In February for one weekend, we took 7 Roman students to an Agape European Student Conference in Bristol, England. It was quite the experience… thinking back to my first Crusade conference, how it was a bit intimidating at first as a young freshman… I couldn’t imagine what that would be like in a different country, with a different language, and with a mix of cultures. Some of our students did experience some culture/conference shock, but overall it was a beneficial experience for the students.
We arrived to the conference on Friday evening after traveling all day, had dinner, and then went to the meeting that evening with worship music. Most of our students are Catholic and have never heard worship music with a band, instead of an organ, so many times the students would say “I feel like I’m at a concert.” At night, everyone split up to sleep in different churches across Bristol. Sleeping on the floor & freezing may not be the most comfortable way to sleep, but it is quite the bonding experience… even the Italians think so. 
On Saturday, there were more sessions of speakers & worship in the morning. One of the speakers was Javier Garcia, who is one of the “three amigos” of the Agape Europe leadership. The Italians were touched by his talk, and also by Javier’s Spanish friend who is a doctor by profession, but said that he is first & foremost an ambassador for Christ. For most of our students in Rome, they have come in contact with few people who are truly passionate about Christ, other than Agape staff, so it was great for them to see that you can follow Jesus and work in any field that you want. In the afternoon, we went sharing with the students. It was a first for some of them, and was so great to see them take that step of faith. Saturday evening, there was a session of creative outreach ideas, including Soularium, short films, and meals with a message. The Italian students seemed to enjoy this part and are open to trying these techniques with their friends and campus!
Sunday was our last day at the conference, and one of the highlights was getting to pray for each of the countries represented in the room. I hope this time really gave the students a heart for the nations and a greater understanding of how God is moving all across Europe. After the conference, one of the students commented on how differences in the Christian churches aren’t what matter, but how we should be united, unified in Christ. The weekend after the conference, another student shared at church about the conference. This was the same student who said she was reminded at the conference that she doesn’t need to go to another country to share Jesus with others, but how she should be reaching her family, her friends, her community, and her campus.
I am continually amazed at how God is moving in the hearts of students and in the city of Rome.
Students & staff from Rome at the conference in Bristol!
