A great opportunity and a huge blessing

Matt Hutchings, trainee pastor and theology student, is Overall Leader on Reigate 2 Venture.

I first came across Ventures in 2009 when I was an apprentice for a church in West London. Our vicar encouraged me to take our small youth group on a Venture. I had never heard of them before! We had an amazing week at the Venture we picked, and I have been back almost every year since.

Ventures provide an amazing opportunity to tell young people the good news of Jesus Christ in an environment that is fun, exciting, and a little bit different from home. I love seeing the same young people coming back year after year, and working alongside an amazingly committed and servant-hearted team.

One of the real joys of the last few years has been seeing young people who were in my dorm aged 10, 11 and 12 coming back now and joining the team as young leaders. What a joy it is to see them continuing and growing in their walk with the Lord. On a lighter note, I really love the evening entertainment on Ventures! I have so many fond memories of talents shows, murder mysteries and quizzes down the years.

Due to COVID-19, our residential holiday couldn’t go ahead last year. However, we decided to run a Virtual Venture. And although it was nowhere near as good as an in-person Venture, we were so glad we did it. It was well worth the effort, and God was so good to us. It was great to still be able to bring the gospel and a bit of fun into those young people’s summer holidays, even when we couldn't get together in-person.

It can be hard when life is busy and you’re volunteering on top of that. I would say the key things that keep me going are: relying on God's strength (if it's his ministry he will give me the time, energy and people we need to make it happen), being surrounded by an excellent team upon whom I can rely and who work incredibly hard, and keeping on top of the organisation and admin - little and often.

I would highly recommend volunteering for Ventures. Whether you're a young or new Christian, keen to serve and learn, or you're an older or more mature Christian who is looking to be encouraged and stretched in a different ministry setting, serving with Ventures is a great opportunity and a huge blessing.