The beautiful Black Forest in Southern Germany was the site of the Feast of Tabernacles for 259 brethren from 10 different countries.

The Feast site in Schluchsee was blessed with seven days of spectacular bright sunshine! The nice weather and beautiful scenery added to the focus of the Kingdom of God in this year’s messages. The services were held in the village hall, which provided a beautiful view of the lake. The services were translated simultaneously into English or German as needed.

The Feast began with rousing music, beautiful flowers and glowing candles, setting the stage for a wonderful Feast. The welcome evening provided an opportunity to greet old friends and make new ones. The German brethren appreciated all the visitors who came from as far as Australia and the U.S., allowing them to have a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles with lots of opportunity for fellowship in a family setting. Activities at the Feast began with a Bible study for the seniors and a youth activity that challenged their Go Kart driving skills.

This year's excursion tour took us to Lake Constance, where we enjoyed a beautiful boat ride. There was also bowling for the seniors, volleyball, a ladies' breakfast, men's and women's discussions and hymn singing.

The youth had several interactive Bible studies, and the little ones – along with their parents and grandparents – enjoyed a walk through the Black Forest accompanied by a forest ranger, who showed them the many dams built by beavers.

A true highlight this year was the folklore evening with an orchestra from Blasiwald and a dance group from Schluchsee that performed local folk music and dances in traditional Black Forest costumes.

There was one baptism ceremony at the end of the Feast.

The farewell evening after the Eighth Day gave us the opportunity to say goodbye to each other. There were lots of handshakes and hugs as brethren departed after eight days of warm fellowship in a millennial setting.

— Jesmina Allaoua