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Why Every Young Christian Should Experience KYCK: Estelle’s Story

KYCK has been a cornerstone of Estelle’s spiritual journey for the past five years. In this story, she reflects on the highlights from KYCK24, what impacted them most, and why they believe KYCK is something that every young Christian should experience.

1. Introduce yourself and how many KYCKs have you been to?

My name is Estelle and I’m in Year 12. I attend Wilton Anglican Youth. I’ve been to KYCKs for 5 years so far (including KYCK online!)

2. Tell us a KYCK highlight!

KYCK24 was so much fun, I had a blast! A weekend away to get to know those in my youth group better, to build our relationships with one another and spur each other on in Christ. The music was amazing as always, I loved how much everyone got into it, especially with the songs “Praise” and “Take You at Your Word” which I have had on non-stop repeat since. The talks really encouraged me and others in my youth group to think about our identity in Christ. Seeing so many of my friends commit themselves to Christ on Saturday night was very emotional. God’s presence in that shed was definitely felt and it was incredible.

3. How has KYCK encouraged your faith?

The talks at KYCK are always so practical, easy to make links to and apply to my life. Seeing so many Christians in one space is amazing. It encourages me in my faith journey and serves as a reminder that we’re not alone, that we have Christian brothers and sisters from all over going through life with us too.

4. Why would you recommend KYCK to others?

KYCK is honestly the highlight of my year. Time away with your brothers and sisters in Christ is a great way to build yourself and each other up in faith and get to know each other better. The talks, the games, the music, friendship and God… what’s not to love? The atmosphere is so great it’s hard to describe, you have to go to understand it. If you’re wondering whether to go or not, give it a try and I promise you, you won’t want to go back!

5. How has being a Christian changed your life?

Christianity changes the way I view things in my day-to-day life. Knowing that I have a God-given purpose and that I’m living my life for Jesus makes me want to do everything to the best of my ability. It also helps me gain a better perspective on what I value most in my life.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend KYCK at the best price! Early bird tickets are only available until February 9, so now is the perfect time to secure your spot. Gather your friends and rally your youth group! Head to the KYCK website today to grab your tickets before prices go up!

By Patrizha Yeomans

“A Turning Point in My Faith”: Reuben’s KYCK Story

Over the years, countless stories have emerged of young people encountering God in profound ways, recommitting their lives to Him, and building friendships that last a lifetime. In this story, we hear from Reuben as he reflects on his journey with KYCK—from his first experience as a high school student to their current role as a leader (St Michael’s Wollongong) and volunteer. Reuben’s story reminds us of the power of God’s Word, the strength found in Christian community, and the hope we have in Jesus.   

1. How many KYCKs have you been to?

I’ve attended KYCK since 2019! I was in Year 11 at the time. I believe the theme was “Believe. Love. Remain” on John.

2. Can you share what your KYCK experience was like?

It was one of the turning points of my Christian faith. On Saturday night, I made the step to refocus my faith and recommit to God. God worked so powerfully through my youth group at the time. It was such a wonderful experience seeing so many Christians singing along and listening to God’s Word.

3. Tell us a KYCK highlight!

Even though KYCK19 was such a huge part of my turnaround in the faith, it isn’t the biggest highlight. The biggest highlight for me was last year (2024). This was a challenging time due to an unexpected passing of a friend. Despite this, God worked so powerfully during my time at KYCK. It was so encouraging seeing how God changed so many lives of those around me – to those who I was leading and when I was volunteering.

4. How has KYCK encouraged your faith?

KYCK is an amazing starting ground in jumping into the Bible and learning more about God. I honestly learnt so much when I was in school, and that learning has continued even through leading and volunteering. KYCK every year, gives me a reason to keep going, to keep holding steadfast in my walk with Christ.

5. Why would you recommend KYCK to others?

KYCK is such an encouraging experience. It is equally as hard-hitting, I know that God can work in every situation. I know that it could be the seed for my friend who may not be a Christian yet. I know that it is a place for Christians who strayed away, to get a taste again of what and who Christians are.

We can trust in God in these circumstances because he softens the hearts of many and He is always in control. We can have confidence in this. I would recommend KYCK to others to show them the abundant love of Jesus Christ and no matter what happens. He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.

