Linz, Austria GYC Europe Trip 2012
As a regular Generation Youth Christ (GYC) attendee for the last 6 years, I was so excited to find out that there would be the 1st GYC Europe meeting in Linz, Austria. I began to check on flights and hostel reservations. I knew that Europe is yet one more place that needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not knowing much about Linz, Austria, I started to research this European country and specifically the city of Linz. Time had passed quickly and my father and I were boarding the plane for a long 16 hour international flight. Upon our arrival to Linz, Austria, we were welcomed by other GYC Europe attendees.
We settled down for the night in a compact hostel about 20 minutes from the convention center where the meeting were being held. The following day, over 500 people came together for the morning devotional thought. I had signed up to volunteer as security. My role was to help secure the venue and to help people find their way around the convention center and the different seminar rooms. It was so exciting to see young people on fire for the Lord and wanting to share with others. It was a great blessing to witness how the Lord had brought so many talented people together to share the Gospel with the city of Linz.
On Friday, it was outreach day. We received our maps and designated territories where we would go with a partner and witness to the people that we meet on the streets of Linz. Also we had an opportunity to do some door knocking. I was a bit intimidated, going into the city and not knowing the language. Yet, I was blessed to be partnered up with someone who knew German and it made it easier for us to communicate with the local people. We discussed the topic of death on the streets of Linz. Heaven and hell was a topic that caught people’s attention as we shared GLOW tracks with them. All in all, many were willing to take the time and exchange a short conversation with us before turning us away. It was a bit discouraging for me at first. I didn’t want to continue.
Then as we were walking across the street, we saw a few boy standing around smoking and drinking beer. We engaged in a conversation about health. These boys were not aware of their consequences do to their lake of awareness and guidance in the area of health. Most of the people in Europe are smokers. It’s very common to find every 2nd or 3rd person with a cigarette. It’s so common, that kids at the age of 12 or 13 are starting to smoke. It seemed to me like everyone was a smoker. We were able to share with them a few insights on health and to encourage them to quit smoking before it was too late. We gave them a few GLOW tracks on health and continued on to the next house.
As I look back on this outreach mission project, I see how God was taking care of all the details to allow me to experience firsthand what it’s like to share Christ on the streets of Europe. When we step out in faith, His grace and mercy is sufficient for us even in Europe. To God be the glory for what He is doing in the lives of men and women in Europe who are open to His calling and hear His still small voice calling them. Maranatha!