Comments About Bucsin 2003

The EEFC camp at Bucsin this year was tremendously encouraging. It was generally acknowledged to have been an enjoyable, positive, entertaining and often emotional week, with great opportunities to share one's faith, form close bonds of friendship, and enjoy the sunshine and the atmosphere of this exceptionally peaceful and beautiful Romanian valley. Over 50 campers were present, ranging in age from 14 to 30, which made for a challenging week for the leaders, in their attempts to communicate to such a wide range of people on a personal level. The British team were a truly multicultural bunch, including Londoners, Welsh, Invernesians, Aberdonians and even a descendant of King Edward I, but there was an amazing sense of unity, good humour and dedication to each other and to the work of Christ. The camp schedule was packed with lessons, games, outings, sports, crafts and free time, but the spiritual input was the central part of the week, and the talks, Bible studies and testimonies combined to give a powerful, personal and practical overview of our inescapable need for Christ's saving power to cleanse our hearts and renew our sinful natures.

Every day had a busy timetable, beginning with the early morning leaders' meeting, in which the daily schedule was discussed, problems were dealt with, and the day was dedicated to the Lord in prayer. This meeting was followed by breakfast, then a devotional meeting, including prayer, praise and a talk by either a British or a Hungarian leader. The week's theme was God's power to work in individual lives, and individual Bible characters were discussed, such as Peter, Joseph, Esther and Paul. This meeting was followed by a short time of small group discussion, which often led to questions, challenges and many opportunities to share one's faith on a personal level. Later, after a short coffee break, it was time for English classes!

Teaching English often seems like an intimidating prospect, but it was a genuine pleasure at Bucsin, with friendly, eager students, good translators, abundant resources and a relaxed atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. Lessons took place before and after lunch - followed by free time! This time could be employed in many different ways, such as playing football, doing crafts, catching up on sleep, swimming in the river, chatting to campers or just sunbathing! Team games were organised for everyone in the late afternoon, followed by dinner, and later, the whole camp would gather around a roaring camp fire for singing, sketches, comic skits and a time of fellowship. Each night, one of the leaders told of how God had called them into his family, and how their lives had been changed. This time became very precious, and there was a real sense of God's presence as we worshipped him under the stars.
 
It is extremely seldom that a camp proceeds without problems. Naturally, there are always campers who'd rather amuse themselves than take part in the daily programme, there are those who have little or no interest in English lessons, and there are those whose hearts are unwilling to receive the gospel of Christ. However, Bucsin was an overwhelmingly positive experience, we were able to see and experience the blessing of God in all aspects of the camp, and the British team were unanimous in their desire to return next year.