6. How has being a Christian changed your life?

Being a Christian has changed the way that I view life and the way that I treat others. Christ is the reason why I can find hope in the bad times even when everything is against it. The assurance that I have in Christ, that we will see our brothers and sisters in Christ again, why wouldn’t I want to show others this love too?

By Patrizha Yeomans

Share your faith over summer

Have you ever wondered if you were doing enough to share your faith with those around you? Or felt stuck?

Late last year we were thrilled to sit down with Sam Chan again, to chat about how to share your faith over the summer. Sam and L-T chat about how to use the seasons of life to share the Gospel, and also some simple tips that Sam and his family have to make evangelism a part of their year’s plan. Don’t miss this encouraging, rich and practical interview on the KCC One app now.

The full interview is up now on the KCC One app, with any KCC+ subscription plan.

Don’t have the app, or aren’t a subscriber yet?

Watch on your phone, tablet or laptop; listen to audio on the go; or read in your quiet time – with plenty of resources available on all your devices, be strengthened and encouraged in your faith in the way that suits you best!

Have you ever wondered if you were doing enough to share your faith with those

By KCC Staff

4 Ways to Grow into the New Year

As we near the end of the year, we can often be in reflection about our hopes, goals and experiences of the year gone by. How has 2024 been for you? How has it been in relationship with God? Do you already have specific things you want to shift or change next year? Perhaps there are things you’ve put in place this year that you’re keen to continue to do.

We’ve picked out some snippets from our events and app this year that have encouraged and challenged us, and hope it will be helpful for you as you look toward 2025.

1. Love the Lord with everything you have

This call and reminder will never get old for us, regardless of whether we are looking to a fresh new year or not. At KEC 2024, Tim Blencowe walked us through Deuternomy 6, with this reminder to love God, the perfect Giver:

"You really must love Him with everything you've got because anything else is not love. When He says, 'all your heart',  that's the driving seat of your life, the centre. Nothing on the side, please, for God. When He says, 'with all your soul', 'that's everything within me', says the psalmist in Psalm 103. It's your whole of you. Let's be in it, all body and soul ... Whatever power you have, whatever muscle you have, from your bank account to your daily breath - whatever strength you have - pour it all out for Him." (Tim Blencowe, Love the Lord with all your Heart, KEC 2024)

2. Build spiritual ‘rhythms’

Mitch Everingham’s short series on ‘Forming Resilient Rhythms‘ encouraged us to look at how we grow in godliness through the way we approach and integrate spiritual practices into our lives – not just as habits set aside for particular segments of our day, but as a constant presence in our everyday.

"This is why our rhythms are more than just habits. The Scriptures don’t say, 'set aside 10 minutes each morning to read the Bible and that means you’ll grow in godliness and love for others.' Rather they encourage us to move through life with, for example, the Scriptures on our minds as often as possible (Psalm 1), because this is the true path to godliness." (Mitch Everingham, Growing in Godliness by Cultivating Rhythms)

3. Stay in community

One area that can often be overlooked in the busyness of life is the quality of our relationships with others. When Sam Allberry joined us at BASECAMP this year, he instilled in us a real hopefulness for community – that we are not meant to be alone, but to experience the joy and strength that comes from being known and loved (just as Jesus loves and calls us his brothers).

"In 2 John, he ends the letter by saying, 'I have much to write to you. I'd rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.' John is saying, 'I've got a lot to get through with you. I'd rather not use paper and ink.' 

It's not because John is a cheapskate and can't be bothered to buy another piece of paper and write on it. John is saying, 'If we talk face to face, if I'm physically with you, our joy will be complete.' There is joy in receiving a letter. There is joy in having a phone call. There is joy in getting a text message, but it's incomplete joy if we're not relating face to face, physically, in person with one another." (Sam Allberry, Brothers in Christ, BASECAMP 2024)

4. Exercise?

Something a lot of us hadn’t considered was the practice of physical exercise in relation to our spiritual walk with Jesus. This series by Amy Townsend on “Should Christians Exercise?” was an eye-opening opportunity for us to consider this – whether we needed to reframe our motivations for exercise, or look to building in physical exercise – for the glory of God and the good of others.

