21 June 2023, Hadsund, Denmark [Dorte Thyregod Svendsen]
The Danish Camp meeting is in many ways a camp meeting for all ages! From a youth perspective, however, all the action and fun takes place in the youth and Pathfinder area, including the kids tent. For sure, there are times when all campers meet together in the big tent, but the programme led by the SABUS department (for children, teens, young adults, youth, Pathfinders and family ministry) is where old friendships are renewed and new ones made.
Camp meeting is a huge deal! It is the one time of the year where members and friends of the Danish Union of Churches Conference get to spend a long weekend praising God, singing, talking, playing – and eating a lot of cake!
This year the hub for youth, young adults, Pathfinders and Rover Camp was set up in a new location, creating a small village, ideal for folk to mingle over a cup of hot chocolate. Blessed with wonderful musicians and lots of worship, Dejan Stojkovic (TED Youth and Pathfinder director) led the worship talks. But as much talking and singing took place, the camp schedule ensured there was space and time for participants to pray, just talking with God about whatever matter they wanted to talk with Him about.
Many really interesting things are happening in Denmark at the moment. Some groups of young people are working with ideas of what it means to be a church today – and what it could look like tomorrow. They are youth who want to experience God’s power in their lives, in order to share their story with others. With creative minds and fresh thinking, there are so many things to share and so many life changing methods to explore.
Another project underway is The Spiritual Caravan. A group of young adults have purchased an old caravan, which they are currently re-building for the purpose of creating a mobile meeting place, dedicated to sharing the joy of God’s love and influence in their lives. “But surely it’s the purpose of church building to do that?” Indeed, but the intent of The Spiritual Caravan is to take the church to people – instead of people to the church.
With this big picture vision, the plan is to be mobile and meet as amny young people around Denmark as possible, with the ability to serve a meal, and connect with youth in their own community. The caravan creates an opportunity to take the church to the beach, to small cities, and even to the homes of people. With the first stop for The Spiritual Caravan – camp meeting, its next stop will be Teen Camp during the summer holidays.
To conclude camp, there was a tremendous worship concert with a variety of wonderful songs. It was possible thanks to the blessed and creative talents of some great home grown musicians and singers. At times the music was a bit loud! But who can hold back when praising the Lord? The Bible indicates that we really should not! Because as David and Israel worshipped according to 1 Chronicles 13:8 (NIV), “David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets.”
The Danish camp meeting took place from 18-21 May 2023. “Camp Meeting is always a blessing, and this year was no exception! When thinking of visiting Denmark, consider coming during Camp Meeting season!” said attendees, sharing their delight and anticipation for future gatherings.
[Photos/ Video: Dejan Stojkovic]
