"Seit 1962 entwickeln sich die Change Camps stetig weiter. Sie verbinden tiefe Gemeinschaft, starke Gotteserfahrungen und das Eintauchen in andere Kulturen. Durch kreative Outreaches mit Sport, praktischen Einsätzen, Worship und Prayer Walks wachsen wir in einen evangelistischen Lebensstil. Unsere Vision ist, Jesus in verschiedenen Nationen bekannt zu machen und Jugendliche für ein Leben zu begeistern, das Gott ehrt. Wir wollen lokale Kirchen unterstützen und ein Segen für Menschen vor Ort sein. Ein Change Camp soll das Leben der Teilnehmenden nachhaltig verändern, ihr Herz neu für Gott entfachen und sie mit Leidenschaft für Mitmenschen, Regionen und Nationen erfüllen – damit sie diese Begeisterung auch in ihren Alltag tragen."
Impact Day will take place for the first time in 2026—a new event where the Change Camp community wants to come together to grow in faith, live out discipleship in everyday life, and empower others. This day stems from a desire to create a space where people are encouraged to deepen their faith, take responsibility, and share what God has already done in their lives.
As the Change Camp Community, we want to invest in people, promote a lifestyle that honors God, strengthen local churches, and make Jesus known across cultures and borders. Impact Day is an expression of this vision. On this day, we want to take a look at the work of MSD and Change Camps together: hear what God is already doing, share stories and experiences, and discover how we ourselves can be part of it—in our churches, teams, and personal relationships.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, FMG Frutigen will open its doors for this special day. Stefan and Susanne von Rüti (founders & leaders of ISTL) will be there to share their experiences and their heart for discipleship. The key verse, 2 Timothy 2:2, sums up the purpose of Impact Day: “Entrust what you have heard from me to faithful people who are able to teach others as well.”
What to expect:
Inspiring input
Exchange and networking
Lunch together
Q&A over coffee and cake
When & where Saturday, March 21, 2026 Time: 9:30 a.m. – approx. 2:30 p.m., open-ended Location: FMG Frutigen Info & registration Cost: Free admission (collection) Target group: Anyone who wants to live and multiply discipleship – regardless of whether you are already involved with Change Camps or not. People of all ages are welcome. Registration is via QR code or the following link – registration until March 14, 2026:
A new day that encourages, connects, and equips – we look forward to seeing you!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
"Seit 1962 entwickeln sich die Change Camps stetig weiter. Sie verbinden tiefe Gemeinschaft, starke Gotteserfahrungen und das Eintauchen in andere Kulturen. Durch kreative Outreaches mit Sport, praktischen Einsätzen, Worship und Prayer Walks wachsen wir in einen evangelistischen Lebensstil. Unsere Vision ist, Jesus in verschiedenen Nationen bekannt zu machen und Jugendliche für ein Leben zu begeistern, das Gott ehrt. Wir wollen lokale Kirchen unterstützen und ein Segen für Menschen vor Ort sein. Ein Change Camp soll das Leben der Teilnehmenden nachhaltig verändern, ihr Herz neu für Gott entfachen und sie mit Leidenschaft für Mitmenschen, Regionen und Nationen erfüllen – damit sie diese Begeisterung auch in ihren Alltag tragen."
In 2025, we were once again able to celebrate Christmas at Loebegge in Bern. With over 100 people in attendance, we witnessed how people were touched by God's presence, paused to reflect, and in some cases heard the gospel for the first time.
A group was out on the streets of Bern talking to people. We were able to give away over 40 Bibles and also offer visitors some practical gifts in the form of punch and cookies. We are particularly grateful that we were able to work with several churches in the region again this year. This unity was palpable and visible: Christians from different churches stood side by side, prayed together, praised God, and proclaimed the gospel. On December 25, this became a visible expression of what the Bible describes as the “body of Christ”—different members with different tasks, all pursuing a common goal, namely to make Jesus known. At the end of our mission, we gathered as a group in front of the Federal Palace. There we prayed together for Switzerland: we prayed that many people would come to faith in Jesus, that the church and Christians would have a clear and loving voice in society, and that God would grant unity and wisdom in political decisions. It was particularly moving to see people of different generations standing there together, young and old, gathered in the cold and darkness with a common purpose, namely to pray for their country.
Afterwards, the premises of the EGW Bern were made available to us. This allowed us to celebrate Christmas together as a group of around 100 people and end the evening with hot dogs.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
"Seit 1962 entwickeln sich die Change Camps stetig weiter. Sie verbinden tiefe Gemeinschaft, starke Gotteserfahrungen und das Eintauchen in andere Kulturen. Durch kreative Outreaches mit Sport, praktischen Einsätzen, Worship und Prayer Walks wachsen wir in einen evangelistischen Lebensstil. Unsere Vision ist, Jesus in verschiedenen Nationen bekannt zu machen und Jugendliche für ein Leben zu begeistern, das Gott ehrt. Wir wollen lokale Kirchen unterstützen und ein Segen für Menschen vor Ort sein. Ein Change Camp soll das Leben der Teilnehmenden nachhaltig verändern, ihr Herz neu für Gott entfachen und sie mit Leidenschaft für Mitmenschen, Regionen und Nationen erfüllen – damit sie diese Begeisterung auch in ihren Alltag tragen."
