In the weekend’s opening speech, we are reminded that it is when we work together with others in practical work that we feel the need for salvation in our own lives.
“You can’t work in a large group without realizing that you need salvation. There is something of God’s wisdom in this “, we hear from the podium as the evening begins. A number of other volunteer contributors present various projects they are working on. The recurring tone is that volunteering is rewarding and educational, and that working together can be challenging, but can also lead to new friendships.
Throughout the weekend, 44 workshops will be held to work, deliver, and further develop projects in various subject areas. A number of organizations, bodies, committees and working groups have invited participants to collaborate on relevant projects.
With this inspiring reminder, the 800 or so participants get started on the weekend’s activities. Conversation buzzes in the common areas and there is a constant queue around the coffee stations.
“This was a great start,” says Jane Courage (70) about the kick-off meeting on Friday evening. She leads the group working with languages, and says it was a great inspiration to see and hear all the people presenting the different areas of work.
“It’s so much fun to see all my friends in action here at Brunstad,” says Courage enthusiastically.
The language group has recently received funding for an AI tool that will make translation work much easier and improve quality.
“This IT solution contains translation memories so we can load things we’ve translated before and it remembers it, and there’s also functionality for structure and quality control,” says Harald Tombre (57).
He runs a translation firm on a daily basis, but also helps as a volunteer with languages in BCC. He now sits together with Daniel Schick (25), a software developer.
“We’re working on implementing the IT solution together, and our skills complement each other’s.”
When asked what made an impression at the start of the weekend, Tombre says that what emerged about the two-dimensional work was very encouraging.
“In a way, it’s a work in progress. We’re here together and will carry out what we have planned, but we are dependent on God both in the practical work and in the work on our own salvation,” he says and adds:
– It is only in our poverty that God can help.
See photos from the weekend here:
