporate meetings." Another participant expressed it best: "I saw in the leaders servant hearts, humble spirits, generous people - it was a great environment for UNITY".
 
The Equip events are happening all over the world. Central Europe certainly looks forward to the next time they come to our neighbourhood!
 
Reporting by Belinda Chaplin, YWAM CE Communication Team: a part of EuroCom
]]> British election tv debate called a draw tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1898 2010-04-30T22:00:00Z 2010-04-28T06:55:04Z As Brits prepare for elections on May 9, the second television debate between the three main party leaders was considered a draw. This reflects the latest opinion polls which suggest no single party is on course to win an outright...
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While Nick Clegg, Lib Dem leader, was widely acknowledged to have won the first debate, his opponents, Gordon Brown, Labour and David Cameron conservatives sharpened up their act considerably in the last debate. Brown told his viewers that Cameron was a danger for the economy; Cameron demanded from Brown that Labour withdraw their accusations that the conservatives would cancel free bus passes for pensioners.
When Clegg said he planned to scrap plans to modern the nuclear submarine fleet, Brown interrupted and said, get real, Nick!  The viewers then heard Cameron say the unfamiliar words: "I agree with Gordon."
]]> Twin brother of Polish president killed in air crash running to fill brother's vacant position tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1897 2010-04-29T22:00:00Z 2010-04-28T06:53:57Z 60 year old Jaroslaw Kaczynski said that, despite his "personal pain", he would continue his brother's mission by standing in election to choose a replacement for his brother, Lech killed in a plane crash in Smolensk, western Russia on 10...
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Lech Kaczynski had been expected to run for re-election in October - although polls suggested he would lose.

While Jaroslaw Kaczynski could benefit from a significant sympathy vote in the wake of the tragedy, the Parliamentary Speaker Bronislaw Komorowski, who became  acting head of state after the crash, is expected to defeat Mr Kaczynski in the snap election on June 20.

The president, his wife and 94 senior officials were killed in a plane crash in Russia on 10 April.]]> Belgian King accepts PM's resignation tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1896 2010-04-28T06:50:40Z 2010-04-28T06:52:02Z
It was the third time he had offered his resignation since July 2008.
The palace statement said that the king had asked Mr Leterme to stay on in a caretaker capacity.

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The dispute concerns communities which have been trying to maintain their Flemish identity by removing the special voting rights of French-speakers.

Differences between the Dutch-speaking Flemish majority and French-speaking Walloon minority often threaten Belgian governments, but analysts have described the current crisis as particularly acute.
]]> Two-thirds of Europeans want Christian values tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1895 2010-04-17T22:00:00Z 2010-04-15T08:16:02Z Around two-thirds of Europeans feel that Christian values are relevant to modern life and are ready to acknowledge Church efforts to promote them. A survey conducted in France, Britain, Italy, Germany and Spain for the Catholic La Croix newspaper found... Around two-thirds of Europeans feel that Christian values are relevant to modern life and are ready to acknowledge Church efforts to promote them. A survey conducted in France, Britain, Italy, Germany and Spain for the Catholic La Croix newspaper found that 'Christian anchorage' among Europeans was still strong. Around half of Europeans also felt Christian values could promote dialogue with different cultures and religions and solidarity with the poor. Over half believed Christians were 'sufficiently visible' in society, but a quarter felt they were under-represented. However, only Italians felt the churches were doing a good job in communicating with young people.

Source: The Tablet (10/4)
]]> EU summit on Roma Inclusion in Spain tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1894 2010-04-16T22:00:00Z 2010-04-15T08:15:00Z As part of the EU's Year Against Poverty, the second European Summit on Roma inclusion took place in Córdoba (Spain), on the 8th and 9th April 2010. Approximately 400 representatives of EU institutions, national governments, regional and local public authorities...
]]> The first day of the Summit, 8 April is the International Roma day (celebrated since 1971). This symbolic timing, chosen by the Spanish presidency, acknowledged that Roma are an integral part of the history and civilisation of Europe. An award-giving ceremony dedicated to Roma culture and traditional Roma celebrations also took place on the afternoon of the first day of the Summit.

Roma communities, the European Union's largest ethnic minority, continue to face persistent discrimination and segregation. The aim of the Summit was to take stock of the achievements undertaken at EU level for Roma inclusion, over the past two years, and to renew the commitments. Within the recent developments at EU level, the Summit placed a particular focus on the 10 Common Basic Principles for Roma inclusion, which aim at guiding the EU institutions and Member States, candidate and potential candidate countries when they design and implement new policies or activities. 

