AYC 2026 - Made for More

Young people from across Europe and beyond gather in Valencia for five days of faith, leadership, service and fellowship.

Valencia, Spain — AYC 2026 was a great blessing, bringing together around 3,500 young people from more than 50 countries for five days of faith, leadership, service and fellowship. Young people from across the Trans-European Division (TED) and the Inter-European Division (EUD), together with delegations from countries including the United States, Australia and Malawi, gathered in Valencia to explore what it means to be ‘Made for More.’

For approximately 67 young people from the Netherlands, the journey began on Sunday, 3 August, with a bus departing from Huis ter Heide. The Dutch delegation travelled to Antwerp, Belgium, where they joined their Belgian brothers and sisters before continuing to Tours, France, for an overnight stay. The stop in Tours gave the group a chance to explore the city and get to know one another better.

The road trip then continued towards Valencia, where a warm climate and a hall full of welcoming volunteers greeted the young people. Participants were guided to their designated billets, where they received their welcome gifts and name tags for the week ahead.

The opening ceremony celebrated Spanish culture and warmly welcomed participants from across the divisions. Representatives from the various countries were introduced, while the evening also featured a play, inspiring music and an empowering sermon from Pastor Damian Chandler. Drawing on his own experience as a former footballer, Pastor Chandler encouraged the young people to reflect on God’s invitation for everyone to join Him at His table. Throughout the week, engaging and accessible sermons continued to focus on the central theme of being ‘Made for More.’

Morning worship was led by Pastor Ivana Mendeza, a lecturer in biblical languages and biblical studies at Newbold College of Higher Education. She encouraged participants to recognise the glory of God even in the midst of their brokenness.

Alongside worship, each day offered a wide range of workshops and training sessions led by specialists. The programme also placed a strong emphasis on sport and physical activity, giving participants an opportunity to refresh themselves physically after the intellectual and spiritual challenges.

At the heart of AYC 2026 were three key themes: Belong. Believe. Become. Under the wider theme ‘Made for More,’ the congress invited participants to reflect on their identity and purpose in life.

Participants could also make use of prayer spaces and visit an exhibition area where ministries and institutions presented initiatives and opportunities for young people.

One of the highlights of the week was the Exhibition of Nations, where countries represented at AYC had the opportunity to share aspects of their culture with fellow participants. The Dutch delegation brought a taste of the Netherlands to Valencia with stroopwafels for visitors to enjoy and klompen for participants to try on and walk in. For those looking for a challenge, the Dutch stand also featured a game of bite the waffle and a puzzle featuring a picture of King Willem Alexander. The exhibition became an opportunity not only to share Dutch culture, but also to celebrate the incredible diversity represented at AYC.

The week concluded with a memorable Sabbath experience. Twenty-one young people were baptised, including three from the Netherlands. After the Sabbath worship, the Dutch delegation began its journey home, carrying with them memories, friendships and experiences from an extraordinary week.

Reflecting on the significance of AYC for young people, Pastor Marcel Ghioalda, TED Youth Ministries director, highlighted the unique value of gatherings such as this. ‘It allows them to experience worship, workshops and fellowship on a scale they may never have encountered before.’

He also emphasised how international gatherings can strengthen young people’s sense of belonging: ‘They form friendships across borders and discover that their local congregation is part of a much larger, international church family.’ Bringing the TED and EUD together, he added, makes ‘our unity in diversity visible’ and gives young people a stronger sense of belonging and shared mission across Europe.

As the buses headed back to the Netherlands, the AYC 2026 journey came to an end — but for many participants, something new had begun. The friendships made, lessons learned and spiritual experiences shared in Valencia will continue to shape the young people who attended. And there is already something to look forward to. The next AYC will take place in Poland in four years’ time. Until then, the challenge remains the same: Belong. Believe. Become. And remember you are Made for More.

Ds. Gabriel Asumadu Kwayie