Providing resources for thirsty seekers

Weekends seem to fly by so fast, especially if you’ve got to make it to 152 performances in less than three days! I, being the American that I am, didn’t realise that youth across the world are virtually the same: they just want to have a good time!

CampFest 2009, hosted by Youth for Christ-Slovakia , took place in the midst of the beautiful Tatra Mountains in northern Slovakia. This camp has been a main Christian event for several years, with currently more than 200 volunteers making it possible. As our Bus4Life team arrived at the campground on Wednesday evening, we thought to ourselves, “What a calm, serene place!” Sure it was, until the 5,000 campers and 50+ groups or bands showed up to raise the noise level a few decibels. The spacious valley was quickly transformed into a lively tent city, filled with energetic teenagers, spirit-seeking prayer warriors, and talented musicians.

The Bus4Life bookstore was overflowing with Josh McDowell books, as he would be the key speaker over the course of the weekend. Other dynamic Christian authors like Lee Strobel and C.S. Lewis surrounded McDowell’s name. Our tasks for the first day: load books, unload books, load some more books, talk a little, eat a little, unload some more books, load some books etc. - you get the picure. Anxiety was building for what the weekend might hold and for whose hands each book might land in.

Alex Erdelyi, director of CreativPress, was the mastermind behind our weekend. His publishing company has been in business since 1965, with up to six translators working on books like "Case for Faith" and "Purpose Driven Life" into the Slovak language. CreativPress became a legal entity after the fall of Communism in 1990, and our team met three of their translators, one of whom had just finished working on Josh McDowell’s latest book" New Evidence That Demands a Verdict".

Though I was able to meet the lead singer of Audio Adrenaline in front of the aromatic portal-potties, I must say that my most memorable introduction was with another blossoming star. Teresa is one of the lead singers in the rising Slovak worship band Espe. Hidden underneath her gorgeous smile and bright eyes lies a beautiful heart that desires to worship God in every way possible.

Teresa and her band opened every evening session, accompanied by violinists who played Moby’s “Bittersweet Symphony”. Enthusiasm electrified the atmosphere of the main tent, as teens across the grass floor cheered, jumped, and worshipped along with the artists. Through CampFest, bands like Espe are encouraged to continue in their passions.

The Bus4Life was graced with the daily presence of Josh McDowell as he signed books and spoke with attendees. Small children, teenagers, and grown adults eagerly stood in line to receive a signature and smiley-face in a chosen front cover. Through the generous donation from both Josh and his son Sean, also a conference speaker, all participants receive a free copy of Josh’s book "More Than a Carpenter". Since speakers inspired the audience to continually pursue knowledge, the Bus4Life became an essential contribution to the camp’s atmosphere, providing resources for thirsty seekers.