Two weeks before the Euro Season Opener, I decided to go online and check the snow stake at Studbaital Glacier. Nothing… there was absolutely nothing skiable on the mountain. Within the days following, a massive storm blew through Austria, annihilating the glacier just in time for the conference. Upon arrival, we were informed that the glacier was covered in snow, had uphill access, and had powder fields.
David, Alie, Josh, and I landed in Innsbrooke, rested, and piled the gear in the car to take the windy drive to the Hotel Weissenhoff to meet the crew. The hotel was flooded with friends from all different places in Europe. We broke the ice on the first night of our stay, met new faces, and played pretty silly games. It was great seeing everyone mesh together so well as fits of laughter broke out in the room. We closed our first evening in a time of prayer and worship, preparing our hearts for the days ahead.
The following day, we woke up for a prompt 8:00 AM breakfast and morning announcements. The hype in the dining hall was real. Everyone could not wait to get out the door and on the hill. Upon arrival at the glacier, we were met with plentiful snow and a day of fun. Everyone met up for lunch together and continued riding or returned to the hotel after. That night, after sharing dinner, Josh spoke. Everyone left dinner feeling encouraged and motivated to be lights in their local shred communities.
The next day, we hit the glacier early again. During the afternoon, all the girls on the trip met up. Alie and I shared about SFC Girls and encouraged the ladies to start up local expressions where they live! Afterward, we took a girl’s lap on the hill, which was empowering. That night after dinner, there was a time to share testimonies of how God is and has been working in everyone’s shred towns. So many testimonies were shared, and it was powerful. We then spent time playing a game of “country speed dating.” We rotated from person to person, sharing bits and pieces of our lives and ministry until the timer went off, and we had to rotate to the next person. I spent some extra time with a few folks, gathering more specific stories of how God is on the move in Europe. On the last night of the conference, we spent time in worship together before waking up the following day to say our goodbyes.
In conclusion, the 2023 Euro Season Opener was a success. Between the fun had, and the time spent in worship and prayer, individuals walked away encouraged by the stories they heard and fellowshipping with other believers living out their faiths in shred communities. The Spirit’s presence was apparent, and God was on the move.