“Refreshing and Inspiring”: Why Andrew Will Return for Oxygen 23 

Oxygen conference is returning this August for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Oxygen is a conference retreat designed to ‘fuel passion for Christian ministry’. 

In this interview, returning delegate Andrew Laird shares his Oxygen highlights, how the conference has benefited his work at City Bible Forum, and why other Christian workers should consider signing up for this year.  

Oxygen 23 delegate, Andrew Laird from City Bible Forum

Describe your ministry!

I work for City Bible Forum, a national organisation that aims to “reach the world through workers with the good news of Jesus”. I’m based in Melbourne and have a particular focus on discipling Christians in their life and witness in the workplace. I’ve been serving with City Bible Forum for nine years.

How many Oxygen events have you attended and what has been a highlight? 

I attended the first Oxygen conference back in 2011 with John Piper and John Lennox as the speakers. That was a highlight, joining with sisters and brothers in person to learn from the wisdom and years of experience of these two men. 

John Piper preaches at the Oxygen 11 event

How has God used Oxygen to ‘fuel your passion for Christian ministry’?  

12 years on, I still think back to those few days in August 2011 as being a refreshing and inspiring time, chatting with new and old friends about the shared joys and challenges of serving God in vocational ministry. Being surrounded by women and men who have been faithfully persevering over many years, pacing themselves for a marathon not a sprint, was a wonderful experience too. 

Why do you think ministry leaders and workers should set aside time to attend conferences like Oxygen?  

There are so many conferences in the annual calendar, but Oxygen is one I have made a priority of making time for in 2023 because I know how important it is to be refreshed in ministry. Having been refreshed by the books of both Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine, I’m really looking forward to being fed by their teaching, as well as spending time with interstate peers from Bible college as we stay together for the conference, something we don’t get to do often enough! 

Come up for ‘Oxygen’ this August

Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry?

This August, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed and renewed by God’s word. Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. Scripture will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.    
 
Dates: 15-18 August, 2023  
Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba  
Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine 

Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. On-site, catered accommodation is also available.    
  
For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website:  oxygenconference.com/register  

Oxygen conference is returning this August for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba

By Heidi Tai

5 Reasons to Make Katoomba Easter Convention A Family Tradition 

Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether you’re gathering to decorate a Christmas tree, wrap dumplings, or to celebrate a meaningful holiday by the sea, family traditions are important for establishing foundational values and moments of deep bonding.  

Since 1962, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.  

5 reasons to make KEC a family tradition this Easter:  

  1. Model to your family the significance of Easter  

For the Christian, Easter is a significant time of remembering the death and resurrection of Christ and how it applies to everyday life. Attending KEC can be a big sacrifice of time, money and resources, but by prioritising spiritual growth, we communicate to our families that Easter is more than a long weekend of chocolate eggs and bunnies.  

“KEC has been great for my family to get away from the challenges and distractions of life to spend time reflecting on God. KEC is a great reminder that Easter isn’t about chocolate or holidays, rather it is a time to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection and how that should shape our daily lives.”

Verity Hall, KEC Delegate and Volunteer 
  1. Start each year deeply rooted in God’s word  

At KEC, hearing and responding to God’s word is the priority. At a time where we and our children are bombarded by competing messages, values and ideals, it is important to start the year well, rooted in God’s word. Each year, KEC invites gifted Bible teachers to preach on relevant topics. In 2023, main speakers Ed Stetzer and Dan Paterson, and special guests Malcolm Gill, Sam Chan and Jonathan Dykes will speak on the topic “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a world of scepticism and confusion, KEC will empower your family to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by a good and gracious God.  

“Through the Kid’s program, I was annually fed with engaging and solid Bible teaching, which allowed me to thank Jesus for what he has done in every stage of life. KEC has been a major influence in the way I know Jesus and express my faith today.”  

Anna Kreicers, KEC Delegate and Volunteer 
  1. A commitment to annual Sabbath rest as a family  

    What if the Easter long weekend could become a time of regular Sabbath rest for your family?  

