The British Bible School was again well represented at the annual ABSS retreat at Gemunden in Germany. The retreat which ran from 22nd to 27th February featured a number of speakers from several countries. Three BBS teachers spoke on the programme which attracted about sixty participants in total.

Trevor Williams was the main BBS representative and presented a series of lessons on Jewish Feasts and Festivals during the week. Those present for the weekend programme were treated to an unscheduled Shabbat meal on the Saturday evening. Jon Galloway took part in a discussion with Philippe Dauner of Marseilles on issues surrounding the first chapter of Genesis. And Patrick Boyns presented sessions introducing the book of the prophet Ezekiel during the weekend programme.

It is always a real encouragement to see brothers and sisters in Christ from so many different countries, sharing together in the good things of God, and learning a little of how he is working through them in their own cultures and circumstances. It was a pleasure to be reunited with Christian Zastrow who lives in Germany and who studied at BBS during the 1980s, and to hear news of Cristina Micu in Romania who graduated in 1995.

Awareness of the British Bible School is certainly growing among English-speakers within Continental Europe. Some there have already enrolled in our Distance Learning Programme, a number of others are soon to join them and we have plans to conduct further Study Weekends across the Channel in the future. We are thankful for this partnership in the Gospel of Jesus and look forward to helping in whatever ways God might wish to use us.

For many years, English speaking Christians on Continental Europe have gathered each November for an family retreat in Germany. For the past few years this has been held in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, and is organised by Phil Jackson of Missions Resource Network.

This year Patrick Boyns had been invited to speak at the event and was able to promote the work of the British Bible School to the more than 120 who had gathered from some 20 countries.

The theme of the retreat was Glory Unveiled and alongside Patrick's lessons from Nehemiah, Keith Lancaster led the group in praise, helping us develop our Acappella singing. A most encouraging time, well worth the journey, and to be experienced again!

The Study Weekend in Antwerp seemed to go exceptionally well. There were some two dozen in attendance - more than had been expected - and plans are already being discussed for similar events in the future!

Students came both from Antwerp and from a number of other congregations, including some from Haarlem in the Netherlands. Paul Brazle of Antwerp co-ordinated the Belgium side of operations, ensuring that all were suitably fed and watered as appropriate.

Students were presented with material from our third introductory module, Understanding the Bible (INT03) in a series of eight sessions throughout the day. Patrick Boyns and Trevor Williams (pictured) shared the teaching during the day and taught and preached on the Sunday in Antwerp too. Students wanting to take the module towards a BBS award need to undertake additional assignments after enrolling on the programme.

We are most thankful to all those in Belgium who provided accommodation and food, and we look forward to our next European study event.

We are excited about our first European Study Weekend to be held in Belgium later this month. Patrick Boyns and Trevor Williams will be heading across the Channel to Antwerp for the weekend of 13th November and presenting material from our third Introductory Module: Understanding the Bible (INT03). The schedule will look something like this:

08.30 - Arrival
09.00 - Session 1 - Biblical Authority (Patrick Boyns)
10.00 - Session 2 - Can we understand the Bible? (Trevor Williams)
11.00 - Break
11.15 - Session 3 - Some basic principles (Patrick Boyns)
12.15 - Session 4 - Recognising Biblical genre (Trevor Williams)
13.15 - Lunch
13.45 - Session 5 - The Old in the New (Patrick Boyns)
14.45 - Session 6 - Historical context (Trevor Williams)
15.45 - Break
16.00 - Session 7 - Biblical context (Patrick Boyns)
17.00 - Session 8 - A missiological approach (Trevor Williams)
17.55 - Closing words

Timings are given as a rough guide but will be as flexible as necessary. Each session will last up to around 55 minutes, allowing time to stretch in between.

For more details please either get in touch or see the event page on Facebook!