Interview about the DV with SMD Ingolstadt

We spoke with the student leader of the international SMD group Ingolstadt, and here you can read about his experience and words of encouragement for you.

Enjoy reading!

1. How would you describe the DV and your DV-experience in three words?
   Insightful, Inspiring, Immersive
    
2. How was it for your, to be as an international student at a really German type of conference? What did you have learned during this DV, about the SMD/about God/ about Germans?
   As an international student, this was eye opening and insightful. I learnt that God is intentional about bringing internationals to help us understand God and who we are better (Highlight from the teaching on how our cultures can be a blind spot).
    
3. What surprised you the most? (about the SMD/about God/ about Germans?)
   About the SMD and especially during the DV, highlighted everyone's strong engagement. Everyone demonstrated a surprising level of interest in discussing finite details, which led to insightful and interesting questions being posed to those presenting their ideas and suggestions.
    
4. What was a funny or unexpected experience for you?
   There was one humorous presentation suggesting that dogs should be part of the SMD group members and missionary activities. A heated but exaggeratedly funny, humorous discussion broke out. That was very funny :D  
    
5. What was a challenge for you during these days?
   The language barrier was a challenge especially in following with the technical things that were being discussed by parliament, where decisions had to be made.
    
6. It was a special event for you, because you as a group were voted/ accepted to be an official SMD Group on the DV- What inspiration and ideas did you take away from this event for your group in Ingolstadt?
   We felt love and support as we shared how far we have come, also a unique moment since the theme was also on internationals.
   Our inspiration came from the shared testimonies, a reassurance that God is still working through students like us to bring people to Himself.
   The talk by Alice Atkins showed us on how we can be a good host to the students attending our group.
    
7. How did you’ve experience God during these days?
   I experienced God as an author of the different cultures and diversities. When we let everyone show their diversity, God is glorified.
    
8. Why would you recommend to all people, Germans and Internationals, to go to the DV ?
   To personally experience God through the shared experiences.
   To refocus and refuel yourself alongside other young believers who are doing God’s work.
   To understand the mandate of SMD and how important individual contribution is to the greater goal.