Christian gap year - threesixty

Here we ask Sam Willis, a Watford fan and who did threesixty last year, a few questions to tease out what his experience was like.
What has been the hardest thing about your year?
The most consistent hardship was living with other people in the hub. I didn’t realise how right I was about everything until I moved in with people (who thought they were right!). Opening yourself up to live with people, be open, vulnerable and challenged even about things as small as how long you spend in the bathroom can hurt more than I thought. These times were also the most fruitful.The year isn’t easy and that it was it so brilliant about it.
What story sums up your year?
I remember struggling with a group of the young people at one the youth clubs. I found the lack of respect they had for me since I didn’t ‘work’ there as such difficult and felt, if I’m honest, threatened by them. I remember discussing the matter with my mentor at the time and he had some good advice; basically, to step out. And so I did, and began to intentionally talk and interact with this particular group. I remember the conversation being one where I kept persisting despite getting no answer other than “f**k you”. I persisted and in the end got an answer. That group of boys was one I got on with increasingly throughout the year and by the end among my favourites.
What is the funniest word you know?!
Piccadilly, ‘coz it’s pretty darn fun to say.
Has your time on threesixty ‘changed your world’?
I wait and see. I know my views on a lot of things have opened up and can see the potential for Christ centred mission in places and things where before I wouldn’t have. I think in relating to people I would not usually relate with that’s opened my eyes. The change I love I think is hope. Time spent with Oasis has filled me with hope. Hope that change can happen, that Christ is relevant everywhere, and hope in what God is doing in me, in the church and in the world.
How has threesixty affected your future?
Well it’s opened a world up to me I guess. Something that is on my heart is youth work and so I think it may well have been the facilitator behind that idea of my future.
How has threesixty affected your understanding of God?
Big time! It’s taught me to see him in places where I wouldn’t have before. It’s taught me that he is active and not static. It has taught me that he does have a plan and it’s more than just about me. It’s taught me to see the God of history, the God of this world and then what place I have to play. It’s opened me up to a God who is not a molly cuddling, there-there god but a wild, excited and interested God. It’s made him bigger.
Politicians talk a lot about deprived communities and the lack of hope there. What would you say to them?
I love what Mother Theresa said when she said “small things done with great love”. Policies may facilitate change but they are no salvation. To understand, to relate, and to listen to people goes further than making programmes for them. There is hope, it is ground level and I think that that is where real change takes place.
Big or small?!
Hmm, I’m gonna sit on the fence- Big made up of small.
What would you say is the biggest strength of threesixty?
I think its honesty, reality and fearlessness. It isn’t a nicely boxed experience. You can invest as much as you want and dive as deep as you like. It facilitates but doesn’t dictate.
What would you say to someone who is not sure whether to do a gap year? Do it.
If you are interesting in finding out more about cost and finance or applying for September 2010 email http://www.oasisuk.org/volunteering/threesixty or phone 020 7921 4230

Current threesixtys are looking forward to the June residential, thats one of three that occurs on the Oasis gap year programme, happening next week in the town of Shirehampton, Bristol. There will no doubt be training, discussions and debates, competitions, and plenty of food! For more info on training on threesixty, visit the website on; oasisuk.org/volunteering/threesixty.