    Attending KEC may take some effort but once you arrive, you will be invited to rest in God’s word in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Drop off your little ones at our children’s programs and enjoy mornings being refreshed by Bible talks, inspiring testimonies, and uplifting worship in song. Spend afternoons relaxing with friends and family, surrounded by golden Autumn hues. Swap out screen time for meaning conversation and prayer in crisp mountain air. Away from the interruptions and distractions of city life, KEC is a space for your family to deeply consider what it means to love and live for Jesus.  

    “I love watching the dedicated Toddler team in action. Young Adult leaders who volunteer their Easter break to lovingly care for little ones so that their parents can benefit from undisturbed bible teaching in the auditorium. That is Christian community in action.”  

    John & Jenny, KEC Delegates and Volunteers  
    1. Expand your family’s view of God’s world and the global church 

    Attending KEC will show your family that God’s world is much bigger than the four walls of the local church, and that He is working powerfully across our country and world. At a time when being a Christian can feel lonely or isolating, KEC is a powerful reminder that we belong to a bigger spiritual family, and for life-long friendships to be formed. By highlighting stories of the persecuted and vulnerable, delegates are given the opportunity to consider how they can be part of God’s mission too.  

    “Over the years we have seen children grow into adults with children and seen God working in people’s lives. As a volunteer I have met in person, many different godly people from Australia and all the over the world.”  

    Gordon, KEC Delegate and Volunteer 
    1. Inspire your family into a lifetime of faithful gospel service  

    KEC relies on the power of volunteers—from our children’s program leaders to our ushers on the day, each volunteer helps to facilitate God’s Word preached from the platform. This volunteer model has impacted many delegates and created a strong culture of gospel generosity and sacrifice. We thank God that over six decades, we have witnessed delegates flourishing into men and women of faith—serving their local churches and KCC events as staff, committee members and volunteers!  

    “We first started volunteering after our children were all in high school. We were so grateful for the volunteers that had looked after them that we decided to give some time and energy ourselves. We really enjoy being part of a team committed to serving their brothers and sisters, and we’ve formed great friendships as a result.”  

    Ross & Karen, KEC Delegates and Volunteers

    Go Together. Grow Together.

    Are you ready to make KEC a family tradition this Easter?  

    Dates: 7-10th April 2023  
    Place: StayKCC, Katoomba   
    Theme: Rock Solid: Trusting God in a World of Confusion   
    Main Speakers: Ed Stetzer (Wheaton College Billy Graham Center) and Dan Paterson (Questioning Christianity)  
       
    For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/   

    Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether

    By Heidi Tai

    Malcolm Gill Confirmed as Guest Speaker for Easter Convention 

    We are thrilled to announce that Malcolm Gill will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2023. 

    Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) will return on 7-10 April 2023, to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a time where God’s word is met with mistrust and skepticism, KEC will empower delegates to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.  
     
    To address this topic, Malcolm Gill, will return to the KEC platform as a guest speaker. Malcolm is the recently appointed Lead Pastor of Multicultural Bible Ministry (MBM) in Sydney’s western suburbs. Prior to pastoral ministry Malcolm taught Preaching, Greek, and New Testament at Sydney Missionary & Bible College and Dallas Theological Seminary (USA). Malcolm is married to Tamara and they are the parents of Annabel, Adam, and Zara, and their loyal dog Tyndale. 

    Get a taste of Malcolm’s teaching here:  

    1. Being a Disciple of Jesus during the COVID Era 

      In this SMBC Principal Hour talk, Malcolm Gill shares two tips for communicating the gospel in the ‘COVID era’ where people may be feeling isolated, anxious and discouraged. Click here to watch the video.  

    2. The Evangelist’s Authority (The Word of God) 

    In this video provided by the Academy of Evangelism, Malcolm Gill invites us to consider the nature of the gospel as outlined in the Bible, and how the word of God needs to remain the authority behind evangelism work.  

