What in the world is the WELC?
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YWAM Europe is sub-divided into four regions: West, North, Central and East. West consists of all the nations west of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. North is made up of Scandinavia (including Finland & Iceland) plus the Baltic States. The former Soviet Union (except the Baltics) is the region which makes up East. Central comprises the former communist states in Europe plus Greece.
A Western European Leadership Consultation (WELC) was held between March 8-12 in Dublin city centre. A gathering of strategy, worship, prayer, and networking between leaders and emerging leaders in YWAM Western Europe. About 190 YWAM participants were hosted in a Youth Hostel in the heart of the city which was under or beside (depending on the floor which one’s bedroom was on) a busy suburban railway. Our meetings were held just across the road from the hostel in “The Exchange” which is a part of the Trinity Church network.
The week together was memorable on several counts. God’s presence was very real and He met with everyone in tangible ways. The times of worship were exceptional and were led by a group of musicians who’d never played together before but who were nevertheless extremely anointed. There was a sense of God wanting to reawaken the spiritual heritage of Ireland during much of the WELC.
“FOCUS” was the theme of the WELC and we were encouraged by YWAM Western Europe Leader Stephe Mayers to focus on the future that God desires for YWAM in this region. In addition to plenary sessions each morning and evening, working groups on subjects like “working with the urban poor”, “living single for the Lord”, “developing new teams”, “4K”, and “networking in cities” took place each afternoon. A couple of highlights from the evening sessions were an open celebration of 50 years of YWAM as well as an evening dedicated to hearing stories from YWAMers who are working in urban teams in cities across the region.
For pictures of each day at the WELC please click here
