More than 60,000 people, many of them young believers, have attended the 56th annual Pentecost Conference organised by Stichting Opwekking (Revival Foundation) near the Dutch town of Biddinghuizen, an hour’s drive from Amsterdam.
The four-day event drew worshippers from across the Netherlands and beyond, with many of them camping on-site.
Thousands packed the central conference tent on Sunday morning, while many others followed the gathering from nearby fields and large outdoor screens.
Organisers estimated that about 20,000 people attended the main worship service alone.
“THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MOVING IN A GLORIOUS WAY ACROSS EUROPE”
Worthy Christian News reports participants sang worship songs and celebrated Communion together in what organisers described as a visible expression of unity among Christians from different churches and denominations.
Swiss evangelist Jean-Luc Trachsel posted: “What a powerful and historic moment. Truly, the Holy Spirit is moving in a glorious way all across Europe.”
“Here in the Netherlands we can feel the wind of revival blowing stronger than ever.”
“We are witnessing a fresh move of God touching this generation with salvation, healing, deliverance, and revival fire.”
“The Netherlands shall be saved, as Europe shall be saved.”
THEMES OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION
Conference leaders spoke about forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ during the Communion service.
“Through the blood of Jesus we are forgiven and reconciled. The relationship with the Father has been restored,” leaders told worshippers.
“The cross is the place where the old self is crucified with Him.”
A large cross at the centre of the conference grounds reminded visitors of those Biblical themes.
SYMBOL OF GOD’S CLOSENESS, FAITHFULNESS AND STRENGTH
The central conference theme “I Am” referred to the Biblical story in which God reveals Himself to Moses through the burning bush.
Organisers said it symbolised God’s closeness, faithfulness, and strength, even during difficult times.
During Sunday’s main service, conference director Lourens du Plessis reflected on life’s “mountains and valleys” while preaching from Exodus 17 about Moses holding up his hands during the battle between Israel and the Amalekites at Rephidim.
“As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed,” he told the crowd.
“What happens above becomes visible below. Heavenly power translates into earthly victory.”
“WHEN WE WALK WITH GOD, WE STILL FACE BATTLES”
Mr. Du Plessis said spiritual struggles remain part of life even for believers.
“When we walk with God, we still experience battles in our lives.”
Pointing worshippers toward Jesus Christ, he explained that every Biblical mountain story ultimately points “to the mountain of God’s glory and to Christ Jesus.”
“Whoever believes in Him will live, even though he dies,” he declared.
“THERE WAS FIRE FROM GOD’S SPIRIT”
Worship often continued late into the night during the conference , with groups of young people gathering outdoors to sing and pray together.
“People stood together late in the evening singing songs on the field,” recounted Mr. Du Plessis.
“Some even started dancing. It created such a beautiful atmosphere.”
“There may not have been a real campfire because of safety reasons, but there was fire from God’s Spirit.”
ORIGINS OF THE REVIVAL EVENT
The event traces its roots to late Dutch evangelist Ben Hoekendijk, who helped establish Stichting Opwekking in 1960.
He became one of the best-known figures in the Dutch Pentecostal movement and launched the first Pentecost conferences in the early 1970s, when only a few hundred people attended.
The gatherings later evolved into major Christian events attracting worshippers from across Europe.
He also organised large youth rallies known as the One-Way Days and spoke at international evangelical events linked to evangelist Billy Graham.
Stichting Opwekking noted their annual Pentecost Conference has become one of the most visible expressions of evangelical Christianity in the Netherlands and increasingly draws visitors from across Europe seeking worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
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