Reports: SYD1

Annika Suontama reports on this years’ Sydenham International Conference

Annika Suontama is a medical student in Finland

At the end of January 2024, we were fortunate to travel to London for the Sydenham International Conference (SYD1), being held for the first time after COVID-19. In total, there were 13 of us from ten countries across several continents. The goal of the conference was to equip and inspire young delegates for leadership and ministry in their own home countries. We were all doctors-to-be and already actively involved in our local CMF groups, so the topic and timing were perfect.

The accommodation for the week was close to the CMF Office, in central London. During the week, we spent a lot of time at the office but also touring around London. We started our days with Bible readings, followed by teaching about mission, ethics, work, leading a local student group, or other interesting topics. When not at the office, we were walking around London; visiting the Houses of Parliament, admiring views from a skyscraper, or viewing old Bible manuscripts in the British Library. We also had two amazing guided tours focusing on Christian heritage in London, demonstrating how much the gospel has influenced the world. After just one day, we already had so much to learn, so after a whole week, it would definitely take some time to fully process everything.

Our group included medical students from Europe, Russia, Brazil, and various parts of Africa. As a result of intense time spent together, we quickly bonded as a group and had a lot of fun. Many participants were visiting a Western country for the first time, and there was plenty to marvel at everywhere: in the food, the weather, and the people. Apparently, we eat a lot of sugar and salad, endure freezing cold, and are extremely polite. The best parts of the trip were the numerous conversations and sharing of personal experiences. These were best discussed over shared meals, with the most memorable being at the homes of two different families on a couple of evenings.

The week in London ended with the annual CMF Student Conference in Staffordshire, England. In addition to us, over 300 healthcare students from different parts of the UK and Ireland gathered at the fabulous conference centre for the weekend. The program included seminars, teachings, fellowship, and food — in just the right proportions. It was a great weekend of learning as well as meeting new people and old friends. On Sunday evening, we returned to London in a wistful atmosphere for a final dinner and the last night.

Before coming, I didn’t know much about what to expect from the trip. Now looking back, I am extremely grateful and happy that I decided to participate. I guess the idea of the CMF student workers was to invest in a small number of students and really make a change in them so that the transformation could continue through them. I think that this was well achieved. Everything was excellently organised, and we really were in good hands. I believe that every one of us went home with fresh enthusiasm and many new ideas.

Personally, the trip provided a lot socially, mentally, but above all spiritually. A kind of spiritual downturn that had followed the first years after my conversion finally got a new course. It feels like during the trip I got a reminder of why I believe in Jesus in the first place. As silly as it may sound, it can sometimes be forgotten in the midst of everything else.

The other best part of the trip was the people. It’s amazing how just spending time together can be so inspiring and rewarding. In my opinion, being in an international environment adds a new dimension to the interaction, openness. When everyone comes from a completely different culture and background, social norms and judgmentalism are easier to leave behind. As a result, people are more themselves, and a genuine connection can be formed. Furthermore, having dear brothers and sisters around the world also opens doors for new opportunities in the future!

Finally, I thank God for the work of CMF in the UK and pray that it would also continue producing good fruit. You were an encouragement for us, especially for those coming from countries with only a handful of Christians in their CMFs. The week showed us that we really have one Lord who wonderfully works everywhere in the world. And that we are the ones through which his great love for all people is shared!