Christine, a worker with OM in Italy, said, “Adolescents are at an age where there are many challenges and temptations. When they are the only Christians in school and do not know peers that are also Christian, it can be very challenging.
“Some churches have tried to create a regional youth group, but it is difficult because of the distances involved.
“So TeenStreet events are a big boost for their faith: to see many other believers their age on fire for God and see that there are Christian youth also in other countries is very encouraging.”
Making new friends
OM has seen more and more young Italians travel to Germany for TeenStreet Europe, a week-long event that brings together young people from all over Europe to grow in faith and intimacy with God, make new friends and have fun. This is a unique opportunity for teenagers from a context such as Italy, where churches are small and young groups of believers even smaller or non-existent.
In 2025, 63 young Italians enjoyed the week of faith, fellowship and fun. Here are some comments from some of the teenagers who attended TeenStreet Europe:
“TeenStreet Europe was a very special experience for me. It was a week when I heard God’s voice loudly and clearly. During those days, I was able to entrust to Him all my burdens, and every message spoke to my heart. At the end of the week, I felt really renewed, in spirit and mind. I’ve also made a lot of new sincere friendships, which I feel in my heart will last forever.”
“TeenStreet Europe for me is not only a field but it is an opportunity to grow in my faith, to go deep into the Word of God, to make friends and acquaintances not only with Italian boys but also from all over Europe. In every meeting, seminar and moment of praise, I could feel the presence of God and get closer to Him. This is my third year at TeenStreet Europe and every time I come home very encouraged and ready to share the love and joy that only Jesus offers us, with those who do not yet know Him!”
“The first time at the event, but what a time! I really enjoyed everything, learnt new things about God, and really saw God’s love in every person. I enjoyed the ‘shhh’ time!”
TeenStreet in Italia
Christine said, “The purpose of TeenStreet is not only to organise an event once a year, but to bring a deepening into the personal lives of young people, which goes on all year round.
“We are trying to develop an Italian event to help to keep the spirit alive, but since the territory is vast, this is not available to all teens. TeenStreet and the local summer camps usually are the only moment in the whole year where they meet other Christian teens and can also share maybe more freely about some struggles.
“OM is also involved in the Reshaped youth events once every few months that try to fill this gap with events in Rome, Milan and Naples. About 200 youth come, because there is great need and hunger to know more.”
TeenStreet Europe and TeenStreet Italia continue to offer encouragement and insights in their Instagram channels and through Bible reading plans in the YouVersion app.
Pray with us for the young people to keep in their hearts what they have learned and experienced in TeenStreet so that they will live their lives more and more for Jesus with courage.
