Edification in the faith is central to the meetings, where the Christian message is preached with power. Technology is an important tool for conveying this message. We spoke to Hanna-Wille and Reint, two Dutch volunteers in the international technical team.
Technology as an important aid
Sound, light and image technology provide the necessary support for everything that happens during the conferences. Primarily during the meetings, but also on music nights, for conveying information, and other parts of the program, the technical team ensures that everything runs smoothly.
“When I get to help film a meeting, I often think: ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m part of this,'” says Hanna-Wille (21) from BCC Groningen in the Netherlands.
“I don’t just come to receive and enjoy, but I get to contribute what I can.”
Through the meetings, Hanna-Wille has gained faith that God wants to help her and has a plan for her life. It motivates her to make sure that this message also reaches other people.
“As a team, we’re super focused when we’re filming, because we know how important it is for those at home to hear the power of the message.”
Because all members who are not able to attend the conferences in person, have the opportunity to follow the meetings via high-quality live streaming.
Collaboration in a relaxed atmosphere
The technical team is made up of many volunteers who have tasks that suit their skills – from controlling light and sound, to producing and processing the camera images.
“The atmosphere is really relaxed,” says Hanna-Wille. “But at the same time, we work purposefully and are challenged to keep improving.”
Reint (30) from BCC Groningen is also eager to help:
“Many volunteers are needed during conferences like these. Some tasks can be done without prior knowledge or experience, but technology is different – it’s more specialized. It’s nice to be able to use your experience in something that not everyone can do.”
Young people with an interest in technology can often first shadow a more experienced volunteer before being given responsibility on their own.
“They get the chance to join in, get to know the equipment, and maybe first film with a camera in a less demanding position.”
Providing peace of mind and focus
As a team, they are conscious of their mission: sound, light and image must help ensure that the message reaches everyone – from the front to the back row.
“When this is communicated on good screens and a robust sound system, it provides calm and focus in the hall, and is more effective,” says Reint.
“We know how we want to show it on screen; we get clear instructions and plan as much as possible in advance – and when it works exactly as we wanted it to, we know that the message comes across. It feels like a joint top performance!”
Reint from the Netherlands
Of course, things sometimes go wrong, but then it’s all about the attitude you have:
“We heard about humility at this conference. We need that in this work too – to want to learn from others and approach the task with humility. That helps us to do our work well.”
Contributing to Jesus’ Great Commission
Through the meetings at the conferences, Reint has become even more aware of how important it is to fill oneself with God’s word and the Spirit in the word. He explains:
“Kåre J. Smith said that when you put all your trust in God, God also takes all the responsibility. Then it is He who ensures that you succeed in the daily battle of faith and in the situations you encounter.”
He thinks it’s special to be able to use technology to convey a message that has also affected him deeply:
“Jesus came to save us from what plagues us – from sin. And He gave us a mission: go and make disciples of all nations. To be able to contribute to that is extra special.”
Building on what has value
Reint emphasizes how valuable it is that young people are challenged to use the talents they have. He has been involved in technical work since his teenage years.
“In the beginning, you’re mostly focused on the actual filming. But I learned to listen with two ears: one to the technological side, the other to what the speaker is saying.”
It’s special to see that young people want to contribute to something that has eternal value – and that they grow and develop themselves at the same time.
“Volunteering is what church life is built on; it’s part of our culture. For me, it’s only natural to contribute!” says Reint.
Facts about the summer conferences
- A total of three events; two summer conferences and a camp
- Norwegian is the main language. Simultaneous interpretation into over 20 languages
- Meetings, an activity program and meals are included, so that international participants can have an equal experience
- The conferences are for BCC members and are funded through the donation model
- Participants pay for their own accommodation through agreements in Samvirk
- People from countries with low purchasing power can get support from BCC for accommodation
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