The GO2013 mission festival at Bulstode, Gerrards Cross has all that you would expect from a such an event - inspirational speakers and worship, seminars, time to pray together and a mission exhibition which includes the opportunity to explore your gifts and future vocation. But it also aims to be a powerful mobilising tool for churches and mission organisations wanting to encourage young people into mission.
The May bank-holiday weekend (3-6 May) provides the perfect opportunity for mission mobilisers and youth workers to spend time with their young people in a relaxed environment, where they can share together and have the significant conversations that they don't always have time for in the ordinary setting.
Last year, Andy Stevens from New Life Church in New Milton used the weekend for orientation and team-building in preparation for a church short-term mission trip to Manila.
having access to inspirational mission-focused teaching and worship gave extra value to the weekend 
"Camping and planning together was great preparation for their August trip," he reflects. "And having access to inspirational mission-focused teaching and worship gave extra value to the weekend and made it very worthwhile."
This year's festival takes place from 3-6 May at Bulstrode, Gerrards Cross, with the theme 'Healing a Broken World'. The exciting line-up of speakers includes Jackie Pullinger, made famous by her biography 'Chasing the Dragon', Elliott Tepper, founder of Betel and Andy Hawthorne, CEO of the Message Trust. The seminar programme will focus on practical ways for people to get involved in bringing 'healing to a broken world' as well as tackling tough questions in mission and reaching out to your Muslim neighbour. And for those staying on-site, there is an early morning prayer stream, the chance to learn about radio in mission, and a late-night programme.
Youth workers who register as GO2013 Champions will be eligible for a group discount for camping on-site as well as having access to free publicity, resources and regular news and prayer updates.
Nick Cole, GO2013 Champions Coordinator and Director of Mobilsation for OMF UK said, "The GO2013 festival vision is to become the leading UK event for world mission for young people, exciting and equipping young people to serve God in a host of different ways. Through championing the event, youth workers and mission mobilisers can help influence young people and inspire them to serve God in mission, wherever that may be."
The event has grown from a May Bank Holiday event run by just one mission agency to several thousand participants over the weekend and organised in partnership with partnership with several agencies and organisations including Christian Vocations, Goldhill Baptist Church, Gospel for Asia, Mission-Net, OM, OMF UK, Redcliffe College, WEC International and Wycliffe Bible Translators.
For more information about GO2013 and to book, visit the GO2013 website at go2013.org.uk
