Christians across Europe are in the thick of preparations for a major mission event in 2009 that will bring together thousands of young people from across the continent.

Mission-Net, scheduled for 8 to 13 April in Oldenburg, Germany, aims to bring together the next generation of mission workers from all over Europe, expose them to the extent of God's mission across the continent, and equip them to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers them.

Six thousand young people from across Europe are expected to attend Mission-Net, to be inspired and mobilised for mission. Two hundred mission agencies will be present to offer mission opportunities and mission advice to the participants.

Mission-Net will be followed up by the group's IN2 Teams programme that will enable participants to put their enthusiasm into practice by experiencing short-term mission across Europe.

The action-packed programme will feature live praise and worship and seminar streams for both leaders and young people. The after-hours intercultural events will give participants a flavour of the global God Christians serve. Participant support will be offered by a dedicated prayer team and small-group leaders throughout the event.

"Mission-Net is the event this generation needs to put mission back on our agenda. It will be the much-needed link between just having enthusiasm for Christ, and actually getting our hands dirty for real," says James Clarke, Mission-Net's UK national motivator.

Clarke said he was passionate about firing up his generation for mission, and enthusiastic about seeing young people inspired by the adventure of serving Christ.

Krish Kandiah, the Evangelical Alliance's Churches in Mission Director, said: "Mission-Net is a fantastic opportunity to connect young people across our continent with God's missionary heart."

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