Race Across Europe 2025 (8 weeks)
24 Mar 2025
-
16 May 2025
GBP 1850.00
Journey Type
Group Size
Apply By
Country
Journey Overview
This Christian Interrailing Mission Adventure combines the thrill of travel with the opportunity to spread love, compassion, and the message of Jesus Christ across diverse cultures.
Race Across Europe offers a unique opportunity to combine the excitement of interrailing with the spiritual growth of a missionary journey. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants will travel through various European countries, engaging in a range of activities aimed at serving local communities, sharing the gospel, and fostering meaningful connections with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Race Across Europe serves as a platform for personal growth, deepening one's relationship with God, and discovering one's purpose in sharing the gospel and serving others. It's about embracing adventure, stepping out of comfort zones, and living out the gospel values of love, kindness, generosity, and humility in a global context. We want to see young people grow in their relationship with God and step out to have an impact in Europe.
Cost includes interrail pass, accommodation, transport & main meals. Excludes insurance, vaccinations and DBS if required.
This outreach consists of 4 elements of training and equipping throughout the journey:
Pre-travel training
On the journey Training
Check Point Training at various stages of the journey with an OM leader
Debriefing at the end of the journey
Prior to departure, participants will receive training and orientation at the OM UK London base. The sessions will equip them for the mission ahead including cultural sensitivity training, evangelism workshops, and logistical briefings. The team will end back at the OM UK London base for debriefing.
Please note that an OM staff member will travel with you for the first two weeks of the journey to provide supervision, guidance and facilitate a smooth transition of the group leadership to the participants.
Married couples are welcome to apply if they are ok to sleep in separate rooms sometimes. Applicants must be 18 or over.
Cost excludes insurance.
If you live in the UK and are interested in applying, you can use this link https://www.uk.om.org/beacon-sto-application
As part of our Safeguarding policy a valid enhanced DBS certificate is required, which may cost an additional £20.
What To Expect
Destinations: Central, Eastern & Mediterranean Europe.
Key Activities:
- Serve with OM teams: Engage in meaningful service such as refugee ministry, youth/kids programmes, after school clubs, house visits, physical work, Bible Study groups and Church attendance as requested by OM teams in destination countries. An opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love through action.
- Evangelism: Share your faith through respectful conversations, prayer walks, or organised outreach events. Be sensitive to cultural differences and prioritise love and understanding.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the cultures by exploring historical sites, sampling local cuisine and interacting with people. Learn about the history of Christianity in each region and its impact on local communities.
- Fellowship & Reflection: Spend time bonding with others through Bible studies, worship and prayer meetings. Reflect on your experiences, challenges and spiritual growth throughout the journey.
Participant Profile
Age Range: 18-25
Participants must be passionate about sharing their faith, excited about meeting new people and keen to travel! Race Across Europe is aimed at those aged 18-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be accommodation provided?
Participants will stay in a combination of hostels and OM bases throughout the journey, fostering a sense of community and hospitality. Married couples may not have a double bed, or privacy.
Will there be food provided?
You will be expected to cook together as a group, you will also be fed by those hosting you and you will need to source your own food too. Please let us know in advance any special dietary needs (vegetarian, food allergies, dairy-free, gluten free, etc.).
Do I need to make my own travel arrangements?
The nearest airport is Heathrow Airport (LHR). It is also possible to fly into any of the London airports and then take a bus or train from those airports to London. The closest train station is Harlesden station.
Travel between destinations will be primarily by train using Interrail passes allowing scenic views and access to major cities in Europe. OM vehicles or public transport will be used while doing ministry in destination countries.
What should my health condition be like?
You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances without difficulty.
Do I need a visa?
Please check www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa for coming to the UK, and then check Schengen requirements.