Tag: blue mountains events

Eleven Years On: Why Alison Keeps Coming Back to KEC

For Alison, Katoomba Easter Convention is a time of deep reflection, rich teaching, and gospel-rooted joy. From high school to adulthood, she’s returned each year with her family, soaking in the fellowship, worship, and the chance to sit under God’s word. Here’s how KEC continues to shape her faith and draw her closer to Jesus each Easter.

1. What made you decide to come to Easter Convention last year (2025)?

I have gone to Easter Convention with my family since I was in high school and love it! I go not only for the fellowship and friends we catch up with each year, but for the talks and reflections from His Word. 

2. How many times have you attended KEC?

I started going to KEC with my family, from Year 10! So, I’ve been going for 11 years now!

3. What was a highlight or moment from the weekend that really stuck with you?

One moment that has stuck with me was listening to Glen Scrivener’s Talk on Psalm 23, just listening and considering “That Dragon, Cancer”, and pondering sitting in the valley of the shadow of death. What a joy to be reminded of God’s presence and hope we have that He will pull us through!

4. Was there a particular talk or speaker that encouraged or challenged you? How so?

I LOVED Kirk Patston’s talks on Job! It was super interesting to consider Job as a book of riddles and really enjoyed sitting in the mystery of the riddles and pondering the hypotheticals! I was challenged by just how big my God is. To sit in the God who created the ostrich, things to run and are free, the wild, dangerous world around us. But also, the God who is in control and above every little and big detail. I was challenged to consider how I can rest in that God amidst the uncertainty. Praise that our God is indeed good, sovereign and in control!

5. How did you see God at work during your time at KEC?

I saw God work through the conversations I was able to have with my family, reflecting on the talks and the content afterwards! How we were able to process His word and these reflections, to encourage and spur one another on to seek first His kingdom from what was shared over the weekend!

6. What was it like attending KEC with your family?

Always a pleasure and joy! Not only was the registration, parking and catering amazing and made the conference a joy, but it also didn’t feel rushed or too intense (even if there were quite a few sessions, lots of content and people to catch up with!)

7. Did anything surprise you about the weekend—either practically or spiritually?

Surprised how quickly the weekend went, as always! Spiritually, I was surprised at the depth in the book of Job and what it can reveal about the kingdom and what it can look like to seek first the kingdom!

8. What would you say to someone considering coming to KEC for the first time next year?

Do it! Come and enjoy teaching under God’s word, a time of fellowship and encouragement, to take time reflecting on the meaning of the gospel and true meaning of Easter.

9. How has KEC impacted your walk with Jesus as you return to everyday life?

It has made me excited about Easter, more and more each year. Not because I love Katoomba, the chance to get away, catch up with friends, eat good food (although, yes, all this is part of KEC for me!), but because I have the chance to sit and reflect on the gospel and God’s word, on what Jesus has done for me, and be grounded and rooted in the gospel.

… I have the chance to sit and reflect on the gospel and God’s word, on what Jesus has done for me, and be grounded and rooted in the gospel.

10. In three words, how would you describe your KEC 2025 experience?

Tiring, refreshing, joyful!

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. Register here.

For Alison, Katoomba Easter Convention is a time of deep reflection, rich teaching, and gospel-rooted

By Patrizha Yeomans

From Fitting In to Living for Jesus: Zoe’s KYCK Story

Raised in a Christian home, Zoe knew about Jesus from an early age but admits she once kept Him at the edges of her life. That all changed in 2022, when a weekend at KYCK helped her see what true joy and identity in Christ look like. Since then, Zoe’s been learning what it means to live freely as God’s child.

1. Please introduce yourself
My name’s Zoe Lane, I’m 17 years old, I go to St Matthias Youth, and I’ve attended KYCK four times now!

