The Salvation Army’s European Youth Event (EYE) 2025 brought together hundreds of young Salvationists and friends from across the continent for four days of worship, testimony and teaching. Held at De Kroeze Danne, the Netherlands, the camp provided a solace away from the worries and troubles of the outside world, where the delegates were free to learn and discover a closer relationship to God and as the theme of EYE suggested – to ‘look up’.
From the very first main session it was clear that regardless of where they had journeyed from and what language was spoken, the 700 young people were there to express their love to God. The worship band and interpretive dancers brought the room together in songs of a powerful proclamation to God.
Each morning began with Bible study sessions led by Captain Callum McKenna (United Kingdom and Ireland Territory). Through passages such as Exodus 3:1-15 and Luke 10:25-37, small groups reflected on identity and how difficult it is to prove themselves and how exhausting it is to be someone else, but concluding that God sees their whole lives and loves them. The story of the Good Samaritan introduced the Greek word ‘splagchnizomai’ – a deep stirring compassion that moves people to action, such as the Samaritan helping the man on the road.
Evening sessions blended worship, music and teaching. Commissioner Bente Gundersen (Territorial Commander of The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory), Lyndall Bywater and Lieutenant Lizzie Kitchenside (both United Kingdom and Ireland Territory) led the study time. Each leader brought a message rooted in Scripture and that reflected the theme of EYE: looking up from fear and distractions of the world; looking up even in the lowest moments; and looking up and seeing the start of something new. The messages all converged on one point – God is there through it all, but we must look up and see it for ourselves.
On the final day, Captain Mariska Potters (International Youth and Children’s Officer, International Headquarters) offered a reflection on the journey. EYE was not just a mountaintop experience – it was a preparation for real life, with its joys and struggles. People were offered the space for testimony. Many responded, with a common theme that even on their worst day, God loves them and wants a relationship with them, many sharing their own ‘splagchnizomai’ moments. More than 30 young people responded to the call to spiritual leadership in The Salvation Army.
In between main sessions, EYE offered space for creative and personal expression. Sports, music and art workshops to go deeper into the Bible study material, prayer, and how The Salvation Army supports gender equality and those facing human trafficking offered ways to engage. Over meals and during spaces to relax and talk, young people shared stories and connected with each other and God. The atmosphere was one of freedom, authenticity and joy.
As EYE 2025 concluded, the message was clear: God is moving in Europe, and young people are responding. What some have called a quiet revival is anything but quiet – it is bold, passionate and full of hope. A generation is rising, looking up and trusting in God.
Ewan Hall