    3. The God Who Hears and Sees 

    In moments of distress and anxiety how do we wait on the Lord? God is a God of promises, but what happens when God’s timeline is different than ours? How do we keep going when our faith is fading? In this SMBC ‘Principal Hour’ talk from Genesis 16, Malcolm shares the challenges of Abram and Sarai as they lived with and responded to this tension. Click here to watch the video

    Make KEC a New Family Tradition in 2023  

    At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendly program that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God.   
      
    Whether you join us in the beautiful mountain air of Katoomba, or from your living room or holiday home elsewhere, our absolute priority is to provide a program that will continue to be a time of significant spiritual impact for every member of your family.  

    Dates: 7-10th April 2023 
    Place: StayKCC, Katoomba  
    Theme: Rock Solid: Trusting God in a World of Confusion  
    Main Speakers: Ed Stetzer (Wheaton College Billy Graham Center) and Dan Paterson (Questioning Christianity) 
      
    For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/  

    We are thrilled to announce that Malcolm Gill will return to speak at Katoomba Easter

    By Heidi Tai

    Paul Tripp Returns to Australia for Oxygen Conference 

    Paul Tripp is set to return to Australia for Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. 

    Paul Tripp is a pastor, event speaker, and a best-selling and award-winning author. With more than 30 books and video series on Christian living, Paul’s driving passion is to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Paul is a long-time supporter of KCC events, having spoken at Easter Convention, BASECAMP men’s conference, and previous Oxygen conferences.  

    This August, Paul will speak at Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC), Oxygen exists to refresh workers in their zeal for God and the work that He has called them to do. This year, along with Zack Eswine, Paul will speak on the topic, “Reshaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”.  

    Get a taste of his teaching here:  

    1. Dangerous Calling 

    In this video, Paul Tripp shares how his private struggle with anger impacted his ministry and marriage, and how the current “pastoral culture” drives pastors into hiding due to a lack of accountability and pastoral care. He then exhorts trainers and seminaries to reconsider how they can better support church leaders and create healthier churches. 

    2. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Temptations of Pastoral Ministry 

    In this talk from Oxygen 2014, Paul shares the unique and dangerous temptation of shaping one’s ministry around knowledge, experience and skill. He encourages ministry workers to check that their hearts are being “tenderised day after day by communion with Christ” and becoming more like Jesus, the servant leader. To watch this video for free, download the KCC One app 

    3. Competency Does Not Equal Fruitfulness 

    In this video, Paul shares why he is tired of pastoral gatherings being focused on methods, strategies and agendas which lead to a “mechanical view of ministry” and a “hope in personal competency”. He then gives an alternative perspective for ministry success and emphasises the power of prayer.  

    Reshape Your Heart for Ministry at Oxygen

    Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry?  

    This August, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed by God’s word, and to return to your ministry with a renewed passion for the work He has called you to do.   

    Dates: 15-18 August, 2023 

    Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba 

    Speakers: Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine
     
    Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. God’s word will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.   

    Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. Your ticket includes the full in-person conference program from Tuesday to Friday, booklet and fantastic catering (morning teas, lunches and a special final night supper). On-site, catered accommodation is also available.   
     
    For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website:  oxygenconference.com/register 

    Paul Tripp is set to return to Australia for Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for

    By Heidi Tai

    Meet Oxygen Speaker: Zack Eswine

    Pastor and award-winning author, Zack Eswine, will speak at Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for leaders and workers in Christian ministry. 

    We are thrilled to announce that Zack Eswine will speak at the Oxygen conference this August. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC), Oxygen exists to refresh workers in their zeal for God and the work that He has called them to do. This year, Zack will speak on the topic, “Reshaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”, with a focus on what it means for Jesus to be our wisdom. 

    Zack currently serves as the lead pastor of Riverside Church in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author of Preaching Today’s book of the year, Preaching to a Post-Everything World (Baker, 2008), as well as The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering Joy in Our Limitations through a Daily Apprenticeship with Jesus (Crossway, 2015), which in 2016 received Christianity Today’s book of the year in the church/pastoral leadership category. He and his wife Jessica have four children. 