2. Tell us a little about your faith journey.
I’m really thankful that I was raised by faithful Christian parents. I went to church my whole life, and I grew up learning memory verses, singing Colin Buchanan songs and hearing Bible stories. I knew of Jesus and was surrounded by people that loved Him, but I tended to separate Him from the rest of my life. In primary school, I didn’t want to seem “different”, so when my friends were making a joke about Jesus or Scripture lessons, I stayed quiet. By year 7, all I wanted to do was fit in, and standing out as a Christian was not in my plan. I became consumed with pleasing others, so I matched my language and my behaviour to their worldly ways just to make people like me. When we had school chapel, I’d look around at the other kids watching the floor or rolling their eyes during the sermon and I’d do the same.

I placed Jesus in a small corner of my life to prioritise validation from my friends and the temporary happiness this brought me. When year 8 came around, my mental health started to decline. I was in different classes to my friends, and my previous efforts to fit in seemed to be losing its effect. I felt overwhelmed by anxious thoughts about how others perceived me, became increasingly quiet, and retreated from my friends and family. The image I’d built on pleasing others had fallen apart, leaving me confused about who I was and my purpose in life. I started to take Jesus seriously at KYCK in 2022, where I chose to live for Him for the first time. I went because my friends and leaders encouraged me, but as we drove up the mountain, I wasn’t thrilled for the six lengthy Bible talks.

On the first night, I was amazed at 2,000 people worshipping Jesus and began to sense a shift in my view of Him. I was captivated by the joy the speakers spoke about- not temporary happiness from human acceptance, but permanent joy in a secure identity in Jesus. I didn’t have to create an image but just be His image-bearer. When the opportunity came to go up the back and openly declare that I’d chosen to follow Christ, truthfully, I didn’t go. I regret it to this day, but I believe a small part of me that night still wanted to fit in with my friends who also didn’t go. Despite this, I know God was working in me as I chose to live for Jesus, choosing to fit into His eternity rather than fit Him into my life. As I returned to school, Philippians 4:6-7 kept my eyes on Jesus and sustained my joy.

I was captivated by the joy the speakers spoke about- not temporary happiness from human acceptance, but permanent joy in a secure identity in Jesus.

3. Your main takeaway from KYCK 25?
One big takeaway from KYCK 2025 for me is that I can come to Jesus broken, and He will transform me. I still easily get fixated on trying to “fix” my sin by myself, but KYCK 2025 has been a helpful reminder that it’s called the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ for good reason! It’s the Holy Spirit, not our works, that transforms us to be godlier. This relieves a huge burden to constantly try to ‘perfect’ myself, and to me, is true freedom.

4. How has KYCK encouraged your faith?
KYCK has really encouraged my faith by not only being a key turning point in my walk of faith but also filling me with confidence in my identity in Christ! I still tend to worry about how others perceive me- but each year at KYCK I’m reminded that God’s grace is all I need, and human acceptance doesn’t match up to it in any way! When I focus on my relationship with God first, I can trust that He will look after everything else. I don’t need to find my worth in what others think of me when the God of the universe loves me! I think this is an amazing truth that we can forget in our busy lives, but everyone should know it.

I don’t need to find my worth in what others think of me when the God of the universe loves me!

5. Favourite memory from KYCK?
My favourite memory of KYCK is from 2023, when myself and my discussion group all went up the back on Saturday night and decided to recommit to Christ! Then when we went back to our accommodation, we all sat in a circle on a bed and cheerfully took turns thanking God for each other and praising Him! It was such a wholesome moment of fellowship that’s stuck with me over the years, and I always love seeing so many teenagers’ lives changed on Saturday night at KYCK.

6. Something you’d say to someone who has never attended KYCK?
I’d say definitely go!! Whether you’re Christian or not, KYCK is an incredible opportunity to hear about Jesus from the talks, or have questions answered from youth leaders. The games, food and worship are also always great too, and you get to build deeper friendships over the weekend!

Registrations are now open! In 2026, we’ll dive into the book of Jonah to discover the depths of God’s great mercy. How deep does His mercy go?

Deep enough to save a rebellious prophet, a whole city, and the world through Jesus. Don’t miss out on a weekend away in God’s Word with thousands of other youth. Register now to secure the best price!

