What students said (EBS 2)
Excerpts of what students wrote after the EBS Session 2
Brendan, Prague: The topic Marriage and parenting was very appealing and a big need for my wife and I and also the Prague church (two thirds are couples and we are having a baby boom!). We were dying to hear experienced and professional christians give in depth teaching about these topics. Our expectations were definately exceeded and we feel more secure in the direction we are going. What did we get out of it? Great practical teaching on marriage, inspiring examples of how to raise kids, a lot of hope and Godly direction in these areas. David Mc Anulty also gave my wife a wider perspective of what it means to have freedom in Christ. And we both had a good sense of being part of God´s Kingdom from the world-wide fellowship we had. We hope there will be a follow-up on these topics every year.
Ann, Paris: The EBS-2 session was interesting, helpful and refreshing for all stages of marriage and parenting. The teaching blended sound theology, practical instruction on non-professional marriage counseling and an overall view of godly parenting by licensed psychologist David McAnulty and elder Wyndham Shaw. An added bonus was fellowship with Christians from all over Europe and remembering and renewing the ties we share.
Agnieszka, Budapest:
I really enjoyed the time in Nice. It was a great place, great
atmosphere, great fellowship – it was all very special. In my opinion
the EBS serves not only as a school, but also as a “place” to make
friends, keep in touch, get connected and reconnected. I was really
impressed with teaching and the attitude of the teachers; they really
worked hard and gave their hearts to give as much as possible in a
short time. The lessons were really “FAT” with insights, information,
ideas, and personal stories. It really was a good idea to have meals
together and have time for fellowship. What else can I say? I would
love to do the administration for the next session too..
Normen, Berlin: I experienced the time in Nice as a time of spiritual joy. Absorbing spiritual truth, getting closer to my wife Katja by understanding her and myself in a deeper way, building confidence that we are able to help others in their marriage. One of the messages that hit me was: “The level I understand myself eventually limits the level I can help others“. To put some effort in getting in touch with my childhood and see how I developed some (at that time useful) habits that now are hurting my relationships. The time strengthened my faith that God really is behind all the things Psychology has discovered in Marriage counselling. He has given his children the opportunity to continuously learn from his word and to avoid many hurts.
Emma, Paris: Spending three days in Nice with beautiful weather and a wonderful view of the Mediterranean with your husband and without the children is already a great-sounding idea! But as a first time EBS participant, I was extremely encouraged to meet up with disciples from all over Europe and to hear about what is happening in their churches. After a hard couple of years trying to reconstruct our churches and our faith it was so inspiring to see Europeans with the same spirit and purpose. The classes reminded me of why I wanted a christian marriage and family, and that fighting the spiritual battle in our cities and families does bring joy and fruit. It is definitely worthwhile organising such conferences; thanks to those who have the vision and put in the work!
Dominika, Berlin:
For me and my husband it was a very special and bonding time. We
learned a lot about marriage and got so much advice and help for us
personally and for our congregation, where you can find a lot of young
married couples in the need of learning more about their relationships
and how to teach their children in a Godly way. The superb location was
very romantic, so it was really worth the price (even as students) and
it’s something very precious to meet so many different disciples from
all over Europe and America,
which I am personally really missing in these times. I am happy to see
how God is working a lot in our hearts and faith on such meetings.
Ingrid, Vienna: Rainer and I participated for the first time in the EBS. One reason we went was because Nice sounded great and we were looking forward to having some days off, and also because it was a great opportunity to spend time with friends we don´t get to see that often anymore, but mostly because we heard that David McAnulty is a fabulous speaker and has great insight especially also in the topic of marriage and relationships. It was the first marriage seminar we attended since we got married and can only say: the five days in Nice were fantastic. I hope, the next EBS is again in such a great location :-)