When Sammy first brought his young family to KEC in 2017, he wasn’t sure how they would survive four days away from home with little kids. Nearly ten years later, Easter Convention has become one of the most important rhythms in their family life and a weekend they look forward to returning each year.
1. Please introduce yourself and the people you attended KEC with!
My name is Sammy (46) and I have been coming to KEC every year since 2017 with my wife Peggy, and my 3 children, Jonathan (16), Lawrence (13) and Jennifer (11). I am an actuary and I serve as an elder in my church.
2. Was it challenging attending KEC through the years with kids?
Many families from my church have come to KEC for many years and have told me great things about the conference, especially the children’s program. Back in 2017, my youngest was just turning 2 years old so I had doubts in my mind whether we could survive the 4-day conference away from home, but I have been encouraged by my church friends to give it a try.
I have been in KEC every year since and I can confirm that the children’s program is simply awesome. It really takes the pressure off the parents to be able to focus during the talks. I am really glad to see my kids grow up through the children’s and teen’s programs, my oldest has just started in the the Senior High School program this year and loves it — similarly for my 2 younger kids.
3. What made you decide to come to Easter Convention all these years?
KEC has become a family tradition for us. We buy the tickets and confirm our accommodation for the following year as we walk out of the current year. It is a time where we can get away from our everyday busy lives and really spend time listening to what God has to say to us through the amazing talks each year.
It is a time where we can get away from our everyday busy lives and really spend time listening to what God has to say to us.
It is a treasured family gathering each year to hang out and spend time with the kids in a nice place like Katoomba. I am well aware that as the kids grow into adulthood, they will be far more independent — I want to spend quality time with them as best I as can and I want to see them grow in their faith in Jesus. KEC, in some ways, achieves both for us.
4. What was a highlight or moment from KEC 26 that really stuck with you?
It always strikes me when I am among 2000+ people in the auditorium worshiping and listening to the talks each morning and night. Not only that, but the variety of program with interviews and videos continually makes things interesting and refreshing for me.
5. Was there a particular talk or speaker that encouraged or challenged you? How so?
As always, the speakers at KEC are excellent preachers and considered the theme of ‘Fear Not’ from different bible passages. I was challenged and reminded that there is nothing to fear because our amazing God is with me at all times, through the ups and downs of life.
I was challenged and reminded that there is nothing to fear because our amazing God is with me at all times, through the ups and downs of life.
6. How did you see God at work during your time at KEC?
Our family has been to KEC over the past 10 years and God has definitely been working through the lives of our family. It is wonderful to see our kids practically ‘growing up’ through KEC, providing a weekend away from our busy lives, and hear God speak to us. It is so refreshing to be able to worship with 2000+ people, hear testimonies of amazing people and the great speakers who faithfully speak the word of God.
It is wonderful to see our kids practically ‘growing up’ through KEC, providing a weekend away from our busy lives, and hear God speak to us.
7. What would you say to someone considering coming to KEC for the first time next year?
Don’t hesitate to go to KEC, just register and get some accommodation as early as possible, you won’t regret it.
8. How has KEC impacted your walk with Jesus as you return to everyday life?
KEC has been a good reminder for us to spend quality time with God away from distractions from our everyday life, the conference is like fuel for my spiritual life and I look forward to the next year’s KEC.
…the conference is like fuel for my spiritual life…