    Get a taste of his teaching here: 

    1. Significance in the Ordinary 

      Within God’s plan, is there such a thing as “ordinary” in life? Zack Eswine shares his struggles with ambition and influence as a pastor, and how losing his pastor friend to suicide and a breakdown in his marriage led him to reassess his faith, goals and identity in pastoral ministry.  
    1. Avoiding Burnout: Caring for Our Souls  

    Achieving a balanced approach to ministry is not always easy, and each year the expectations and responsibilities seem to just pile onto anyone in ministry. In this seminar, Zack shares the biblical principles around burnout, plus his own learnings in over 25-years of ministry about busyness, rest and balance in Christian ministry. 

    1. Interview: How to Find Joy in Our Limitations 

    In this interview during the COVID-19 pandemic, L-T Hopper and Zack Eswine share how we can find joy in our ministry limitations as we walk with Jesus.

    Check and Reshape Your Heart at Oxygen 

    Workers in Christian ministry dedicate their lives to teaching, encouraging and serving others, but who teaches, encourages and serves them in return? When was the last time you truly slowed down to check your heart for ministry?  

    Whether you are new to ministry or have been labouring for many years, we invite you to join us at Oxygen to be refreshed by God’s word, and to return to your ministry with a renewed passion for the work He has called you to do.   

    Dates: 15-18 August, 2023 

    Venue: StayKCC conference centre, Blue Mountains, Katoomba 
     
    Over four unrushed days, delegates will be served with a quiet, focused space to hear God speak and to rest and reflect in nature. God’s word will be opened each morning and evening, and delegates will be equipped through practical sessions aimed at nurturing and cultivating a “God-shaped” heart.   

    Registrations are now open for you and your ministry team. Standard ticket pricing is available from now until July 18, 2023. Your ticket includes the full in-person conference program from Tuesday to Friday, booklet and fantastic catering (morning teas, lunches and a special final night supper). On-site, catered accommodation is also available.   
     
    For more information on tickets, speakers, program and the group discount rate visit our website:  oxygenconference.com/register 

    Pastor and award-winning author, Zack Eswine, will speak at Oxygen, a 4-day conference retreat for

    By Heidi Tai

    7 Books Helping Teens Find Joy and Confidence in Christ

    7 books recommended by the KYCK team and available for sale from The Wandering Bookseller.   ​
    ​Living for Jesus can be tough, and sometimes we may suffer greatly standing up for Him. At KYCK 22, we encouraged thousands of teenagers to look to the Apostle Paul who in great suffering, was able to have pure joy in His identity in Christ! To help our delegates further explore the topic of having joy and confidence in Christ, we have partnered with The Wandering Bookseller to offer some of our top reads on the topic.  
     
    1. A New Freedom 

    This book is like a training manual on how to approach life – a beginner’s guide to Christian ethics. It provides a framework for approaching any topic in a biblically faithful way, explaining why Jesus and His word helps us to live in freedom. It then gives practical examples of how to use this framework to think biblically about 6 key youth topics: study, money, suffering, violence, sex, and identity. Buy it here. 

    2. Who Am I And Why Do I Matter? 

    Who am I? Where do I fit in? Am I good enough? What do people think of me? What does God think of me? Christian Studies teacher and school chaplain, Chris Morphew, has been answering big questions from kids for over a decade. In this book, he shows children how to embrace and enjoy their identity as those loved by God and made in his image. He also gives lots of practical advice on how to remember what God says about who they really are. Readers will be helped to replace fear and anxiety with faith and confidence as they find their self-worth in what God says about them. Buy it here 

    3. A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus: An Introduction to the Man from Nazareth for Believers and Skeptics   

    In A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus, John Dickson stretches the imaginations of both believers and skeptics alike, confronting the beliefs on both sides. Dickson peels back the layers of the past to provide an eye-opening introduction to the major portraits of Jesus found in the earliest historical sources. Discover for yourself the many portraits of Jesus understood throughout ancient history. Buy it here.  

    4. Days of Your Youth 

    The book of Ecclesiastes follows the journey of a teacher searching for meaning. After searching everything and everywhere for it, he makes a conclusion for the young: “Remember your creator in the days of your youth”. Buy it here. 