Last fall, another group traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina to serve there—days filled with encounters, work, joy, and faith. Together with the local missionaries, the team was able to lend a hand and support them in their daily work. Once again, it became clear that God's love is not only shown in big words, but also through practical help.
In all these moments, it became clear how much God's love connects us. Between joint worship services, times of praise, and devotions, faith was strengthened. Challenges from everyday life were shared with one another, and there was space to pray for one another. Thus, this trip became a time of service, learning, and growth in faith.
For the local missionaries, the group's visit is always a great blessing. This time, the team was able to build a new table and a new staircase, among other things—practical help that will make their everyday lives easier and remain visible for a long time to come. The long-standing relationship between the group and the missionaries is a great gift for both sides: trust has grown, friendships have developed, and time and again, everyone involved experiences how God works and encourages through this connection.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
"Seit 1962 entwickeln sich die Change Camps stetig weiter. Sie verbinden tiefe Gemeinschaft, starke Gotteserfahrungen und das Eintauchen in andere Kulturen. Durch kreative Outreaches mit Sport, praktischen Einsätzen, Worship und Prayer Walks wachsen wir in einen evangelistischen Lebensstil. Unsere Vision ist, Jesus in verschiedenen Nationen bekannt zu machen und Jugendliche für ein Leben zu begeistern, das Gott ehrt. Wir wollen lokale Kirchen unterstützen und ein Segen für Menschen vor Ort sein. Ein Change Camp soll das Leben der Teilnehmenden nachhaltig verändern, ihr Herz neu für Gott entfachen und sie mit Leidenschaft für Mitmenschen, Regionen und Nationen erfüllen – damit sie diese Begeisterung auch in ihren Alltag tragen."
On December 11, we at Missionswerk MSD enjoyed our Christmas dinner together at Restaurant Rohrbach. We started with a delicious aperitif, followed by a wonderful three-course meal. Since I don't often get to attend team events, it was especially nice for me to spend the evening with everyone from the team. All of our spouses were there too, so we ended up being a large and diverse group. The room was filled with pleasant and meaningful conversations, lots of joy, and the aroma of delicious food. The nice thing was that we simply had time to talk to each other. Since we are in the office on different days as a team, it was all the more enjoyable to simply have time with each other and for each other. I myself am in the office about once a week and am always fascinated by the openness, warmth, and above all appreciation with which everyone treats me. I am wholeheartedly grateful to be part of the team and to be working with such wonderful people. I am constantly reminded of how Jesus is at the center of all processes and decisions, and how the mission work of msd is carried out through God's grace, glory, and greatness.
Later in the evening, things got a little emotional and we were able to thank God together in prayer for the year 2025, give him all the glory and look back on how he has guided us on all our paths, carried us through challenges and was always there with us in the most beautiful moments. Afterwards, we gathered around Kusi and Silvio Z. (co-leaders of msd) and blessed them in all their tasks, for their faithfulness and their servant hearts that they put into the mission work. Mascha expressed it so beautifully in prayer and gave thanks that we have two such great role models who take courageous steps forward. We wish them both God's rich blessings and much wisdom for the time ahead and all that is yet to come.
However, before we start the new year, we are looking forward to a wonderful and peaceful Christmas season. For me, Christmas is something special every year. When you look out of the window, you see all the beautiful lights, many households have decorated their windows or house facades beautifully, put up a Christmas tree and decorated it with beautiful baubles and lights. Everything is so beautifully lit up, and especially in winter, when it gets dark so early, it's just lovely to see all the lights. Sometimes I wonder if people are also so full of anticipation for Christmas and, if so, for what reasons. I simply wish that not only all the apartments and houses would shine, but that people would also carry the light that Jesus wants to give them within themselves, shine it outwardly, and pass their light on to other people. As it says in Luke 11:36: “If your whole body is full of light, with no part of it dark, then it will be as if a lamp were shining on you with its bright light; everything will be illuminated.”
So during the Christmas season, let us remember that Jesus Christ came into the world for us and gave us the greatest and most beautiful gift. No gift in the world comes even close to what Jesus has done for us, and we want to give him all the glory for it and tell people who do not yet know Jesus about it. You probably have someone in your circle who is alone at Christmas. Someone who does not yet know Jesus. Be courageous, take up the challenge, and invite that person. There is a chance that you can pass on the light that you carry within you to someone else. We wish you a blessed Christmas season from the bottom of our hearts!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
"Seit 1962 entwickeln sich die Change Camps stetig weiter. Sie verbinden tiefe Gemeinschaft, starke Gotteserfahrungen und das Eintauchen in andere Kulturen. Durch kreative Outreaches mit Sport, praktischen Einsätzen, Worship und Prayer Walks wachsen wir in einen evangelistischen Lebensstil. Unsere Vision ist, Jesus in verschiedenen Nationen bekannt zu machen und Jugendliche für ein Leben zu begeistern, das Gott ehrt. Wir wollen lokale Kirchen unterstützen und ein Segen für Menschen vor Ort sein. Ein Change Camp soll das Leben der Teilnehmenden nachhaltig verändern, ihr Herz neu für Gott entfachen und sie mit Leidenschaft für Mitmenschen, Regionen und Nationen erfüllen – damit sie diese Begeisterung auch in ihren Alltag tragen."