Raised in a Christian home, Zoe knew about Jesus from an early age but admits

By Patrizha Yeomans

“Rich, Fun, Precious”: A Family’s Easter Tradition at KEC

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.

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?

Join us next Easter for what will be, God willing, a powerful encouragement to trust Almighty God more. Registrations are OPEN.

For this KEC regular and her family, Easter isn’t complete without time in Katoomba. In

By Patrizha Yeomans

Belonging in God’s Family: Grace’s First KYCK Experience

For Grace, attending KYCK for the first time was an experience she’ll never forget. What struck her most wasn’t just the energy of the worship or the powerful talks, but the simple reminder that she didn’t need to prove herself to God. At KYCK, she was reminded she already belonged to His family.

1. Introduce yourself!

Hey! My name is Grace McNamara, and I’m currently in Year 10. I go to Albion Park Presbyterian Church, but came to KYCK with Nowra Baptist. This is my first year attending KYCK!

2. A takeaway from the weekend?

One thing that really spoke to me was the reminder that we don’t need to prove ourselves to God. There will be moments in life when we feel like we’re not living as part of God’s family, times when we doubt, struggle, or feel like we don’t belong. But if we collapse fully into God’s love, we’re reminded that we are saved, we are free, and we do belong.

But if we collapse fully into God’s love, we’re reminded that we are saved, we are free, and we do belong.

3. What would you say to someone who’s thinking about coming to KYCK next year?

Definitely recommend it! Even if you don’t know God, it is a great way to see His impact on others, to hear their stories and feel welcomed by everyone around you.

Everyone is super welcoming and open to talking about God and their faith. 100% recommend for anyone and everyone.

4. How has KYCK encouraged your faith?

KYCK has helped me grow in my faith by introducing me to heaps of other Christians that share my beliefs. It is really encouraging to be surrounded by these people and shows you that you’re not alone.

“It is really encouraging to be surrounded by these people and shows you that you’re not alone.”

When you sing praise at KYCK, the room is full and overflowing with voices singing their heart out and truly meaning the lyrics. The talks speak into your walk with God and have many applications to your daily life. it is an experience that really grows and encourages you.

Registrations are now open! In 2026, we’ll dive into the book of Jonah to discover the depths of God’s great mercy. How deep does His mercy go? Deep enough to save a rebellious prophet, a whole city, and the world through Jesus. Don’t miss out on a weekend away in God’s Word with thousands of other youth. Register now to secure the best price!

For Grace, attending KYCK for the first time was an experience she’ll never forget. What

By Patrizha Yeomans

From Wagga to Katoomba: Why KYCK Is Worth the Drive

The youth of South Wagga Anglican Church make the trek each year to experience the joy of worshipping with thousands of others their age. For many of them, KYCK is a powerful reminder that they’re not alone in their faith and that even from regional Australia, they’re part of something much bigger.

1. Please introduce yourself!

Hey! I’m Kylie and I’m the families & children’s minister at South Wagga Anglican Church. This was my very first KYCK, but as a church it was our fourth. We have around 200 people who attend our services each Sunday and about 20-25 youth.

2. Why do you make the trip to KYCK each year?

Our youth look forward to attending KYCK each year, it’s a real highlight for them to experience such an amazing program for teens who love Jesus and are expressing their faith together.

3. What was your group’s favourite part of the weekend?

Our youth really loved the times of praise & worship, and the fellowship. It can feel isolating in the country, so they were encouraged to know that there is so many other youth who follow Jesus too!

It can feel isolating in the country, so they were encouraged to know that there is so many other youth who follow Jesus too!

4. What was a highlight for you as a leader?

Watching our youth connect with one another and be encouraged in their faith, and resolve to follow Jesus more publicly when they got home.

5. What would you say to another regional youth group thinking of coming next year?

Start planning early to go, it’s worth the effort to see the seeds you’ve been nurturing get a boost of fertiliser in a big weekend of lots of growth!

Country KYCK Bonus is back in 2026!

