Compared to some other countries, Germany is a rather small nation. So you can imagine that the number of members and youth in our churches is also not very large. Many of us are scattered all over the country. For this reason we decided to have at least three youth conventions yearly.
During the December break there is always a youth convention parallel to a seminar for the adults. We had many visitors at our last meeting, December 23–27, 2000. Some came from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, and Switzerland. The youth had a separate program, but some studies, such as the ones on health, current world events, and the sanctuary message, were held together with the adults.
Our morning and evening worship meditations were held by the youth. The topics were based on Christ’s temptations, betrayal, sufferings, death, and resurrection, and His love for us. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1, 2). The Spirit of Prophecy says that every day we should study and ponder what Christ has done for us.
After lunch on Sunday, we visited two homes for the elderly in order to sing songs that we had practiced earlier in the morning. It was amazing to see how several nurses and even some of the elderly stood next to us and tried to sing with us.
“It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 83.
We passed out little cards with Bible verses on them to each resident. In one of the homes a geriatric nurse told us that they were actually expecting the usual Christmas songs, yet they enjoyed our songs a lot. We were invited to come again to both places at the next opportunity (perhaps this spring).
During the day we had interesting studies, walked, and had different activities. In the evenings we sat by the fireside and sang songs, made Bible quizzes, or just shared experiences with one another.
This is just a brief picture of how our youth conventions are. But to get a general idea you should come to Germany. We would be very happy to have you join us. See you in Germany!
P.S. Don’t worry about the language. The German youth speak (or at least understand) English.