For this KEC regular and her family, Easter isn’t complete without time in Katoomba. In this story, Rachel reflects on what made KEC 25 unique: everything from conversations with teenagers over dinner, to learning how to love others extravagantly, to praying ‘kingdom prayers’ after a speaker’s challenge.
1. What made you decide to come to Easter Convention this year?
My family love it so much—it would take a lot for us to decide not to come! It’s been a yearly highlight and special way to celebrate Easter for many years.
2. How many times have you been to KEC?
We aren’t exactly sure, but we think it’s been about 13 years now. We usually come away with 2 other church families. This year we enjoyed the same: fun times with the families spending time together, rich teaching and encouragement. This year was different because there were extra boyfriend/girlfriends who stayed with our families, because one of our daughters served on the KEC junior high teams, and because it wasn’t so cold or wet—each of those were blessings!
This year we enjoyed the same: fun times with the families spending time together, rich teaching and encouragement.
3. What was a highlight or moment from the weekend that really stuck with you?
I always enjoy Kirk Patston’s presentations and this year his prayer stuck with me. Hopefully I am remembering correctly, but I think Kirk prayed the same prayer at the start of his sessions. Something along the lines of God being the mystery or riddle that haunts us, the truth we seek, and the truth that finds us and fills us with wonder. I think that would be a beautiful way to live.
4. Was there a particular talk or speaker that encouraged or challenged you? How so?
I thought all the speakers did an excellent job this year. Something that Philip Ryken mentioned that I thought was challenging was that we should have a full-blown, contagious case of Jesus—not just a mild case of Christianity. He reminded us that God has embedded us in unique communities and that we should keep sharing the Gospel with them while we still have time. He gave an example of a gentle way to engage in conversation where there might be disagreement. ‘I disagree—it’s probably because I’m a Christian, but I’d love to hear your perspective on that’.
Phil reminded us not to make it harder than it needs to be, but to just let them know you are a Christian and help them see your life through a Christian lens.He also mentioned that God loves to answer Kingdom prayers, and he challenged us to choose a country to consistently pray for. I love KDramas so it was an easy choice and I’ve been covering North and South Korea in my prayers since his talk.
…we should have a full-blown, contagious case of Jesus—not just a mild case of Christianity.
5. How did you see God at work during your time at KEC?
I really needed to hear Anna Powell’s talk on the Sunday night about loving people in extravagant ways. I had been stuck in a loop over-analysing my experience in supporting someone with a significant mental health issue over time and had been struggling. It was obvious that Anna had life experience in this area, and she provided Biblical, practical, helpful and encouraging thoughts. It gave me a helpful framework to keep in mind, lots to think on and it was very timely for me.
6. What was it like attending KEC with your family and friends?
So much fun!! We are one of three families staying together in a house. There’s lots of noise, laughter & good food. It’s a pleasure to have time to linger over conversations, and it’s great to discuss the talks of the day over our meals. This year I really enjoyed the depth of conversation that we had with the teenagers in our group—it was special to see that they have matured in their faith.
It’s a pleasure to have time to linger over conversations, and it’s great to discuss the talks of the day over our meals.
7. Did anything surprise you about the weekend?
The tap dancing was unexpected! We also bumped into a few more Central Coast Christian people this year which was fun! Also, the great idea behind Lending Hands Mortgage Brokers.
8. What would you say to someone considering coming to KEC for the first time next year?
Definitely come! And bring your family or friends. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Easter. You will enjoy a feast of rich Biblical food and fellowship with your extended Christian family and will be encouraged, inspired, challenged and fuelled.
You will enjoy a feast of rich Biblical food and fellowship with your extended Christian family and will be encouraged, inspired, challenged and fuelled.
9. How has KEC impacted your walk with Jesus as you return to everyday life?
Like going to Church and Bible Study each week, attending KEC is one of my planned yearly rhythms —propelling me onwards in my Christian walk and reminding me to let God’s Word be the biggest influence in my life. KEC talks always add to my knowledge and appreciation of Jesus, and the challenges put forward push me in my journey towards greater obedience. It also always introduces me to new resources that impact my walk with Jesus positively. After KEC I started listening to Glen Scrivener’s Speak Life Podcast and I have really enjoyed his practical ideas and thoughts about how to talk with others about Jesus.
… attending KEC is one of my planned yearly rhythms —propelling me onwards in my Christian walk and reminding me to let God’s Word be the biggest influence in my life.
10. In three words, how would you describe your KEC 2025 experience?
Rich, fun, precious.
Fear has become a significant part of everyday life for many people. Despite our technological advancements, rise in living standards, and increases in lifespan, there always seems to be more to fear every day.
One of the most repeated commands of God to His people is “Fear Not!”. Are Christians meant to take this command seriously? If yes, then how do we do it?
Life can be full of challenges, threats, struggles and griefs. Some are over quickly; others can last a lifetime. So how do we handle those in a way that honours our Lord: trusting and obeying Him through our fears?
Only the truth of God—revealed in His word and the life, death and resurrection of His Son—speaks to life as it really is. It speaks not just to fear and pain, but to promise, hope and the victory of light over darkness.
Join us next Easter for what will be, God willing, a powerful encouragement to trust Almighty God more. Registrations are OPEN.
