Last year we held our Debut for Reach Conference here on our center. A time for lots of Young People, ages 16-30, to gather together for lots of great singing, sharing from the Word, live Links to tribal missionaries, amazing fellowship and fine dining - just to name a few. Last year we had 120 young people join us for the week-end. The place was hustling and bustling this year as we turned the first two numbers around - we had 210.
From our experience last year, we had more of an idea of what to expect this year, along with things to change, delete or improve. Besides being on the planning committee and quite involved during the Conference (MC on Sunday, helping to man the ‘Time Out’ Table and part of the Drama), Ragnar did all the registrations. Tons and tons of emails went back and forth.
Besides folk coming from all over the U.K. , a bus load made its way here from the Netherlands, several groups joined us from Germany as well as a number from Italy. After the dorms and classrooms (made into dorms) were full, the overflow came to staff housing.
From our experience last year, we had more of an idea of what to expect this year, along with things to change, delete or improve. Besides being on the planning committee and quite involved during the Conference (MC on Sunday, helping to man the ‘Time Out’ Table and part of the Drama), Ragnar did all the registrations. Tons and tons of emails went back and forth.
Besides folk coming from all over the U.K. , a bus load made its way here from the Netherlands, several groups joined us from Germany as well as a number from Italy. After the dorms and classrooms (made into dorms) were full, the overflow came to staff housing. We rearranged all our furniture to make ‘beds’ in several rooms in our home, and had plans to sleep in our office building. However at the last minute, after seeing the beautiful weather, several decided to sleep in tents, freeing us to actually sleep on our own mattress after all. We are glad we had a few stay with us though - a great way to get to know them on a more personal level. 
Coffee break - we were busy baking cakes, cookies and other goodies the few weeks prior to the conference. 
Lining up in the dining hall.
Coffee break - we were busy baking cakes, cookies and other goodies the few weeks prior to the conference. 
Lining up in the dining hall. 
Information on Short Term opportunities. Saturday afternoon the group was divided into 3 for observing different events. The Cross Cultural Communication Class did a fantastic job of showing things they have studied in class - Literacy, Medical, Tech Tips and much more. 
We were involved in a scene in an African village. The hours both students and staff spent in preparing this ‘tribal village’ were well worth it. 
A great job done in bringing Africa to this remote corner of the world. People were busy sweeping their yards, cooking yams and bananas, pounding rice and much more while a very real tribal event was taking place. 
Recognize the coffee maker?
A great way to show folks, in a ½ hr. time slot, why we are involved in the job we are - why we want to share the best news in the world with those who have never yet had a chance to hear it. 
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