Our fourth article in this series comes to us from an Br Phill Battelle in Ockbrook.

He reflects on how travelling has helped shape his perspective on Youth Work.

My passion in youth work started at an early age, actually being a part of summer camps and youth weekends. I was influenced and led by many great leaders and their energy and enthusiasm in leading definitely left its mark. This set me on a path to one day becoming a leader, in various camp groups, organising events and taking the full lead in running Summer Camp for a number of years. For me seeing the campers or attendees to events realise their confidence, their personalities, and make connections not only with new friends but also perhaps with God in a safe, uplifting space was so rewarding. It was the same experience I had had so many times before and it was fantastic to be able to offer that to many others.

The passion for offering these experiences and developing my own confidence in ability, opened doors to numerous other linked opportunities. I was invited to go as part of the British delegation to South Africa, which in turn saw me join the Unity Youth Team as the European representative and also assist, where needed, with our Provincial PYCC.

It also led me to some further reaches of our Unity when I travelled and worked with the Shristi Academy in Nepal and got involved with the local Moravian churches youth work there. That truly was an eye-opening experience and a chance to renew energies (and share a few camp games) with a whole new group of youth members and leaders. I spent time with them in bible studies, Sunday school, youth groups, music groups, assisting with teaching, leading school Olympics … the list goes on. Just like being at camp as a kid, it was amazing to be part of a collective energy that was passionate about leading the next generation, through teaching, sharing, fellowship and most importantly having fun!

More recently I have taken a step back from youth work due to various reasons. However, my last big involvement was in the organising and leading of the Unity Youth Heritage Tour in Tanzania. A four-week event with delegates travelling from all over the world to join us as we toured round the various Moravian provinces was not an easy task. Again, the passion, the enthusiasm and the love of seeing people come together to form lifelong bonds and share experiences was a joy and unforgettable highlight of my life. I pray the delegates from that tour will go on to share their passion and energy with their own congregations and youth members.

I have been exceptionally blessed during my time in youth work and I thank God every day for the opportunity to be part of a young person’s experience in church as well as getting to meet so many wonderful people I now call friends. If you, reading this, have a passion for youth work; do get involved! You never know where it will lead or who you might meet …