{"id":31960,"date":"2023-10-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/csw-yeo.1wp.site\/magazines\/volunteering-at-the-big-church-festival-6092\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T21:21:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T20:21:54","slug":"volunteering-at-the-big-church-festival-6092","status":"publish","type":"magazines","link":"https:\/\/www.csw.org.uk\/zh\/magazines\/volunteering-at-the-big-church-festival-6092\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteering at the Big Church Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On a sunny weekend in May, CSW returned to West Sussex for the Big Church Festival 2023. Once again, we had the privilege of introducing the musicians on Tom\u2019s Stage, while 21 wonderful volunteers helped launch a new campaign to free a prominent human rights defender in Myanmar\/Burma. We caught up with Ellen, Sam and Janet to hear their experiences of the weekend.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some supporters may remember Janet from her time as CSW\u2019s Ambassadors Coordinator. She said it was a \u2018no-brainer\u2019 when she was invited to return as a volunteer. \u2018I was looking forward to reconnecting with former colleagues and highlighting the plight of Reverend Samson in Myanmar,\u2019 she told us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven weeks previously, Rev Dr Hkalam Samson had been sentenced to six years in prison on trumped-up charges. Like most religious and political prisoners, he was prosecuted under counterterrorism laws, which Myanmar\u2019s military routinely use to silence opposition. He is one of over 24,000 political prisoners to have been arrested since the 2021 coup, most of whom are still detained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The volunteers did a fantastic job of explaining Rev Samson\u2019s case. Thanks to their efforts, hundreds added their name to our open letter to the UK government, urging them to do all they can to secure his freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More petition signatures were gathered across the field in the Expo \u2013 an exhibition tent full of different charities and organisations. Our stand included a letter-writing station, where several people wrote messages of hope for Rev Samson and his wife, Zung Nyaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was the reaction to our campaign?<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many of the people Janet spoke to had heard about CSW\u2019s work before. For others, she was able to bring new awareness about the persecution that exists in our world and give them a practical way to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018I came away greatly encouraged by the number of people who were totally receptive to what we had to share and took action by signing the campaign,\u2019 Janet said. \u2018It is satisfying to leave folk more informed and enthused as to the part they can play in making a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fulfilling and fun<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering is a great way to grow your understanding about the cases and countries we work on. Sam said he learnt about Rev Samson and his activism for the first time, adding that there was plenty of time to explore the festival after his shifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018My highlight was seeing Hillsong United and Kings Kaleidoscope,\u2019 he told us. \u2018Plus spending time with friends!\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ellen agreed: \u2018I loved having the opportunity to attend some of the sessions in the Worship Tent.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Janet was touched that so many students and young professionals had given their time to serve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018It was soul-affirming for me to witness their sincere and genuine desire to embrace the cause of CSW. I am filled with confidence that God is raising up a new generation of torchbearers who will continue to defend, uphold and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.\u2019<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Go for it!\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are so grateful for the time our volunteers invested this summer, raising valuable awareness for those experiencing injustice around the world. The impact of even a single conversation is immeasurable! It could mean that one more person is stirred to pray; one more person inspired to make a gift; one more person convinced to use their voice to speak out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To those considering joining the team at future events, Ellen would say: \u2018Absolutely go for it! It has been a highlight of my summer so far.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Janet also explained how it is an opportunity to grow your skills and giftings. \u2018I\u2019d encourage everyone to volunteer,\u2019 she said. \u2018Yes, for some it may push you out of your comfort zone, but with such a compassionate staff team alongside you, what better environment than this for providing a secure place to grow?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get involved<\/b><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If you have a heart for justice and a bit of spare time, there are lots of ways you can serve God alongside CSW. For example, you could volunteer to host a prayer gathering, letter-writing session or fundraising event.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Become a CSW Ambassador in your church:<\/b> csw.org.uk\/ambassador<\/b><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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