    5. A Dozen Disappointing Disciples 

    Jesus’ disciples were intolerant, selfish, violent, and dull. They were exactly the sorts of people you would think God couldn’t use. Except that he did, and they changed the world. A Dozen Disappointing Disciples gives an engaging and hilarious look at the stupid stuff the twelve disciples did. You’ll discover how Jesus used them, and how he can use you too. Fun, encouraging, and challenging, this book will help you see that not even your stupidity is any match for the power of Jesus. Buy it here. 

    6. Young Women 

    There is so much pressure on young women today to live with differing expectations. Over six studies, Young Women addresses the issues that young women face. How can you be a good friend? What kind of relationships does God want you to have with the opposite sex? Does it matter how you dress? Is it wrong to gossip? What does God say about how I should view myself? Buy it here.  

    7. How Do We Know That Christianity Is Really True? 

    Big questions deserve good answers. This pithy, fun and fast-paced book looks at what the Bible says to help 9-13s think through this big question for themselves. It explains why we can trust the Gospels as real historical documents and walks through the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. Lively stories and illustrations make this book easy for this age group to engage with. Buy it here.  

    All of these titles can be purchased via The Wandering Bookseller.
    ​To see the full range of KYCK recommended titles click here

    7 books recommended by the KYCK team and available for sale from The Wandering Bookseller.   ​

    By Heidi Tai

    Thousands of Teenagers Transformed at KYCK Each Year

    Each year at KYCK youth conference, thousands of high schoolers across the nation are challenged and equipped to boldly live the Christian life. In 2022, KYCK attracted over 5,500 teenagers and youth leaders, who gathered to learn about God’s promises of pure “Joy” in the book of Philippians. 
    KYCK 4 group from South Wagga Anglican
    KYCK has historically run across three weekends during the April school holidays, but after several sell-out events, a fourth weekend was offered for the first time this year—a decision which enabled an additional 986 youth and youth leaders to attend KYCK in Spring.  

    According to the KYCK team, a fourth weekend was necessary for reaching new youth groups who, due to calendar clashes in the past, have not been able to come. Wrangling youth to and from convention can also be a logistical nightmare, especially for leaders of larger youth groups. Having both April and September dates enabled bigger churches to split up attendance by age groups, which eased the organisational pressure of many youth leaders.  

    The introduction of a fourth weekend attracted many groups who attended the convention for the first time. According to Tina Gosling from Boambee Community Baptist Church (BCBC), her youth were engaged with every part of KYCK and hope to return with a “mini bus” load of youth in 2023 

    Our youth have been buzzing in sharing about their time away at KYCK with their families, rest of BCBC youth, and friends at school. They are already determined to come back next year. As we were heading to our car to leave the convention, we saw a mini bus that another youth group must’ve came in, and we declared, “Lord, this time next year lets bring a mini bus of BCBC youth!”

    KYCK 4 group from Boambee Community Baptist Church
    Tina first learned about KYCK from her teenage daughter, and after a quick Google search, discovered KCC’s motto, “All One in Christ Jesus”, a truth that inspired her to round up a group from her church in Boambee. According to Tina, youth groups should prioritise events like KYCK, as it gives high schoolers a unique experience of unity and fellowship with believers their age.  

    “Attending KYCK will resonate a deep foundation within our youth as they surround themselves with other Christian youth their age, from across our nation, who have chosen to gather to connect deeper with Christ in fun times, in worship, in delving into the Word, and in fellowship. They will leave KYCK convention impacted.”  

    Amanda Bailey from South Wagga Anglican echoes this desire for larger-scale fellowship, especially since most of her youth live in non-Christian homes in rural New South Wales. According to Amanda, youth in country churches can feel isolated, so events like KYCK are valuable in showing youth that their faith and priorities are shared by many:  

    When we arrived, not only were they unable to comprehend how big God’s family was, but they looked around and saw other Christian youth and leaders committed to following Jesus. Their shock and excitement was utterly amazing!” 

