Celebrating the bible

With music and dancing the International UEM Bible Camp has started in the Woodpecker Centre of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana (ELCB). 180 participants from Botswana, Germany, Cameroon, Namibia, South Africa and Tanazania had prepared a touching programme. Prayers, songs and dances made the opening a big celebration. Even the national anthem of Botswana was sung by the young people from six countries as a sign of friendship to the hosting church.

Big number of guests of honour

The president of the youth department of the ELCB,Tswelelang Maswabi, referred to the young people from Sri Lanka, who could not come because of visa problems. "You cannot be with us personally, but we keep you in our hearts", he said. The importance of the Bible Camp became visible when noting the big number of guests of honour. The General Secretary of the ELCB, Dickson Moyambo, adressed the young people directly: "the interest was overwhelming, many more young people wished to be here, but there was no more space here in the Woodpecker Centre. It is nice to have you here. Learn from each other, live with each other and become friends."

Lively spirituality as a model for Europe

Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, General Secretary of the UEM, had come directly from the African Regional Assembly. He referred to the roots of the process of internationalisation of UEM, which started in Ramatea in Botwana. He called upon the young people to grow together and expressed his delight that so many young people have come to Botswana in faith and love to the Lord. This lively spirituality shall be a model for Europe.

Creative writing and inclusion

In the next days the participants of the Bible Camp can experience varoius workshops such as Youth and Evangelisation, creative writing, the power of symbols or inclusion.