From Despair to Hope: How God Changed Noah’s Life at KYCK

(Noah, right, with his best friend at KYCK) 

For Noah, attending KYCK for the first-time last year was a life-changing experience. What began as doubt turned into a complete renewal of faith, transforming his view of the Bible and gave him hope and purpose. 

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

My name is Noah, I go to BXYouth and I’m in Year 11 this year. I attended my first year KYCK last year! I decided to go to KYCK when one of my school friends said they were going and asked me to come along.  

2. What was your KYCK experience like?

It was an unforgettable experience that encouraged me to give my life to Jesus. The talks were well planned out and the music was amazing. 

3. Tell us a KYCK highlight!

My favourite memory from KYCK would be the Saturday night talk. Listening to the love and passion to save even just one soul that night pushed me enough to trust in Jesus and love Him with my entire heart, mind and soul. As I walked out of the plaza, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and safety because I had chosen to follow Jesus. I went and sat with a leader and felt like I had overcome my fears.  

I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and safety because I had chosen to follow Jesus.

4. How has KYCK encouraged your faith?

KYCK didn’t only just encourage my faith, but completely changed it. Before going to KYCK I believed the Bible was just a silly story. I didn’t really listen to what the teachers had to say in the Bible studies class in school. But once I went to KYCK, my view was completely renewed, I came to trust in Jesus and will never go back! 

5. Why would you recommend KYCK to others?  

I would recommend KYCK to others for them to strengthen their faith, or even come to Jesus as I did. I believe everyone deserves a chance to hear the Word of God, and one of the best and most fun ways to do that is KYCK! 

6. How has being a Christian changed your life? 

Before I became a Christian I didn’t have much hope for myself or the world. However, after coming to God, I had a chance to lay my worries down with Him, and He took them and gave me hope. Coming to faith is the most amazing and important thing I have done in my life, and I have so much love for God that He chose to save everyone. 


(Noah, right, with his best friend at KYCK)  For Noah, attending KYCK for the first-time

By Patrizha Yeomans

My Rock in a World of Sand: Pollyanna’s KYCK Story 

Welcome to Testimony Tuesday! These are stories of faith, transformation, and encouragement from our KYCK attendees. In this story, we hear from Pollyanna and how KYCK has strengthened her relationship with God and reminded her of His unshakable presence through the ups and downs of high school life.

1. How many KYCKs have you been to?  

I’ve gone to 2 KYCKs and both times it was the best!

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

As soon as you arrive you feel swept up in the incredible atmosphere. Reading “All One in Christ Jesus” and seeing the space flood with people people makes that statement even more impactful. Even though it is a short time, I get so much out of KYCK. I become closer to God and my Christian friends whilst getting to meet new people from all around New South Wales. It’s AMAZING!

3. Tell us a KYCK highlight!

My absolute favourite thing from KYCK is the worship. Having that many people in one space, not to mention the people online, all singing to one incredible, powerful, almighty God is amazing. I remember my first KYCK, turning around and being in awe of God’s love toward every single person there – not to mention the 8 billion others in the world.

4. How has KYCK encouraged your faith?

After term 1, the summer camp high has usually dwindled and after all the craziness of school, I feel like I have drifted from God. KYCK helps me remember He’s in control and to keep my eyes set on Him.

Also, seeing just how many teenagers there are that love Jesus or are willing to hear about Him is always so encouraging.

5. Why would you recommend KYCK to others?

KYCK is a great camp because it is short but so so powerful and it allows you to meet new people who are going through a similar journey in high school, connecting through Jesus and His power in our lives.

I remember that God is always there and has the power to provide peace and make my path straight. I lean on Him as my rock when everything else feels like sand.

6. How has being a Christian changed your life?

Being Christian has changed my life for the better in so many ways! The biggest difference for me is having a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). God is always there no matter what and that is what I need as a high school student. With the stress from school, friends and social media (basically everything), I remember that God is always there and has the power to provide peace and make my path straight. I lean on Him as my rock when everything else feels like sand.


Register Today!