The 10 Common Basic Principles on Roma Inclusion are:

1. Constructive, pragmatic and non-discriminatory policies 
2. Explicit but not exclusive targeting
3. Inter-cultural approach
4. Aiming for the mainstream
5. Awareness of the gender dimension
6. Transfer of evidence-based policies
7. Use of Community instruments
8. Involvement of regional and local authorities
9. Involvement of civil society
10. Active participation of the Roma
]]> Resurrection dance in Heroes Square, Budapest tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1893 2010-04-15T22:00:00Z 2010-04-15T08:13:02Z Easter was gray and cold in Budapest this year, as on Hero's square, 1,300 Christians from Faith Church put together a spectacular "Resurrection Dance". Cindy Hunt reports: "... it's the most inspiring thing I've seen! In the midst of lying...
Easter was gray and cold in Budapest this year, as on Hero's square, 1,300 Christians from Faith Church put together a spectacular "Resurrection Dance". Cindy Hunt reports: "... it's the most inspiring thing I've seen! In the midst of lying politicians, a terrible economy, and cold gray weather, the Children of God are looking up to Him and Celebrating the Resurrection for all they're worth!! "
Check it out: google faith church budapest, resurrection dance
]]> Easter drama in Trafalgar Square, London tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1892 2010-04-15T08:09:42Z 2010-04-15T08:11:16Z THE AGONY of Jesus' death on the cross was brought to life in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday through a 75-minute Passion play, following Jesus' entry into Jerusalem through to his resurrection appearances to the disciples. And thousands watched, many... THE AGONY of Jesus' death on the cross was brought to life in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday through a 75-minute Passion play, following Jesus' entry into Jerusalem through to his resurrection appearances to the disciples. And thousands watched, many close to tears, as the vivid re-enactment came to central London. The play's author and producer, Peter Hutley, said, 'I was overwhelmed by the impact our production had on so many people.'Seeing [the play] performed among the crowd in Trafalgar Square, seemed to heighten people's realisation they are part of his death and the reason for his resurrection'. Resurrection Sunday Dance, Budapest, Hungary tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1891 2010-04-14T09:41:29Z 2010-04-14T17:17:01Z On April 4, 2010, over 1,300 young people, all of them members of Faith Church celebrated Resurrection Sunday in Budapest.... On April 4, 2010, over 1,300 young people, all of them members of Faith Church celebrated Resurrection Sunday in Budapest. ]]> Scientists in Geneva excited about expected discoveries about the Universe tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1890 2010-04-09T04:00:00Z 2010-04-06T10:14:23Z A record number of collisions happened in and around Geneva over the past week-but none were accidents. They were some of the most carefully planned collisions in history, and are designed to make history by yielding answers to some of...
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It's superconducting magnets  accelerate particles. Two beams of particles called hadrons  are sent hurtling around the ring in opposite directions, close to the speed of light at very high energies, and are encouraged to collide. Large Hadron Collider LHC

"This is the moment we have been waiting and preparing for", said a spokesperson  "We're very much looking forward to the results from proton collisions to give us new insights into the evolution of matter in the early Universe."
The high-energy collisions produced by the LHC will re-create the conditions that governed the moments just after the Big Bang. Physicists hope that the collisions will create particles, even if only for a tiny instant, that have never been observed: they are the missing links of modern physics.

There's more to the Universe than meets the eye. Observations have shown that the things we can observe -- what's on our own planet and the planets, stars and galaxies in space -- only make up 4% of the stuff that's out there! The rest doesn't emit any electromagnetic radiation -- light -- and so we can't detect it by conventional methods. We know that it exists, though, because of its effects: the celestial bodies we can observe respond to gravitational forces much greater than those accounted for by known matter, and the Universe's expansion is accelerated by some strange repulsive force.]]> Pope's chaplain offers apologies for Good Friday quotation tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1889 2010-04-08T04:00:00Z 2010-04-06T10:14:56Z The pope's chaplain, Raniero Cantalamessa, has apologised after causing an outburst of protest for quoting a letter from a Jewish friend during his Good Friday sermon in St Peter's in the presence of the pope. The letter compared the storm...
]]> However, criticism is also coming from within the loyal ranks of the Church who believe that the Vatican's response has been too passive and is damaging the church's moral authority.

In the pope's Easter sunday address, he made no reference to the sexual abuse issue.
However, senior Catholics across Europe did use their Easter sermons in an unprecedented expression of apology for the way the church had dealt with paedophile priests and acknowledged the damage the scandal had caused to its moral authority. They asked congregations for their forgiveness and urged them not to abandon the church because of past sins.

Cardinal Sean Brady, the primate of Ireland, "I pledge to you that, from now on, my overriding concern will always be the safety and protection of everyone in the church - but especially children and all those who are vulnerable."
In Austria, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn apologised for the abuse at an emotional pre-Easter mass. "We confess our guilt to the many whom we have wronged as the church, and whom some of us have wronged very directly."]]> Serbian parliament apologises for Srebrenica tag:www.ywam.eu,2010://4.1888 2010-04-06T07:21:43Z 2010-04-06T10:04:59Z The Serbian Parliament has condemned the murders of Srebrenica, carried out 15 years ago by Serbian soldiers during the Bosnian war. The parliament, who now wants to join the EU, passed the resolution by a small majority....
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However as the narrow majority showed, not everyone in Serbia is happy with the result. Conservatives refer to the events of Srebrenica as no worse than anything that happened elsewhere.

Nevertheless EU officials welcomed the vote result as an 'important step' which would be good for reconciliation in the region. ]]>