Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Associates is going to hold a InTouch Renewal Gathering in at La Bessonnaz, Switzerland, from 23rd July to 30th July. It aims to strengthen those who have served in and been trained by the YWAM.

The InTouch Renewal Gathering will offer opportunities for former YWAMers to listen to God’s voice, to be renewed, refreshed and revived. For children and those who have not experienced YWAM, the gathering will provide them a fresh taste of mission.

A daily programme consists of morning worship and teaching. There will be a crèche, a children's programme as well as teaching for teenagers. Afternoons will be free for fellowship and relaxation and to explore the many diverse attractions in the region.

The theme of this European InTouch Renewal Gathering is "Living as People of Hope". Jeff and Romkje Fountain, Directors of YWAM Europe, are the keynote speakers of the event.

Romkje Fountain founded YWAM Holland in 1973, after meeting YWAMers in England, and recruiting 50 Dutch volunteers to join in the Munich Olympic outreach in 1972.

Jeff and Romkje Fountain have been leaders of YWAM Europe since 1990 when the communism in Europe collapsed. In the light of the changing political environment, Jeff Fountain has been networking with Christian leaders across Europe, promoting partnerships towards the re-evangelisation of the "prodigal continent". He has written a book about faith, hope and vision for the 21st century called "Living as People of Hope". He believes that the changing Europe will offer opportunity for Christians to reshape the future of Europe.

InTouch Gatherings have previously been held in Sweden, Britain, Singapore, USA, New Zealand and many other countries. 2005 will be the fourth year of the gatherings in French-speaking Switzerland.

A testimony from a previous InTouch Renewal Gathering in Sweden said, "We had no high expectations for the Camp, but soon discovered that God had something special in mind. With tears, we found reconciliation and restoration. This was a very powerful moment which clearly healed old wounds. We wish others had been there to witness this."

YWAM Associates International is a ministry of Youth With A Mission. It helps the YWAMers to become nation-disciplers wherever God has planted them in the mission fields - home, church, media, education, the arts, business & government, and healthcare - so that they might fulfil God's destiny towards their lives.

It is also for each individual, in or out of the mission, to overcome some challenging times in their faith together. Healing and reconciliation are at the heart of the gathering.

Another InTouch Gathering will be held in Singapore/Malaysia on 7-11 September. Also on 13-19 November, there will be one in Kona, Hawaii.