Since 2014, over 6,500 country youth have made the trip to KYCK — how epic is that?!
We know coming from the country takes extra effort, so we want to give your group a little boost to make it easier. Find out more here.

Registrations are now open!

In 2026, we’ll dive into the book of Jonah to discover the depths of God’s great mercy. How deep does His mercy go?Deep enough to save a rebellious prophet, a whole city, and the world through Jesus. Don’t miss out on a weekend away in God’s Word with thousands of other youth. Register now to secure the best price!

The youth of South Wagga Anglican Church make the trek each year to experience the

By Patrizha Yeomans

“It’s An Investment In Your Faith”: Rylea’s KEC Tradition

For this returning attendee, Katoomba Easter Convention isn’t a decision—it’s a rhythm. After more than five years of attending, Rylea now calls KEC a “non-negotiable” part of her year. Amid major life changes, a new job, new degree, and an upcoming wedding—KEC 2025 became a moment to pause, reflect, and surrender afresh.

1. What made you decide to come to Easter Convention this year?

Since my first year attending, Easter Convention is now a non-negotiable. Nothing really makes me ‘decide’ to come because it’s simply a habit now. Easter is such a grounding and resetting time of the year to reflect on my walk as a Christian. Every year I am re-motivated to re-centre my life around Jesus, and having this one long weekend is a perfect “spiritual reset” to remember what is truly important amongst the busyness of life. 

Every year I am re-motivated to re-centre my life around Jesus, and having this one long weekend is a perfect “spiritual reset” to remember what is truly important amongst the busyness of life. 

2. You’ve been to Easter many times. How was this year different?

Easter did feel quite different this year. In my personal life, I’m in the midst of a big year of change; a new job, a new degree, getting married, and all the things that come with that. I felt a much more emotional response to the talks this year, and I don’t know if it’s simply because of my personal circumstances, or the rawness of the speakers this year.

Each speaker was very honest about where they have lacked, where they have fallen short, and where they still needed to grow. There is always a focus on how we live our lives outwardly, but this year I really felt a shift in my convictions around my perspective, and inner life. How do I view others? How do I truly turn to God first over things or my own might? What is my natural heart posture? Seek First the Kingdom had such a focus on a total surrender of your life and that really spoke to me this year, as I am stepping into so many unknowns, it is comforting to know I don’t need all these extra things, but just one thing: surrender.

3. What was a highlight or moment from the weekend that really stuck with you? 

My highlight this year was Kirk Patston’s talks. They were so wonderfully confusing. I often find myself feeling like when I hit a point of God that I don’t understand, I simply need to dig deeper, pray more, ask for a revelation, etc. which are all good things. However, Kirk really opened my eyes to the mystery that is our God. He is so big, and so outside of us that there are things I can never understand, and that’s okay. What a joy it can be to believe in a God that we can never fully know! A constant reminder that God is God and I am not.

4. Was there a particular talk or speaker that encouraged or challenged you? How so?

Definitely Kirk. His honesty through his own struggles, his lack of fear to provide us with riddles and show us all that we do not know, his willingness to leave things unanswered as we grapple with our own thoughts and convictions. It was a unique way of looking at the Bible and discovering more of God’s character that has really changed the way I approach diving deeper into my faith and into the Word.

5. How did you see God at work during your time at KEC?

KEC is such a beautiful time to see God at work through his Spirit. New understandings from old passages, testimonies from other visitors, little whispers during talks. It can be overwhelming to be in a room with thousands of Christians and you may expect to hear such a loud and clear word from God, but I find that in those loud and busy times, God is still in the whisper. He’s in the quiet times after the talks, in your thoughts as you dwell on a word or point from the day. KEC for me is a time when God has already been at work in people’s lives, and KEC is often the final piece of the puzzle for them to connect.

It can be overwhelming to be in a room with thousands of Christians and you may expect to hear such a loud and clear word from God, but I find that in those loud and busy times, God is still in the whisper.