    KYCK 4 group from South Wagga Anglican
    Amanda’s KYCK highlight was seeing 15 of her 19 youth group members make the decision to follow Jesus on Saturday night, a moment which Amanda describes as unforgettable: 

    “Watching our youth come home, passionate and confident in what they believe has been amazing. Three of our youth stood up and shared their testimonies for the first time at our church service the following Sunday, and many of them have started reading Marks gospel. We truly believe that God has done something special in their hearts, and for us, this has certainly changed the trajectory of our ministry.”  

    The youth from South Wagga Anglican was able to attend KYCK for the first time after receiving support from the Country KYCK Bonus—an initiative which offers financial support for youth from country churches.  

    KYCK will return in 2023 over three weekends in April and one in September. The theme will be ‘Meet Jesus’ from the Gospel of Mark.  

    KYCK 23 will return on the following dates next April and September:  

    Weekend 1: 14-16 April 
    Weekend 2 & Online: 21-23 April 
    Weekend 3: 28-30 April 
    Weekend 4: 22-24 September 

    Tickets will go on sale Tuesday 8 November, 9.30am AEDT from our website. 

    The KYCK Country Bonus will also return in 2023. To learn more or to apply visit our website: www.kyck.org.au/country-kyck-bonus/  

    Stay up to date with KYCK:

    Each year at KYCK youth conference, thousands of high schoolers across the nation are challenged

    By Heidi Tai

    “God has done something special”: A Youth Group Transformed at KYCK

    In this interview, Amanda Bailey from South Wagga Anglican Church (SWAC) shares the “incredible” impact that KYCK conference had on her youth group, and why youth leaders should consider integrating KYCK into their youth ministry.  
    KYCK 22 delegates from South Wagga Anglican Church
    ​1. Why did you decide to bring a group to KYCK this year?  

    Camps have always been an integral part of our youth ministry at South Wagga Anglican. We know how special they are and that they are a place where youth make significant steps in their faith.  

    Our youth group is a bit odd; almost 70% of our youth come from non-Christian homes, most of them have never owned a bible, and a scary amount had never heard the gospel message until this year. We met most of our youth through Special Religious Education (SRE) class, and from there they have plugged into our Friday night youth group and become part of our family at SWAC.  
     
    So, when it came to choosing a camp, we wanted to choose one that could show our youth that living for Jesus was something people chose to do and prioritised in their life. That’s one of the tricky things about living in the country, but that’s exactly what happened! When we arrived, not only were they unable to comprehend how big God’s family was, but they looked around and saw other Christian youth and leaders committed to following Jesus. Their shock and excitement was utterly amazing!

    2. What was your personal highlight for the weekend?  

    Watching 15 of our 19 youth stand up and receive prayer to either follow Jesus for the first time or recommit their lives to him was INCREDIBLE. It was such a special moment and one that we won’t forget as a stepping stone in their faith.  

    But more than that, watching our youth come home, passionate and confident in what they believe has been AMAZING. Three of our youth stood up and shared their testimonies for the first time at our church service the following Sunday, and many of them have started reading Marks gospel. We truly believe that God has done something special in their hearts, and for us, this has certainly changed the trajectory of our ministry.  

    3. Why do you think youth groups should prioritise conferences like KYCK?  

    I honestly believe that youth of every age and spiritual stage can draw something from KYCK. Whether your youth are sceptical to the faith or have been following Jesus for a long time, KYCK is a place that says, ‘come on in’. It’s both accessible and challenging, and the encouragement from being with other brothers and sisters is unreal.  

    We’ve loved that KYCK called our Christian kids to a higher understanding of faith but at the same time, made the gospel message clear to those who are wrestling. I would encourage all youth groups to make camps like KYCK a priority (they also have barista coffee on site for leaders…so that’s that). 

    Registrations for KYCK 23 opens 8th November! 

    KYCK 23 will return on the following dates next April and September:   
     
    Weekend 1: 14-16 April  
    Weekend 2 & Online: 21-23 April  
    Weekend 3: 28-30 April  
    Weekend 4: 22-24 September  
     
    Tickets will go on sale Tuesday 8 November, 9.30am AEDT from our website.  
      
