PATHS 2026: Wisdom’s call
PATHS, Wisdom’s Call, was the theme for the 2026 TeenStreet Europe event held in Offenburg, Germany, from 1-8 August. Over 1,800 teens were encouraged to have fun, go deep and be bold as they explored what it means to walk in wisdom and to make choices that shape who they become and how they live in the world. Teaching from the book of Proverbs, speakers looked at topics such as where wisdom comes from, the art of listening, the power of words, your heart as the source of life, how to live out wisdom in your life and why who you surround yourself with matters.
Each day was full of activities which included Mainhall sessions, Shhh Time, small groups, outreach, seminars, workshops, Throne Room and much more. A crowd favourite every year, the Raise and Give (RAG) event raised money for post-storm reconstruction in Portugal, media ministry among the least reached and to help support teens around the world grow in their faith. Completing as many 1 km loops as they could within the allotted 90 minutes, the 557 runners and walkers raised over €65,000 in pledges. Heat created an extra challenge this year, as even in the evening, the temperature was around 32 degrees Celsius (89 degrees Fahrenheit). Those who did not run or walk took part by cheering others on from the sidelines.
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We are all teens
When Logos Hope announced a stop in his home country of Spain in early 2026, Abel was beyond excited. “I wanted to be on [an OM ship] since I was a kid, so I finally fulfilled my dream by joining the programme in Malaga,” he said.
Volunteering in the ship’s Book Fair combined two of Abel’s passions — books and meeting new people. He particularly enjoyed recommending books to people as he got to know them. For himself, Abel purchased more than 20 books, “so I had to have someone take the books [home] for me because they didn’t fit in my suitcase,” he said with a laugh.
While onboard Logos Hope, Abel met members of the Spanish OM team and asked if there were any summer volunteer opportunities available. Hearing about his years of experience as an English teacher for young people, they answered: join us at TeenStreet!
A first for Malta
Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy. Mentioned in the Bible as the island where the Apostle Paul shipwrecked while being transported as a prisoner to Rome, Malta has a long history of Christianity. Over the years, however, the Maltese church became part of the local culture to the point where many people on the island only go to church on special occasions and few have a personal relationship with God.
It was to this island that Cornel and his family moved two years ago. “The reason we went to Malta was to reach the Maltese people,” he explained simply. The island has a large influx of people from other countries in the cities — around 30 per cent — but his family felt drawn to the smaller towns where the expats are few. “We took a year to just be there, listen, meet with pastors, see what they need, see what God is already doing and then think, Okay, what does God want us to do?” recalled Cornel. “We didn’t want to come and say ‘Okay, this is what we are doing,’ because I think that is a very arrogant approach. It was really for us to be there and see what God is doing and then join into that and mobilise people towards the least reached with that.”
One thing that immediately stood out to the family was the opportunity to work among Malta’s teens.
TeenStreet feels like home
A 30-hour bus ride did not deter over 100 Portuguese teens and volunteers from attending the annual TeenStreet Europe event in Offenburg, Germany, from 1-8 August. “During the trip, we could get close with [other teens] before we arrived,” shrugged 16-year-old Louiz of the long journey.
This was Louiz’s third time at the event. The first year he went with a group from his church after his parents encouraged him to sign up. They had seen TeenStreet Europe on social media and thought it would be a good experience for their son. They were right. Louiz enjoyed attending the event and has returned each year since, and inviting friends to join him.
Seventeen-year-old Maria echoed Louiz’s story. This was Maria’s fifth year at the TeenStreet Europe event, and each time she has attended with a group from her church. “I’ve made some of my greatest friends here, and this is the place I feel the most connected with God,” she said. “My first [small group leader] said, ‘TeenStreet feels like home,’ and today, that’s the thing I feel. I feel like coming to [the TeenStreet event] is like coming home.”
Over the years, Maria has invited friends to attend with her and seen those friendships strengthen as a result. Plus, experiencing the week together helps with accountability and support the rest of the year.