6. What was it like attending KEC with those you came with?

I attended with my fiance and a few friends. It is so encouraging to attend with the people close to me. It was one friend’s first time and one friend’s second, and to see how the weekend refreshed them and enriched them, and their faith was wonderful. It is a wonderful thing to be able to spend 4 uninterrupted days with the people you care about, and to be prompted to have deeper, more insightful, faithful conversations is something I am thankful for each year.

It is a wonderful thing to be able to spend 4 uninterrupted days with the people you care about…

7. Did anything surprise you about the weekend—either practically or spiritually?

I was surprised by the spiritual impact KEC had on me this year. I was really encouraged to have a whole perspective shift into what it means to truly Seek First the Kingdom and to surrender all parts to God. I feel like this has been a deeper step I’ve yet to take, in truly understanding what that means, and whilst I’m by no means perfect, I find myself more equipped to look not into my life and where I can fit God, but into what God is already doing, and how I can be a witness for Him there, surrendering my plans for the plans of the Kingdom.

8. What would you say to someone considering coming to KEC for the first time next year?

Come! Do not hesitate. It’s an investment in your faith; it’s an investment in your future. It’s a weekend away in beautiful Katoomba (with amazing food if you stay at Mountain Camp!), but also, if you let it, it can be such a foundational weekend of your year. I cannot imagine a better way to spend Easter than truly reflecting on all that Jesus has done for me when He died on that cross. 

It’s an investment in your faith; it’s an investment in your future. It’s a weekend away in beautiful Katoomba (with amazing food if you stay at Mountain Camp!), but also, if you let it, it can be such a foundational weekend of your year.

9. How has KEC impacted your walk with Jesus as you return to everyday life?

KEC exposes me to so many new ways of thinking and reading the same passages I have read before. With the wide variety of speakers that attend it’s almost impossible to leave without a new perspective. It’s a constant reminder that there are always ways to grow, and that helps me to turn inwards every day, to look at how I can grow in Spirit, grow in fruit, and really show the God I claim to follow through my daily actions, not just through my words.

10. In three words, how would you describe your KEC 2025 experience?

Refreshing, impactful, life-changing.

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?

Join us next Easter for what will be, God willing, a powerful encouragement to trust Almighty God more. Registrations are OPEN.

For this returning attendee, Katoomba Easter Convention isn’t a decision—it’s a rhythm. After more than

By Patrizha Yeomans

Beyond Comfortable Christianity: Christine’s Spark Experience

Christine came to Spark after hearing her church talk often about KYCK. With Spark described as an “adult KYCK,” she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. What she found was more than just a conference. It was a weekend that gave her a stronger conviction in her faith and deepened friendships with those around her!

1. Please introduce yourself!

Hi, my name is Christine. I’m 21 from St John’s Anglican in Maroubra.

2. What made you want to attend Spark?

I’m not from Sydney and my church talks about KYCK constantly. When Spark was proposed as an ‘adult KYCK’, I couldn’t not come!

3. Describe your Spark experience! What was a highlight for you?

Spark was SO well put together! The worship was a huge highlight, specifically the Saturday night when we stopped to pray with those around us mid-worship. It made the whole experience feel more community and fellowship-focused!

I just loved Spark. St John’s will be back next year, and with an even bigger group (24 wasn’t enough this time!).

Oh, and FELLOWSHIP! I made so many new friends, got so much closer with the people I already knew. YAY GOD!

4. One main takeaway from the weekend?

I was convicted in each talk about being a ‘comfortable Christian,’ so my main takeaway was how I can push my comfort, give more to church, and use my time for others even at the expense of my own energy, etc.

5. How have you been living differently after Spark?

It feels like everything I study or read or hear somehow relates to one or more of the Spark talks! I’ve gained so much knowledge that has helped me talk to newer Christians, and examples that helped me understand things I can now use to help them!

Save the date in your calendars!

Registrations open on Friday, 27 February 2026. Make sure you’re subscribed to our email newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss the latest updates!

