"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."
An anniversary full of encounters, faith and blessings
Our 10th family camp in Tuscany was a very special anniversary: around 130 participants, from babies to seniors, enjoyed a week full of fellowship, beach, sports, delicious food and, above all, God's work. Under the motto ‘The Number 10’, we immersed ourselves in stories such as ‘Daniel's 10 Days of Probation’, ‘The 10 Commandments’ and ‘The 10 Bridesmaids’ and felt how these biblical impulses touched our everyday lives.
The weather was changeable, but our hearts were full of joy. On one day, small groups provided space for honest conversation, prayer and encouragement. People shared their challenges, found comfort and new hope. For example, in one group, difficult topics were shared, prayers were said for one another, anointing with oil took place and Holy Communion was celebrated. It was an unforgettable moment of deep fellowship and lasting blessing.
The encounters on site were particularly touching: in Volterra, we visited an artist in her studio. Upon entering, we suddenly felt the impulse to ask her when her birthday was. She said, surprised, that she would be celebrating it the next day. We were allowed to pray for her and bless her, which visibly moved her greatly. And so we felt God's presence in this simple moment of attentiveness.
Another unforgettable experience was Marcella, a woman from the region. With tears in her eyes, she kept saying, ‘Mi volete così bene!’ – ‘You are so kind to me!’ As we prayed together for her, she felt a genuine touch from God for the first time. She is now in contact with local Christians and will continue to receive support.
During our cleaning operation, a man from the city cleaning department was also deeply moved. With tears in his eyes, he described how impressed he was that young people were using their holidays to serve others, and spoke of the palpable love that was being created here: ‘Grazie, grazie, grazie!’
A highlight was the conclusion by the sea: a church service, baptisms and testimonies from young people who courageously shared their faith. We return to our everyday lives fulfilled, strengthened and changed. Carried by hope, faith and the certainty that God works great things in every little moment. This anniversary has shown us that where people come together, love comes alive, hope becomes tangible and faith can be experienced.
"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."
We dream of a young generation that stands up for God, devotedly and uncompromisingly following Jesus to the ends of the earth. Imagine what could happen with such a revived generation. What would be possible?
Because we don't want to stop at dreaming, but are determined to pursue this dream in concrete terms, it is important to us to create a space where young people can encounter God and experience him. ‘move’ is our answer to this dream (www.move19.ch). As the mission organisation msd, we are organising this event for the fourth time together with AVC, Campus für Christus, ISTL and Acts. A day full of inspiration and encounters, followed by various opportunities for service around the world. That is why we invite you to come to the next move event in Aarau on 6 December 2025 and be part of this dream.
We hope that this event will change our everyday lives. Captivating speakers will inspire and challenge us to take new steps with God. Talks and workshops will encourage and inspire us to discover God's calling for our lives. We want to offer opportunities for everyone to become a blessing in their own environment and for the whole world.
Will you help us call and mobilise people for this special day when God can set their lives in motion in a new way? We pray that God will move many more people in our country to choose a devoted lifestyle. Let's move!
"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."
My name is Morris, I am 19 years old, and this year I had the opportunity to be part of various projects run by the msd mission organisation. It was a time full of encounters, exciting moments and experiences that I will not forget anytime soon.
Over the Ascension weekend, I attended the Beach Volleyball Camp. Four days full of sun, sand, exercise and also depth. For me, it was just the right mix because I was able to combine my passion for sport with my faith. It was wonderful to see how we had fun on the court and enjoyed fellowship, while also talking about God with each other.
In mid-July, I travelled to Rome to attend BNE Rome. There, I had many inspiring encounters, both with people and with God. It was an intense time, during which we not only studied the Epistle to the Romans, but also learned a lot about the history of Rome and early Christianity. In particular, I gained a new understanding of what God's grace really means and what it means to be redeemed through Jesus Christ.
During this time in Rome, the topic of baptism came up for me. Even during the first quiet time, I felt the desire to understand what baptism actually means. Through reading the Bible and studying the Epistle to the Romans together, it became increasingly clear to me: I want to take this step. So I decided to publicly profess my faith and be baptised in Rome. It was a profound moment in which I was able to experience God's presence in a whole new way.
After these four weeks of Bible study, we split up into different mission trips. In beautiful Volterra, we had the opportunity to accompany an Italian couple in their everyday life. I was impressed by how naturally they included God in every area of their lives, and I was inspired by their Spirit-led lifestyle. A major insight for me was that we can learn something from every day, no matter how ordinary, in which God works or shows us something. It is a huge blessing when we dedicate every day, every situation and every conversation to God and subordinate our own schedule and ideas to Him.
When I look back on these months, I am filled with gratitude. For everything I was able to experience, for the people I met, and above all for what God has done in my life. I encourage you too to devote your time to God...
"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."
About six times a year, we send out our newsletter to many people interested in msd. In it, we provide insights into our current projects, stories from our work and what moves us. To ensure that these brochures arrive on time, around 1,500 envelopes are packed by hand each time. This is a huge task, which we can only accomplish thanks to the active support of many volunteers.
It is always moving to see how people invest their time to support us in this work. Some have been loyal volunteers for many years and have many personal memories associated with the packing. Others have only recently joined us and bring a breath of fresh air to the group. We always hear exciting stories told while we work together. It becomes clear that every volunteer has their own unique story with msd.
These hours are much more than just packing up notebooks. They foster a sense of community, encouragement and solidarity that carries us through. Some even find it a valuable task during a difficult time in their lives. For others, it is simply nice to be able to lend a hand and be part of something bigger.
A cherished ritual has also become established. As soon as the German edition is packed, we treat ourselves to a break with coffee and a tasty snack. These moments are filled with conversation, laughter, exchange and encouragement. Strengthened by this break, we then move on to the French version, which is packed with renewed vigour.
We are truly grateful to everyone who gets involved in this way. Without their loyal support, we would not be able to send out the brochures. What always gives us great pleasure is that it is not just the packed envelopes that count in the end, but also the community spirit and the many encounters that arise in the process.
"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."
Since the beginning of September, we have welcomed two new team members: Timon and Melody. We are delighted that they are now part of our team and enrich our work with their gifts, hearts and ideas.
Timon is studying theology at ISTL and will primarily be responsible for the further development and distribution of the godtime discipleship booklets. Together with Markus, he will also be rethinking and redesigning the godtime.online section with the Bible courses. Timon is a real all-rounder: he is open-minded, interested, loves to discover new things and is very passionate about his work. In recent years, he has completed a diverse course of study, participated in numerous mission trips and discovered his passion for telling people about Jesus. But he also enjoys getting involved in practical work. He has even worked in construction. Timon lives in a shared flat in the Thun region and is part of the FEG Thierachern. In addition to his theology studies and training with us, he also teaches a few lessons at a school. We greatly appreciate his refreshing manner, his drive and his heart for people, and we are excited to see how God will use him with us.
Melody works in the editorial department at godloves.me. She coordinates the work with other authors and also writes texts for our platform herself. She lives in the Berlin area, but her roots are in the Kandertal valley, and she has been associated with our mission work for many years. Even as a teenager, she contributed to our calendar productions and later wrote many texts, including the brochure ‘From Chaos to Peace’. Now she is connected to our team remotely as a cloud worker, but she also visits us on site from time to time. Melody is also part of a church planting project in Germany, which we are following with interest and joy. She loves people and cultures, has a warm, serving heart and is moved by the needs of those who do not yet know Jesus. It is a great privilege for us to now have her officially on our team.
We are eagerly looking forward to travelling with Timon and Melody, learning from each other and building God's kingdom together. Welcome to the team, and we are grateful to have you here!
"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."
