After impacting the big cities of Austria, the Mission Team of the Seminary in Bogenhofen decided to return to the country´s capital during November 20-21 and team up with the English-speaking Church of S. d. Adventists in doing Mission
It was a wonderful time of Christian fellowship and spiritual encouragement. Messages on the Mission of Hope from the Scriptures and beautiful gospel music uplifted the soul throughout the weekend.
Friday night´s vesper was held by Lukas Panholzer, a 16 year old academy student who is active in Mission traveling to foreign countries for evangelism, showing that there is a great need for mission in a hopeless world like ours. From the Sabbath School Program to the Sermon, the Sabbath Services focused on the Mission of Hope. Karl Heinz Schell, a senior in the Seminary, talked about mission being part of our Seventh-day Adventist Identity.
After a delicious potluck prepared by brothers and sisters of the church, the young people went on their way to the various homes ready to share God´s message of hope. With books and surveys, they knocked from door to door with the aim to meet people who were deeply in need for God. Many were astonished about the youth´s enthusiasm in their bold stand for their beliefs and for the Bible. The work was richly blessed. They were able to gather a number of new contacts and meet people who were interested in studying the Bible. While reaching people in the district, brothers and sisters left in the church had the possibility to learn something about small Bible groups. Florian Huber, a freshman in seminary, gave some helpful tips and insights about forming small groups.
It was a joy to listen to the many experiences that the youth have made during their outreach endeavor. Indeed God is moving people´s hearts, even in a big city like Vienna.
On Saturday evening, a special presentation was held by Philipp Reiner, leader of the mission team and a junior in seminary, on the topic “How Good is the Good News.” Beside the members of the church, the meeting was also attended by some visitors. Reiner talked on the topic of the cross and how the death of Christ can make a difference in our lives. Through the Bible, he showed that the Christian faith indeed has good news for human kind.
During social time, the church´s young people joined the members of the Mission Team to downtown Vienna. They enjoyed the Christmas market and beautiful lights of the city.
The Mission Team is part of the student body of the Seminary in Bogenhofen. This team is a group of young people with a burning desire for mission. They aim to show other young people that God has touched and changed their lives. Their main goal is to reach as many people for Christ in Austria.