After this year’s retreat we can boldly go out and “feed the hungry”
September 8th–9th, 2025
Who in the Healthy Youth ministry is the hungry one and needs to be fed? And who is the one who feeds? What kind of famine are we actually talking about? The theme of hunger and feeding ran throughout this year’s meeting.
The introductory speech was given by Hana Nedvedicka, the Executive Director INCZ.
The twenty-first year of the Healthy Youth Workers’ Conference was organized by the International Needs Foundation in cooperation with the F-Nadace. Thanks to this cooperation, 75 HY workers and supporters of this service participated this year. This time, as well, we used the excellent facilities of the Immanuel Conference Center in the Highlands region, where they are able to easily satisfy some of the “hungers”. The weather was wonderful and the sunny days directly encouraged us to take a walk around the area or around the local pond.
The main theme of this year’s retreat, “Feeding the Hungry”, turned out to be extremely up-to-date. Right at the beginning, the speakers led the audience to reflect on the “hunger” of children and young people. In personal stories and experiences, we heard how the unmet needs of the young generation can manifest themselves – from disrespect, apathy, through resignation, to inner emptiness. Their “naughtiness” is often a hidden cry for help.
Together, we were looking for how to recognize these manifestations, how to approach these children and how to help them so that their hidden hunger could be satisfied.
This year, the HY worker Ivo Neuvirt with his team prepared an unusual outdoor activity for us. Such sprints, dedication and endurance as we experienced at Immanuel that afternoon could be compared to the performances of top athletes! And the scope of the activity was, of course, really versatile. Fast legs were the basis; endurance was a necessity. But without shrewd heads that searched for the suitable words, and without attentive eyes that could find the necessary letters, persistent legs would be useless to us. And what about the humility required to leave your letter board at the appointed time and leave it to the opponent!
The whole meeting was very pleasantly guided by the HY worker Martin Stavjanik.
After the sports fun, we returned to contemplation and sharing. Attention turned to the HY workers themselves, who feed others. All the more they need to be fed themselves. It was very powerful to hear open confessions about the fatigue, exhaustion or feelings of loneliness that can occur in this ministry. We talked about the prevention of burnout, the need for rest, silence and spiritual renewal. We were looking for where the HY workers can draw strength, with whom they can share the burden of service and how they can develop professionally and personally.
It was these moments of honest sharing that created space for deep conversations in which many realized that they were not alone with their burden.
At the end, we focused on the theme of “other hungers” – those unnamed, repressed and hidden needs of teachers and young people. We have talked about mental and spiritual malnutrition and how many of them “consume” but are still not satiated. The HY workers heard how important it is to offer a “balanced diet” – that is, a combination of relationships, healthy life values, community and practical support.
The powerful personal testimonies and deep conversations that were heard during the retreat touched the hearts and were the greatest encouragement to many.
A total of 75 participants visited this year’s retreat. Thank you.
The meeting was a unique time full of sharing, conversations, rest and encouragement for further ministry. In the words of the participants:
“The meeting met my expectations exceedingly. Thank you for everything. It was perfect! The theme of the conference fulfilled its purpose of ‘feeding the hungry’ – it really fed me very intensely and positively. It gave me new energy and stimuli to think and change. I’m grateful that I could be here.”
“Perfectly interspersed times of humor and deeper reflection, an encouraging event.”
“I was here for the first time and it was amazing!! Thanks.”
“I realized that what I experience in the ministry, others experience as well. I’m not alone.”
“Everything you do for us, the HY workers, is a huge blessing.”
And we are already looking forward to the next meeting.