"As Christians, we understand the temporary nature of our bodies. So why spend time and energy looking after what we know is perishing? While there is value in keeping eternity in sight and not holding too tightly to our physical forms, the bodies God has given us have significance and purpose! We were created as embodied beings and will live forever as embodied beings.

Jesus demonstrates this at his resurrection ... it is important we recognise that God has purposes for our bodies—not just in the future but also in the here and now. And so, an appropriate amount of self-care is necessary for us to do the good works God has purposed for us to do (Ephesians 2:10)." (Amy Townsend, Why Exercise?)

Dedicate some time away to sit under God’s Word in 2025

Finally – with all our 2025 events now open for registration, we encourage you to consider setting aside some time away to join us. Dedicate some time our of your everyday; block out dates and come gather with fellow brothers and sisters to sit under God’s Word, worship and grow together in 2025!

KEC 2025

18-21 April
StayKCC, Katoomba

Spark 2025 (NEW!)

22-24 August
StayKCC, Katoomba

KYCK#1-3 2025

11-13, 25-27 April, 2-4 May
StayKCC, Katoomba

OneLove 2025

23 August
Hillsong, Norwest

BASECAMP 2025

2 August, 8-9 August
Roundhouse, Kensington & StayKCC, Katoomba

KYCK#4 2025

26-28 September
StayKCC, Katoomba

As we near the end of the year, we can often be in reflection about

By KCC Staff

Help Light a Spark in the Next Generation

KCC began its ministry to young people 50 years ago, and it is one of the best things the ministry has done in its 120 years. It has impacted hundreds and thousands of lives, and under God, it has been taken by Him from strength to strength.

One example is our KYCK ministry. Every year, across the four weekends, somewhere between 200 and 500 teens make either first-time commitments or re-commitments of their lives to Jesus Christ. And this has been happening every year for at least 20 years.

We want to see the same impact in the lives of Young Adults, so we’ve announced the launch of Spark Conference in 2025, and we need your help to give it a strong footing.

Why Young Adults?

Every year at KYCK, we say goodbye to a large cohort of Year 12 students as they finish high school. The question for us is, what do these kids step into after they step out of high school? What happens after KYCK?

What all of us need, but especially young adults, is something that keeps shining the light of God’s truth onto life. Young adults need something that reminds them that life has been given to them to glorify the Giver. Something that reminds them to lay their life down before God and ask Him, “What do you want me to do?”

We believe Spark is that “something” for Young Adults – a convention that urges them not to waste their life, but to consecrate it to God for His use. An event that they can step in to immediately after they step out of high school.

We have this opportunity to run a pilot event in 2025, and if successful, turn it into an annual event for years to come.

Whether you have a young adult in your family, or group of friends, or not, we are asking you to consider investing in them and sow into them.

Click the link and donate before 31 December and help us to continue the work of the ministry: https://kcc.org.au/YA25

kcc24-eoy-young-adults-fundraising-appeal-v2

KCC began its ministry to young people 50 years ago, and it is one of

By KCC Staff

Spark

Urging and inspiring young adults in their commitment to Christ

Starting in 2025.

Spark urges and inspires young adults to be wholehearted in their commitment to Jesus Christ.

Young adulthood is a formative time of life: you’re finding your own way and making decisions that could steer the course of your life. And you’re doing that while the world is relentlessly selling you its dream of who and what you could and should become.

As a Christian, to navigate that wisely, you need to be well-grounded in understanding what your life is for. Because the truth is you only get one shot at life, and it’s the dressing room for all eternity. So how you use every hour, how you spend every day, how you invest every year, really matters.

Visit Spark Website

Nancy’s talk from Hosea was just such a powerful demonstration of God’s love for me and it was in a way I’d never heard before and it just struck a chord with me. I was crying … I couldn’t deny God any longer!

Attendee, OneLove

Urging and inspiring young adults in their commitment to Christ Starting in 2025. Spark urges and inspires young adults

By KCC Staff

10 Words that Describe KEC

What is Katoomba Easter Convention to you? If you could describe Easter Convention in one word, what would it be?

For our regular attendees, KEC is many things. Families and individuals who come to the mountains every Easter discover that KEC is more than just a conference.

