From 1 to 12 October, Viaa is welcoming international guests from various countries, including India, Indonesia, South Africa and Suriname. They are here for the Verre Naasten Conference, where church planters, pastors and leaders from different organisations meet to reflect on an important theme: How to be a good pastor? Rosanne, one of our fourth year Theology students tells about the meeting between students and the international guests.

“On Tuesday, together with students from across Viaa and members of staff, we worshipped God through music in several different languages. Afterwards, we reflected with first-year theology students and international guests on the question: what does it mean to be called by God? Is everyone invited to take part in God’s plan? And what am I allowed to do in my daily life? What does calling look like in different cultures and societies?

We divided into smaller groups and shared about the obstacles we experience when trying to live like Jesus, as well as the skills and other things that can help us do so. We concluded by wishing one another a personal blessing.

What a wonderful morning we had together! It was beautiful to see how, despite our different cultures and languages, we are connected with one another through and in Christ. We are grateful that we can learn from and share with one another, and above all, enjoy ourselves together.”