Change Camps is one of our major projects at msd Mission. They have been an integral part of our work for over 60 years. Of course, the format has changed, but the vision has remained the same throughout the years: we want to build genuine community and courageously follow Jesus step by step – even across borders and nations.
Just as the camp's work has changed over the years, so too have the generations. Everyone can see it – they dress differently, have different tastes in music, read different books (if they read books at all) and even their language is slightly different. When it comes to design, the younger generation also likes things to be strikingly different, fresh, colorful, and dynamic.
The Change Camps website has not been graphically updated for several years, even though the generation that is primarily targeted by the camps has changed. So, over the past few months, we have worked passionately to develop a website that suits the younger generation as described above. It was a real team effort – the graphics team took care of the design, our web professionals programmed everything, and the leaders involved in the camp work polished the texts. Everything was ready just in time for the new year and the website is now online – take a look: www.change-camps.ch
Are you coming to a camp yourself this year or do you know someone you can recommend a camp to? Just a little while longer to wait, registration opens on January 15 – be ready!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
"Seit 1962 entwickeln sich die Change Camps stetig weiter. Sie verbinden tiefe Gemeinschaft, starke Gotteserfahrungen und das Eintauchen in andere Kulturen. Durch kreative Outreaches mit Sport, praktischen Einsätzen, Worship und Prayer Walks wachsen wir in einen evangelistischen Lebensstil. Unsere Vision ist, Jesus in verschiedenen Nationen bekannt zu machen und Jugendliche für ein Leben zu begeistern, das Gott ehrt. Wir wollen lokale Kirchen unterstützen und ein Segen für Menschen vor Ort sein. Ein Change Camp soll das Leben der Teilnehmenden nachhaltig verändern, ihr Herz neu für Gott entfachen und sie mit Leidenschaft für Mitmenschen, Regionen und Nationen erfüllen – damit sie diese Begeisterung auch in ihren Alltag tragen."
The Surf Change Camp took place again this year. In Santander, Spain, 20 young and adventurous people plunged into the waves to learn how to surf and, in doing so, get to know God better and allow themselves to be transformed by him.
The camp was characterized by a wonderful group dynamic, in which everyone helped each other, laughed together, and learned together how surfing works. We enjoyed beautiful weather in Spain and the waves were mostly ideal for practicing standing on the board.
In addition to surfing and spending time together, they also helped out with practical tasks in everyday camp life. We carried out three work assignments at two different locations. Firstly, we assisted with our accommodation in Santander. There we were allowed to do general gardening work around the house and thus serve our hostess. We carried out our second volunteer assignment in an old monastery, which is now used to provide a place of retreat for people who need it, such as those who want to break free from addiction or people who are searching for their calling. There we were allowed to help tidy up, clean, and prepare an abandoned old house in the forest for painting. This house will be used in the future as a retreat for prayer weekends and as a vacation home for missionaries.
An evangelistic outreach on the beach was also part of the Change Camp. Since many people in the Santander region speak little or no English, and we speak very little Spanish, we have sought creative ways to share the gospel. For example, we wrote Bible verses on the floor with chalk or distributed little notes with encouraging Bible verses. It was wonderful to see how the camp added some color to the beach parking lot and how people passing by were interested in what was written on the ground.
In the evening, we were able to spend time together with God. This was done in praise, in small groups, and also through a message that one of us had prepared and shared. Those were very moving and powerful times.
This week in Spain was a joy for us. It was incredibly beautiful to see how the participants were able to take something away with them for life and how their hearts were touched by God. After a week at Surf Change Camp, we didn't just go surfing, we made new friends, grew in our faith, and had a great time together. We are grateful for the good weather, the safe journey, and the wonderful moments on the surfboard.
"Seit 1962 entwickeln sich die Change Camps stetig weiter. Sie verbinden tiefe Gemeinschaft, starke Gotteserfahrungen und das Eintauchen in andere Kulturen. Durch kreative Outreaches mit Sport, praktischen Einsätzen, Worship und Prayer Walks wachsen wir in einen evangelistischen Lebensstil. Unsere Vision ist, Jesus in verschiedenen Nationen bekannt zu machen und Jugendliche für ein Leben zu begeistern, das Gott ehrt. Wir wollen lokale Kirchen unterstützen und ein Segen für Menschen vor Ort sein. Ein Change Camp soll das Leben der Teilnehmenden nachhaltig verändern, ihr Herz neu für Gott entfachen und sie mit Leidenschaft für Mitmenschen, Regionen und Nationen erfüllen – damit sie diese Begeisterung auch in ihren Alltag tragen."