Here are 10 words our KEC delegates have used to describe what KEC means to them.

1. KEC is a highlight

"It is our family’s highlight to attend every year. We attend for the spiritual growth and worship - we love it!" – Mari

2. KEC is a reset

"Through KEC, God provides a reset for me - a yearly 4 days to refocus on God’s Word, His Kingdom, His plans. I need this!" – Karen

3. KEC is incredibly valuable

"It’s incredibly valuable to us as a family of believers to learn more about God, draw closer to Him, be in fellowship with others and praise and worship Him." – Sharon

4. KEC is a tradition

"It is an Easter tradition for our family to go to KEC, in fact we have been sharing a house with the same group of families for 19 years. We enjoy the atmosphere of singing with so many other Christians and hearing from world class speakers that challenge us and re-orientate us toward God." – Marianne

5. KEC is life-changing

"It will be another life-changing experience for me. In this world wherein we live, we need to stop paying attention to the world around us and actively listen to God's Word. Coming to KEC will once again be a life tool for my spiritual walk with the Lord." – Bruce

6. KEC is practical

"The thing I loved most about KEC was the practical application of the Word. Knowing that being swept up in the passion of the weekend, and in the quality of the teaching, wasn’t going to change my life by itself. The encouragement to really take the talks and commit to apply them in my daily walk has made the most difference out of any conference I’ve been to." – Markus

7. KEC is a top-up

"I attended because I love - and really need - the great Biblical teaching that 'tops me up' in my Christian life. It is SO encouraging and deeply refreshes my faith." – Tori

8. KEC is edifying

"KEC is a long-standing family tradition to attend, which we have consistently found edifying and valuable. It’s an opportunity to spend four days together receiving excellent teaching in a beautiful environment." – Alison

9. KEC is a vital refreshment

"We have been coming most years for the last 25. It is a vital refreshment and encouragement spurring on for our family. We value the teaching, and the kids love the program." – Sarah

10. KEC is family time

"We make the weekend a family time - great teaching and a fabulous time of fellowship with Christian families we have known for 30 years attending." - Katherine

We invite you to join us at Katoomba Easter Convention, 18-21 April 2025, to retreat to the Blue Mountains over four days, and discover what KEC is and what it can do for you and your family. Enjoy time with friends and family away from life’s busyness, hear God’s Word preached and ignite a love for Christ and a passion to follow Him. Discover what our speakers – Philip Ryken, Glen Scrivener and Kirk Patston – will share on the theme, “Seek First the Kingdom”.

Free Online Access with Family Packages

Our free online access promotion for Family Packages is back by popular demand!

Book your Family Package by midnight (AEDT) 31st December 2024 and get free online access added to your booking (normally $65 in value).

The online add-on will provide you with flexibility to access the online sessions between Good Friday 18th April and midnight Monday 21st April, so you can catch up on any sessions you miss during the weekend!

Terms and conditions apply. Visit: https://easterconvention.com/special-offer/ for more information, or register now at: https://easterconvention.com/register/

What is Katoomba Easter Convention to you? If you could describe Easter Convention in one

By KCC Staff

Give a KCC Gift Card this Christmas

If you know and love KCC events, you’ll know that you walk away encouraged and challenged in your faith – often at a time you need it most.

So, why not bless someone with a gift that will last well beyond 2025?

Our event gift cards are perfect for everyone in your life, and they can be instantly sent, or downloaded and printed to gift! Simply pick from an event, or a subscription to the KCC app — we’ll email them with your message and an e-gift card to download!

KCC+ Subscription

Gift a 12-month KCC+ app subscription! Give them access to all the latest event talks & subscriber-only resources to bolster their daily walk!

KYCK 2025 Merch

Gift the teen in your life with a KYCK25 merch gift card. Choose from a $25 or $50 gift card, and they can use this gift card to purchase a merch item of their choice at the convention.

KCC Events

Choose your gift card design and gift $50 or $100 to spend towards a KEC, BASECAMP, OneLove or Spark Convention ticket.

A gift for a future generation

Your gift card purchase is just one way you can bless others and help keep the ministry of KCC going.