Christine came to Spark after hearing her church talk often about KYCK. With Spark described

By Patrizha Yeomans

“I Can’t Think of a Better Way to Spend Easter”

For this KEC family, Easter Convention has been a part of their lives for decades. But 2025 brought a new kind of joy — with children growing into new stages, new conversations, and a fresh encouragement to keep seeking God’s Kingdom first. From ‘mind-blowing’ Bible talks to seeing God at work in new friendships, James’ story captures the refreshing and lasting impact of a weekend spent in God’s Word.

1. You’ve been to Easter many times. How was this year different?

My wife and I have come to KEC almost every year since 1998. This year was the first with our youngest children in the Junior High program and the first with our eldest child attending as an adult. This gave us more time to chat, connect with friends and sing each morning, and saved a rush back to the high school before lunch – thankful for a more relaxed experience due to our kids’ ages.

2. What was a highlight or moment from the weekend that really stuck with you?

The theme of “Seek First the Kingdom” I think will very much stick with me, especially as I am about to start working with a new group of people who will be seeking other things first. I felt very much encouraged to stick with Jesus’ priorities and to pray for others to enter his kingdom too.

3. Was there a particular talk or speaker that encouraged or challenged you? How so?

I very much appreciated hearing/seeing Glen Scrivener in person having heard/watched some great content through SpeakLife. The way he opened up Psalm 22 via Psalms 1-2 was mind blowing and very helpful.

4. How did you see God at work during your time at KEC?

I got to know someone who had come to KEC for the first time and seemed very much encouraged by the talks, music, and conversations throughout the weekend. At the end, they said they are very keen to attend again next year.

5. What was it like attending KEC with your family?

Our large family shared a bunk room onsite which was again a fantastic experience. The meals at Hartley/Mountain Camp were superb. We love the mix of separate programs in the morning and combined talks in the evenings.

7. Did anything surprise you about the weekend—either practically or spiritually?

I was surprised with not one but two international speakers! 

8. What would you say to someone considering coming to KEC for the first-time next year?

I can’t think of a better way to spend the Easter long weekend. It is worth the expense. It gets even better in future years as you look forward to it more and more.

9. How has KEC impacted your walk with Jesus as you return to everyday life?

The talks and conversations at KEC have spurred me on to put Jesus and His Kingdom first, in every sphere of life.

10. In three words, how would you describe your KEC 2025 experience?

Refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating.

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?

Join us next Easter for what will be, God willing, a powerful encouragement to trust Almighty God more. Registrations are OPEN.

For this KEC family, Easter Convention has been a part of their lives for decades.

By Patrizha Yeomans

From Loneliness to Bold Faith: Harvey’s Spark Story

Harvey attended Spark for the first time this year. Having never been to a Christian conference before, he wanted to deepen his faith and knowledge of Christ and found Spark to be a life-changing experience.

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your faith journey.

My name is Harvey Barrett. I’m 19 from St Peter’s Anglican Church Seven Hills.

Last year I was feeling quite lonely and without much purpose. I was exposed to Scripture in school so I knew of Jesus but didn’t have faith. I started to read the Bible a bit and I had a high school friend who wanted to start going to church, so I went with them for a few weeks. I decided to change to the church I am at now (for various reasons) and have grown and deepened my love and relationship with Christ. Now I see how amazing trusting in Jesus is.

2. What made you want to attend Spark?

I wanted to attend Spark as I had never attended a Christian conference before and thought it would be a great opportunity to deepen my faith and knowledge of Christ.

3. Describe your Spark experience! What was a highlight for you?

The Spark experience was amazing! Can’t wait for next year. The highlight was the amount of people all gathered to worship Christ and praise God through song.

4. One main takeaway from the weekend?

One main takeaway from the weekend would be this quote from Preston Perry: “Boldness isn’t about doing things people are afraid to do; it’s about doing what God empowers us to do. It’s not a personality trait but obedience to God.”

5. How have you been living differently after Spark?

I have been trying to be more open in sharing my faith with others, having conversations at work where possible, and being holy, for God is holy, holy, holy.

Save the date in your calendars!

