Creativity marked the evening with movement, color and even a little controversy. The Swiss Army venue was decked out with seven video screens and much of the worship was led by an experimental DJ / MC outfit known as Fusefactory who normally play in mainstream experimental clubs and bars. After some initial hesitancy from those people more used to worshipping with accoustic guitars, the crowd quickly warmed up and were partying and praying as 2005 rolled into 2006.

 

"Some people have criticised us for the creativity," admits organiser Susanna Rychiger. "They didn't like the style of music, the visuals and even the logo of ch06! But I am really glad we launched the year of prayer imaginatively and I know that God is in it - I feel and see that. You can't limit worship to soft rock and you can't restrict prayer to silent kneeling."

 

In spite of such controversy in the peaceful nation, the year of 24-7 prayer has certainly captured the imagination of many Swiss churches. In fact 42 of the 52 weeks have already been allocated to groups eager to pray night and day as part of the twelve month flow. 

Pete Greig, convener of the international 24-7 community, preached passionately, calling Swiss young people to walk by faith and not by sight. He reminded them of their rich heritage: "You have won more Nobel Prizes as a nation than any other. You have patented more inventions too. You champion peace. God has blessed you with great wealth and stunning scneery.  You have also pioneered

spiritually. Your sons include Calvin,  Zwingli,  Felix Manz (the anabaptist martyr) and the great Christian psychologist Jean-Paul Tournier.  More recently, you have been a hub of YWAM's international operations. Switzerland has a great social and spiritual history," said Pete. "But I believe that you have an even greater future as you partner with God through prayer!"

 

Pete Greig finished his address with a mysterious piece of film - the ethereal video to a song by the Icelandic band Sigur Ros. Interestingly the track which has been a chart hit is called ‘Glossoli’ which is the Greek word for 'speaking in tongues'.

 

CH06, as the year has been dubbed, is the fruit of seeds sown back in 2001 when thousands gathered spontaneously at the Reutli - birthplace of Switzerland - to recovenant the nation to God. (It's a scene described powerfully in Red Moon Rising)

Sussana Rychiger, who helped mastermind that event now says: "Looking ahead in this year ithere can be no doubt that God has called us to pray through 2006. There are lots of words around in Switzerland, that we should call people to prayer. People are noticing that the young Generation have already responded to the call with this year of 24-7 prayer :-)"