In 2025, we want to see the ministry grow, and continue providing a space for God’s people to gather under His Word preached, so we can continue to live for His glory. So, we have launched Spark Conference, a new Young Adults event in 2025 to encourage 18-30 year olds to live wholeheartedly for Christ in this world.

Your donation before 31 December will be an immense help to KCC and get this event off to a solid start in 2025.

Give now at: https://kcc.org.au/YA25

If you know and love KCC events, you’ll know that you walk away encouraged and

By KCC Staff

Meet Mitch

With the upcoming launch of Spark, KCC’s new young adults event, we asked committee chair, Mitch Everingham, a few questions about himself, and about the new event.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and currently serve as a pastor at Anchor Church Sydney in the inner west. Outside of Jesus, my greatest joys in life are spending time with my wife Suz and our son Jamie, eating good food and drinking coffee with friends, and playing or watching football.

I grew up hearing about Jesus, but it wasn’t until I was 20 that I put my trust in him and he turned my life around completely. I’ve spent the 12 years since then giving all that I can to telling young people about why Jesus is worth following — and plan to do so until I meet him face to face!

What is it about a new young adults conference that led you to come on board to chair it?

I served on the KYCK Committee for over four years and have seen first-hand the way that God uses conferences like this to shape young people’s lives. I see a real need for young adults to be served in a similar way — and so when the opportunity came up to be involved, I jumped at the chance to be able to serve the next generation in this way.

Can you tell us a bit more about the heart behind the name, ‘Spark’, and who it’s for

Spark is a conference for young adults that we’re praying will light a spark inside of the next generation that they might burn passionately for Jesus and follow and trust him all the days of their lives. Young adults are anyone 18 to 30-ish (we’ve had some early questions about what ‘young’ is!)

What is your hope for Spark in the lives of young adults?

My hope is that Spark will serve a generation in coming to love and live for Jesus with every fibre of their being. I believe in the next generation and that now is a time for us to invest in their faith alongside their local churches. My prayer is that God will use Spark to this end for many years to come!

Spark Conference is a new event for young adults, launching on 22-24 August 2025. For more updates and to be notified when registrations open, sign up to the KCC mailing list below, or follow Spark on socials!

FB: @kcc.spark
IG: @kcc_spark

With the upcoming launch of Spark, KCC’s new young adults event, we asked committee chair,

By KCC Staff

Spark is Coming

KCC will return to the young adults space in 2025 with a brand-new event, Spark Conference, just for 18-30 year olds. This exciting new event will launch as a weekend away (22-24 August) in the Blue Mountains, with a focus on igniting hearts to live wholeheartedly for Jesus.

Watch the video below from Mitch Everingham, chair of Spark, about why this will be an unmissable event, and spread the word with friends, church and family.

Sign up to the KCC mailing list for updates on Spark, and follow Spark on socials!
FB: @kcc.spark
IG: @kcc_spark

KCC will return to the young adults space in 2025 with a brand-new event, Spark

By KCC Staff

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Why Every Young Christian Should Experience KYCK: Estelle’s Story

“A Turning Point in My Faith”: Reuben’s KYCK Story

4 Ways to Grow into the New Year

Help Light a Spark in the Next Generation

Why Young Adults?

Spark

Urging and inspiring young adults in their commitment to Christ

10 Words that Describe KEC

Free Online Access with Family Packages

Give a KCC Gift Card this Christmas

KCC+ Subscription

KYCK 2025 Merch

KCC Events

A gift for a future generation

Meet Mitch

Spark is Coming

Stay Updated

Conventions

Resources

Support

About KCC

Helpful Articles & Resources

Why Every Young Christian Should Experience KYCK: Estelle’s Story

“A Turning Point in My Faith”: Reuben’s KYCK Story

Share your faith over summer

4 Ways to Grow into the New Year

Help Light a Spark in the Next Generation

Why Young Adults?

Spark

Urging and inspiring young adults in their commitment to Christ

10 Words that Describe KEC

Free Online Access with Family Packages

Give a KCC Gift Card this Christmas

KCC+ Subscription

KYCK 2025 Merch

KCC Events

A gift for a future generation

Meet Mitch

Spark is Coming

Mailing List

Stay Updated

Conventions

Resources

Support

About KCC