In Summer 2004 we ran our first ‘Challenge Programme’ – with great results! So what’s the background to it? 

A quote in the October 2003 Crosslinks magazine read, “Nearly 70% of the world’s population does not acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. And with every day that passes, people are dying without a saving knowledge of Christ. This is the challenge that faces us all…” 

The Challenge Programme was set up to help young adults and students meet the challenge of bringing the Gospel to those who do not yet know Christ – whether in Ireland or overseas. 

Challenge Ireland 

In amongst the water-fights, ‘shaming-the-leader’ competitions, sports and much more at last summer’s camps and holiday clubs we looked at the question, “What’s the BIG picture?” It was amazing to watch children and young people getting to grips with the Bible and starting to understand that Jesus is the fulfilment of all that was promised in the Old Testament. It was such a privilege to witness some commit their lives to Christ and to watch others think seriously about their role in God’s mission plan. 

Summer 2005 

Challenge’s second season promises to be just as good! The camps have the title ‘The Kingdom’s King’, plus there’s a full club programme; both focusing on Mark’s Gospel. There are teams heading to the Arctic, Kenya, South-East Asia and Uganda, with leadership opportunities at a summer camp in Serbia. Please pray that all the places are filled, and perhaps even think about getting involved yourself! For more information on how to support the Challenge Programme in Ireland contact: mlacy@crosslinks.org 

Challenge International 

Our first ever Challenge International team spent three weeks based at Carlile College in Nairobi, involved in a variety of work. (Jan 05 magazine). Since returning, the team has made a positive impact all over Ireland speaking about their experiences. 

Click here for current information on Challenge

Short term Great Britain 

Through the London office, smile continued to inspire young people with short-term mission assignments in various countries: 6 to South- East Asia, 11 to The Gambia, 1 to Ethiopia and 3 to the A Rocha project in Portugal. Also during the year we began to develop our next programme for older shorttermers, with volunteers going out to Tanzania, Ethiopia and India. 

Crosslinks magazine July 2005 index