Registrations open on Friday, 21 November 2025. Make sure you’re subscribed to our email newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss the latest updates!

Harvey attended Spark for the first time this year. Having never been to a Christian

By Patrizha Yeomans

7,000+ Youth Gather at KYCK 2025 to Discover True Freedom in Christ

KYCK 2025 has officially wrapped up, and what a year it has been! Across four massive weekends in Katoomba, over 7,000 high schoolers and youth leaders gathered to hear God’s Word, sing His praises, and be reminded of the true freedom found only in Jesus.

The final weekend, KYCK 4, saw a record-breaking 1,600+ youth attend, the largest KYCK 4 in history! Groups travelled long distances from places like Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, and Port Macquarie, joining others from across NSW and the ACT.

For the first time at KYCK, Seraph Music led us in worship, filling the auditorium with voices raised in praise.

We also welcomed a mix of returning and new preachers: Nathan Lee returned to open God’s Word, Polly Butterworth brought another interactive talk, and Dave Chiswell from City on a Hill Geelong preached at KYCK 2025 for the very first time. His talks reminded us:

“All the very best bits of belonging to a family are yours because you are His child.”

“Being part of God’s family doesn’t happen because you keep a whole bunch of laws. It happens because God is really good.”

God’s hand was clearly at work. On the final night of KYCK 4, 32 youth put their trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the first time, 87 recommitted their lives to Him, and 29 expressed a desire to find out more. Across all four weekends, that brings the total to 107 first-time commitments, 490 recommitments, and 155 youth eager to keep exploring who Jesus is. Praise God!

The fruit of the gospel was seen not just in numbers, but in the stories shared:

“I don’t need to chase belonging because I belong to Jesus.” – Youth from South Wagga Anglican

“A youth member was able to tell me all about what true freedom is and what it isn’t. He loved Dave’s talks.” – KYCK 4 Youth Leader

We praise God for His unrelenting mercy and the freedom He offers through Jesus, and we thank every youth group, leader, volunteer, musician, and speaker who made KYCK 2025 possible.

Save the Date for KYCK 2026

Mark your calendars! Registrations for KYCK 2026 open on 5 November at 9.30am. Stay tuned for more details and start planning to join us for another year of gospel joy in the Blue Mountains. Register here.

KYCK 2025 has officially wrapped up, and what a year it has been! Across four

By Patrizha Yeomans

Back 12 3…6 Next

Eleven Years On: Why Alison Keeps Coming Back to KEC

From Fitting In to Living for Jesus: Zoe’s KYCK Story

“Rich, Fun, Precious”: A Family’s Easter Tradition at KEC

Belonging in God’s Family: Grace’s First KYCK Experience

From Wagga to Katoomba: Why KYCK Is Worth the Drive

Country KYCK Bonus is back in 2026!

“It’s An Investment In Your Faith”: Rylea’s KEC Tradition

Beyond Comfortable Christianity: Christine’s Spark Experience

“I Can’t Think of a Better Way to Spend Easter”

From Loneliness to Bold Faith: Harvey’s Spark Story

7,000+ Youth Gather at KYCK 2025 to Discover True Freedom in Christ

Save the Date for KYCK 2026

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Articles Tagged: blue mountains events

Eleven Years On: Why Alison Keeps Coming Back to KEC

From Fitting In to Living for Jesus: Zoe’s KYCK Story

“Rich, Fun, Precious”: A Family’s Easter Tradition at KEC

Belonging in God’s Family: Grace’s First KYCK Experience

From Wagga to Katoomba: Why KYCK Is Worth the Drive

Country KYCK Bonus is back in 2026!

“It’s An Investment In Your Faith”: Rylea’s KEC Tradition

Beyond Comfortable Christianity: Christine’s Spark Experience

“I Can’t Think of a Better Way to Spend Easter”

From Loneliness to Bold Faith: Harvey’s Spark Story

7,000+ Youth Gather at KYCK 2025 to Discover True Freedom in Christ

Save the Date for KYCK 2026

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