Written by Nicky Andrews (UK)

Lots of laughs (and a few yawns), lugging heavy rucksacks, the four young people arriving at the city youth hostel from the railway station look pretty much like other Gen Zers on the European backpacker circuit. So far, so normal. Later however, they’re noticed declining the offers of drugs and alcohol, and they don’t go clubbing. But they’re having real fun, even though none of the two boys and two girls are ‘involved’ with each other, or seeking that with other hostellers. They’re just everyone’s brother or sister. Not normal at all.

Answers for a searching generation

Yet others notice the positive energy  about the foursome as they cook together in the self-catering kitchen (did they really close their eyes and talk to  an invisible ‘somebody’ before eating??) Later, they might be seen in the communal seating area, or at a café table, looking at their screens in a purposeful way, discussing something, serious yet animated….Some from the young international crowd hanging around are curious, edging closer and listening in. They’ve heard of the Bible but know nothing of it, and ‘Jesus’, that’s a swear-word isn’t it? Turns out Jesus is a living person, and somehow is the Son of God, the source of that positive energy which makes these four particular Gen Zers  so ‘different’…..

The journey is the mission

These scenes from a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) are played out again and again in international youth hostels across central and southern Europe - wherever OM UK’s Race Across Europe (RAE)  teams  are staying as they cross the continent for 4 or 8 weeks. And not just in hostels; there’s lots of time to share a DBS, or talk about Jesus, with curious new friends while travelling city to city - on a train, station platform, a ferry or coach; time in a global context to live out the gospel values of love, kindness, generosity and humility, while deepening your relationship with God. All in all, to borrow OM’s tagline, “The journey is the mission!”

The Race Across Europe distinctive

But the other key feature of the adventure is meaningful time living and serving  with OM teams and local churches in some of the countries you visit. Prepare to be taken out of your comfort zone as you serve alongside OMers in diverse local ministries – you could be involved for example in street evangelism; refugee ministry; youth/kids’ programmes; work with homeless people and drug addicts. You’ll be inspired to explore the call of Jesus’ Great Commission on your own future!

Now in its second year, RAE is designed by OM UK for 18-25 year olds who are passionate about sharing their faith, love travel and meeting new people. Maybe you’ve just finished school or university, or have the summer holidays ahead? The 4 week option could be for you. Or with 8 weeks to give, visit more countries, and spend longer in each place.

Get set – go!

Participants are allocated into teams of about 4 people (plus one OM leader per team). In the summer of 2024, the three RAE teams on the 4-week option set out after an intensive weekend of spiritual and practical preparation in the UK. They fanned out across Europe taking trains on three different routes, each team visiting a different set of cities. Half way through their month’s adventure, all 3 teams reunited at OM’s Romania base. Time for a joint debrief with OM leaders; time too to swap testimonies and stories, hints and tips – even rest! Next, a special opportunity for all 3 teams to serve together in outreach led by OM Romania’s village ministry – a total contrast to the capital cities the teams had visited so far. After a week in Romania, off by train again for more gospel adventures, following another 3 varied routes back to the UK for a final reunion and debrief. Altogether, the teams had stayed in hostels, or with OM teams, in 11 countries across their 4-week experience!

A participant’s perspective

With time to spare before starting a social work degree, 18 year-old Chloe from the UK took the 4- week option in June 2024. She’d been sensing God prompt her to step out of her comfort zone to share the gospel with people who didn’t know about Jesus, and she really wanted to travel. RAE offered all this, so Chloe signed up for her first-ever outreach anywhere! Her particular team went through France, Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary to reach Romania, returning via Austria, Croatia, Germany again and Belgium! What was her verdict at the end?

“I would 100% recommend this outreach to others. It’s such an amazing way  to go on an adventure with God, grow in your own faith, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and help and love others like Jesus. It’s also just so much fun, you meet so many great people from so many different countries and walks of life, and get to explore some super cool countries together!”

“The trip definitely impacted my personal time with God, and increased my confidence to share my faith with others since starting at university. I am definitely less afraid of talking about my faith and sharing the good news of Jesus now!”

Time to apply for this year’s adventures!

You’ve just got time to apply for the 8 week RAE starting on 24^th March 2025 – applications must be in by 24^th February!

For this summer’s 4 week options, you can head off on 2^nd June (apply by 21^st April) or 1^st July (apply by 19^th May)

Visit www.uk.om.org/race-across-europe soon to find out more!