“I’ve always loved the idea of a gap year, but have always had a heart for where I am - my university and campus. So when my friend told me about the Xplore year in, I immediately knew it was something I’d love to do. As part of the year in we’ve been going through the Pioneer Mission book and learning how to develop a Godly community. The online training has helped me reach others at university – particularly at the Students’ Union which is the centre of university life. I’ve struck up some really good relationships with people who aren’t yet Christians and I’ve been able to open up the Bible with them and pray for them. Putting the mission I’ve been learning about into practice has been brilliant. As part of Xplore, I’ve also spent a weekend with an evangelist in Liverpool working with people struggling with addiction. Xplore has been amazing and I’ve met some great people who’ve been a constant source of encouragement to me. I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

Ian is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he is training to be a teacher

 

 

 

 

“My year with Xplore started with a placement in Romania which turned out to be an amazing time. We stayed in a town called Siria where we worked with a community of Roma gypsies. I was part of the school team where I helped to run the after school homework club which included helping the children with their academic work and doing more practical activities such as art, drama, gardening and woodwork. I feel that I have grown so much because I have stopped, listened and been expectant to hear from God. It’s also been great to spend time with the other Xplorers – we get on so well and have had some great adventures together.”

Aimee is from Lisburn in Northern Ireland

 

 

 

 

"Thanks to the Xplore year in I’ve learnt how important prayer is to mission and reaching people in my community. Each week we have online Xplore groups where we receive teaching and can share stories, ideas and learn from each other’s experiences. It is a great encouragement to talk to the other Xplorers who are excited about mission and who you know are praying for you and challenging you to act on what you’re learning. Day-to-day at St Nic’s church I lead an Alpha group and school kids’ club, teach people English in the community and help with the tea and toast outreach to clubbers on Friday nights.”

Debs is from Nottingham where she is an intern at St Nic’s church while working part-time as an administrator

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I joined Xplore after hearing about it at the Next Generation youth conference in Oxford. I’ve had a brilliant time so far with Xplore where I’ve been given the space and opportunity to discover my gifts and grow in them. During my trip to Romania I have been part of the building team helping some of Europe’s poorest communities. The Xplore teaching sessions have also been helpful and one of the biggest things I’ve learnt is the need and importance to be in a right relationship with God before going about evangelism to others.”

Peter  is from Wantage in Oxfordshire