    The KYCK Country Bonus will also return in 2023. To learn more or to apply visit our website: www.kyck.org.au/country-kyck-bonus/   
    Stay up to date with KYCK

    In this interview, Amanda Bailey from South Wagga Anglican Church (SWAC) shares the “incredible” impact

    By Heidi Tai

    Grow a ‘Rock Solid’ Faith at Easter Convention

    Katoomba Easter Convention is returning on the 7-10 April 2023 and will centre around the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion” ​
    Why do you believe the Bible? 

    Trusting that the Bible is God’s good word to us can seem harder today than in the past. To our culture today, the idea that the Bible could be true, trustworthy, and inspired by God seems unbelievable.

    Christians can feel the pressure of that scepticism and hear the culture’s logic of doubt. At times, we can even share the confusion of what is good and true. This is why in today’s world, it is vitally important for us as Christians to understand what we believe. But together with that, it is crucial for us to know why we believe it to be true

    As Christians living in a post-Christian, post-truth world, we need: 

    Our confidence that the Bible is true and trustworthy, emboldened. 
    Our conviction that believing the Bible is intellectually respectable, confirmed. 
    Our experience that having the Bible shape our lives is a necessary good, galvanised. 

    Katoomba Easter Convention is returning on the 7-10 April 2023 and will centre around the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”.  

    Our family-friendly program will empower you to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing your desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word in a world of confusion. In a time of varying and conflicting ‘truths’, Easter Convention will ground your soul by showing you that the Living Word of God is a treasured possession, worthy of our wholehearted and joyful submission.  

    Whether you have been a Christian for many years, or still figuring out your faith, Katoomba Easter Convention is the place for you to grow a ‘Rock Solid’ faith in the Bible.  Join us today!  

    Register for Katoomba Easter Convention 23!  

    Our prayer is that Katoomba Easter Convention is a time that deeply impacts your life for the glory of God, no matter your life stage or age.  

    Whether you join us in the beautiful mountain air of Katoomba or from your living room or holiday home elsewhere, our absolute priority is to provide a program that will continue to be a time of significant spiritual impact for you. 

    For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/ 

    Stay up to date with Katoomba Easter Convention 

    Katoomba Easter Convention is returning on the 7-10 April 2023 and will centre around the

    By Heidi Tai

    What if Boys Cry? Unravelling Emotions at BASECAMP

    BASECAMP men’s conference will return in August 2023 to help men unravel their emotions with God and one another. 
    ‘Boys don’t cry.’ 

    One of the many toxic and damaging principles of a past era.

    A call to suppress tears in fear of being labelled as a lesser man.  

    A truth producing men with unprocessed grief…until it finally explodes in anger or anxiety.
     
    Men feel ashamed of their sadness, so they channel it into madness, causing further damage to their relationships with God and one another.

    Unravelling emotions at BASECAMP men’s conference
    The team for BASECAMP men’s conference recognises that this culture needs to change. If men are to live in a world stained by sin, they need tools to process grief and disappointment in a godly way. Christian men need to have a biblical view of what their emotions are, what to do with them, and how to help each other. Together, men need to fix their eyes on Jesus, the perfect man and model of emotional expression, and bring the change that is needed. 

    In 2023, Executive Director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF), Alasdair Groves, will be joining the BASECAMP platform to help men unravel their emotions. By combining Scripture and Christian counselling experience, Alasdair will help men of all generations to have a biblical view of what their emotions are, how to handle them well, and how to help each other process with God and one another.  

    BASECAMP registrations open 1 December 2022 
    BASECAMP will return in 2023 over two weekends:

    Sydney: 5 August 2023 Mountains and Online Livestream: 11-12 August 2023 

    Registrations for BASECAMP men’s conference will open on Thursday 1 December 2022.  
    For more information or ticket prices please visit our website: www.basecampmen.com  

    Stay up to date with BASECAMP

    BASECAMP men’s conference will return in August 2023 to help men unravel their emotions with

    By Heidi Tai
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