When we met, our dream was to dedicate ourselves to God's kingdom. Gijs had completed a Master's in Ministry from Heritage Christian University in the USA and had already gained extensive experience in missions in Asian countries. Arine reflected on her working holiday to Sierra Leone, where she helped build a school with a group of young people. We both knew one thing for sure: serving in God's kingdom is what makes us happiest. Whether it is in rural villages in Asia or close to home in The Netherlands & Belgium, we want nothing more than that.

After we got married, we went on our first missions trip to Asia together and collaborated on mission projects and events in Europe, focusing on The Netherlands and Belgium. With support from congregations in America, we were able to dedicate ourselves to God's kingdom here. The large and well-developed youth events there, combined with the need for similar events in Europe and Asia, inspired Ignite for Christ.

The first edition took place in 2023, as a collaboration with a major event in the USA, called CYC. However, subsequent editions made it abundantly clear that the multicultural communities in Europe had an even broader need for something that could evolve as a standalone organisation with a strong vision to expand globally. Out of this need, Ignite for Christ was born.

The dream of Ignite for Christ extends beyond Europe. We have developed a vision and concept that is applicable worldwide. It focuses on getting to know Jesus Christ and (re)kindling passionate devotion to Him. It helps participants share their faith, stories and experiences with each other and equips them to share the powerful message of Christ with their communities. Besides our annual live event, Ignite it also serves as a year-round, encouraging online platform that connects, inspires, and builds up believers around the globe. Ignite for Christ aims to bridge differences in age, culture, and maturity in faith to create unity and inspiring bonds that matter. We believe that we can already taste heaven now, as we look forward to that glorious day we will all stand before God's throne as one church to praise and glorify Him.

Whether this is your first time or you've been with us from the beginning, our hope is that you leave filled with more hope, a (re) kindled heart, connected, and above all, more wonder and love for Jesus Christ.

We can't wait to meet you.

With much love,

Gijs and Arine Bardoel - Van den Heuvel