Welcome to Testimony Tuesday! These are stories of faith, transformation, and encouragement from our KYCK

By Patrizha Yeomans

“A Spiritual Intensive For Our Family”: Amelia’s KEC Story

For Amelia and her family, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) isn’t just a yearly event—it’s a cherished tradition that has shaped their faith over the years. From attending as a teenager in the Junior High program to now bringing her own children along, Amelia shares why KEC is a “spiritual intensive” for the family, equipping them with the tools to stand firm in their faith.  

1. Please introduce your family!

Hi my name is Amelia and I am married to Pete. We have two daughters, Norah, who is 4 years old and Florence, who is 6 months. We go to Maitland Evangelical Church in the Hunter Valley and together we’ve attended about ten KEC’s. Plus, we’ve volunteered on the Junior High team and we’ve listened online. 

2. What made you start attending KEC? 

Initially, I came along to KEC with my family and I attended the Junior High program. It was freezing cold that year and we were all squeezed into Clairvaux. I remember the talks were on the theme of ‘Killing the Me-First Monster.” 

Being from rural NSW, my first KEC was quite an impactful experience because at the time I only had one other Christian friend, and the concept of actively fighting against our sinfulness was pretty unfamiliar. 

Going to KEC that first time brought forth so much fruit in my life because it encouraged me to develop healthy spiritual habits, plus it was super fun! Now that I am Mum, I’ve been praying that KEC will be an encouragement to my girls just like it was me! 

Now that I am Mum, I’ve been praying that KEC will be an encouragement to my girls just like it was me! 

3. What is the highlight of your KEC experience? 

Picking just one highlight is such a tough task because each year I am so richly blessed. However, last year we decided to take our daughter Norah along to the night program despite it being well past her bedtime. After the shared dinner in the courtyard, we went into the auditorium and Norah was immediately excited by the buzz. She was welcomed by many different people and was so comfortable that when the music started, she sang along and danced in the aisle. 

It was particularly encouraging for me because it gave me a real sense of God’s big family and it gave us a chance to worship together. Moreover, I was really grateful that she felt like the ‘big program’ was as much for her as it was for the adults. If you’re apprehensive about taking your kids along to the night program, don’t be! 

4. How has KEC encouraged you and your kids’ faith? 

Norah recently had the opportunity to complete an ‘intensive week’ at our local swim school. And although she can already swim, she attended 6 lessons over the week and was taught the survival skills she needed to feel confident in the water. I feel as though KEC is a bit of a spiritual intensive for our family, teaching us the survival skills we need to stay firm in the faith. 

I feel as though KEC is a bit of a spiritual intensive for our family, teaching us the survival skills we need to stay firm in the faith. 

My husband and I always learn something new about the character of God and as a result, we’re refreshed, renewed and convicted. We leave KEC confident that God will continue to be faithful throughout whatever hardships we might face in the coming year. 

Likewise, the kids program spurred my daughter on to tell her friends about Jesus. She still remembers the songs she sang and she often talks about going back to “Easter-Vention”

5. Why would you recommend KEC to other families? 

In the past, KEC has been freezing cold, our family has been over-tired, we’ve spent an hour waiting in traffic and we’ve exhausted ourselves trying to carry our daughter up that massive hill! But each and every year, we have been spurred on to love Christ more. KEC has yielded so much spiritual growth in each of us that it’s worth all the inconveniences. 

And plus, the inconveniences are the exact same as the ones you’d be having if you’d stayed home! So why not experience them alongside a thousand other Christians in the beautiful Blue Mountains! The KEC coordinators have done a really great job of making the convention accessible for families. There is a well-equipped parent’s room and there is always someone who is happy to help out if you need.  


There’s something for everyone at KEC. We can’t wait to see you in the mountains over Easter! 

For Amelia and her family, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) isn’t just a yearly event—it’s a

By Patrizha Yeomans

Get ready for the last KYCK of 2024!

This September school holidays, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the last KYCK youth conference for the year. The conference will be looking at the book of Genesis – creation, humanity and the fall – together with speakers Alan Au, Brett Hookham, and Andy Stevenson. KYCKers can also look forward to Jocelyn Bignill and Patricia Weerakoon bringing them some special segments to help think through the theme of ‘identity’ in today’s world.
 
