ELF 2011 Gathering in Budapest

Wednesday's sessions included input from the Regional leaders and interactive presentations on the concepts and models of pioneering in YWAM ministries. Questions such as the use of revelation vs. strategy to reach more of Europe and how bases can do things differently to pioneer more works from the local, national and regional levels were brought to the table for break-off groups to discuss. 

We heard many stories from some current pioneering works around the continent. For instance, YWAM Ireland was recently given a new property in Northern Ireland that is being pioneered as the national training centre for Ireland. In the Czech Republic a new community is being formed to reach out to the dark and broken places in the border towns. God's boundless provision led a Norwegian couple to begin a DTS just 6 weeks after moving into a new city. Many principles of pioneering such as hearing God's voice, stepping out in humility and courageous faith, emerged from each of these stories and many others that were shared throughout the day. Leaders were exhorted through the story of Caleb and Joshua from the Old Testament. Are they prepared to take on the "giants" around them in order to step into God's promises and experience multiplication in ministries?

Recognizing the different approaches to pioneering and sharing testimonies of how God is moving throughout the European Region was key in encouraging leaders to step out in greater faith, boldness and courage to embrace the fresh move of God throughout all of Europe. 

Afternoon workshops allowed leaders to explore pioneering in more specific ways and both formal and informal networking, prayer and worship times were weaved throughout the day.

On Thursday, leaders were brought together to focus on partnership. Input from current ministry, national and regional partnerships within YWAM encouraged other bases to form strategic links to expand their ministries if they have not already.

Interactive presentations and break-out sessions continued to dive deeper into the models, challenges and benefits of partnering. The Regional Leadership Team suggested a new approach by combining the Western/Central Regions and the Northern/Eastern Regions for an in depth discussion of potential links and support that they can offer each other. 

 

There are still dozens of major cities around Europe that are untapped by YWAM presence. The prayer, discussion and networking of the forum inspired new ideas for how to reach these cities. As Carmelita Clarke, the Central European Regional Leader put it -- God is weaving together a rich fabric here that we are going to be able to draw from in the future.

In his introduction to the week, Stephe Mayers said there's been a real sense that this is a pivotal time for YWAM in Europe. Bridges are meant to be formed to link the isolated, pioneering teams. There needs to be links to resources and other bases. The forum gave that time and space for pioneering leaders to connect their vision with others and move forward towards strategic planning and partnering in the future.