News > Europe

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, about 200 young and old people gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Lichtblick in Cologne. In 1999, some young people, mostly the children of the missionaries and the first generation of shepherds, took the initiative to create an open door for the young generation to look at the light of Jesus and gain confidence that God loves each and every one of them.

Josef H. said his whole school class came to this youth service at least once. Jan W. testified that he was the only German at that time, felt at home, and could accept God's love. Not only friends of UBF came to this special anniversary, but also some from neighboring churches. They seemed very interested in how youth work can be practically organized today. At the end of the event, a young attendee asked: “I have been a believer for a year and would like to know how I can win people for Christ.” The answer was: “Yes, fellowship with pizza is important! By that, we mean that a shared interest in youth work is significant (John 4:7).” Lichtblickgottesdienst is a source of ideas for many in Germany and abroad that some similar events take place worldwide without losing focus on God's word and message about the unchanging love of God. Example: Joynity in Heidelberg.

This youth ministry initiative played a major role in the development of the UBF ministry in Europe, in which the young generation takes ownership, and the older generation prays in the background. May God bless this monthly Youth Worship so that "one more lost soul" may come to Jesus and accept "God loves me!"

(Who contributed to the event? Maria G., Jejin Y. & Co: Coordination; Interviewer: Josef K.; Interviewees: Titus K, Josef H, John Y, Jan W, and Wesley S. from Heidelberg.)