If you’re joining us this month, here are nine ways to prepare your hearts and minds for KYCK:   

1. Read and re-read the book of Genesis  

Get the most out of KYCK with some pre-reading from Genesis 1-3 to prime your heart to hear and respond to God’s Word. Read and re-read it – anything stand out for you? Are there any questions you have about the passage?

2. Start your personal praise with the KYCK 24 playlist      

Whether you’re wanting a shout-out-loud worship session or some mellow praise for quiet study, this playlist is the perfect soundtrack to familiarise yourself with songs that we’ll be singing at KYCK 24! Listen here.  

3. Start training with your youth group for the KYCK On Cup!  

Our Saturday afternoon soccer competition, KYCK On, will be back at KYCK#4! The winning team will be declared the champions and awarded the prestigious KYCK ON Cup. We’ll also be giving prizes to the best supporters – think apparel, mascots, team flag and uniform. Start training now, and make sure to get your teams and supporter costumes ready! 

4. Rep KYCK with our fresh merch!

Our range of KYCK 24 merch includes hoodies, tees, beanies, caps and NEW sunnies! Enter our merch giveaway competition on Facebook or Instagram to win a hoodie! You can also purchase merch onsite at KYCK each Saturday morning from 8am. All proceeds go towards keeping our ministry going. See pricing and size info here

KYCK 24 merch photo

5. Don’t forget your KYCK friendship bracelets to swap and share!

Here’s your chance to get creative with spreading the Word! Gather with your youth group to make friendship bracelets and trade them with others at KYCK! We suggest including bible references to our KYCK theme (Genesis 1-3), our memory verse (Colossians 1:15-16) or the name of your youth group. There might even be some prizes on offer! Have fun!

6. Pray for God to work powerfully through KYCK    

Please join us in committing KYCK to God in prayer:    

  • Pray that as the gospel is preached at KYCK, the Spirit will work powerfully in the hearts of youth.  
  • Pray that God will protect our speakers Alan, Brett, Andy, Jocelyn and Patricia ahead of KYCK, and that they will preach the gospel and its implications on our identity, clearly and faithfully. 
  • Pray that KYCK will be an opportunity for teens who don’t know Jesus to meet Him for the first time.    
  • Pray that teenagers will leave KYCK with a firm trust in Jesus, and that they will be bold and loving gospel witnesses in their schools, communities and homes. 

7. Don’t miss out on the Saturday Night BBQ  

Support high school scripture and teachers by purchasing the Saturday night BBQ at KYCK. Held on Saturday, 6.15pm-7.00pm in the Plaza, it’s $7 per person and includes 2 sausage sandwiches & a soft drink! RSVP here: https://www.kyck.org.au/saturday-bbq/  

8. Stay up to date with KYCK on socials and the KCC One app   

Stay up to date with the latest KYCK news, and interact with our live segments by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Download the KCC One App to gain daily encouragement from KCC’s library of sermons, topical talks, testimonies, and devotionals in audio, text and video formats.  

9. Still haven’t registered?

It’s not too late to grab your group and register now! Click here to register today!  

This September school holidays, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the last KYCK youth

By KCC Staff

5,000+ Youth Meet Their Creator God at KYCK 

Over three weekends, more than 5,000 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba. Founded in 1993, KYCK is a Bible preaching event aimed at inspiring high schoolers to live for Jesus alone. Each year, delegates are invited to hear and respond to God’s word through powerful Bible talks, uplifting worship in song, inspiring testimonies, and fun youth-appropriate activities.  

Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. Each year, teenagers travel far and wide for fellowship in Katoomba. We are so encouraged that in 2024, we had groups join us from the ACT, Northern Territory and Queensland!  

This year, guest speakers Alan Au, Brett Hookham, Sam Low, and Andy Stevenson opened Genesis to introduce youth to their Creator—a powerful and loving God who was there from the very beginning. Talk topics touched on the creation story, the supremacy of Jesus, humanity’s identity and purpose. Special guests Polly Butterworth and Patricia Weerakoon also joined the platform to share what it means for humanity to be created in the ‘Image of God’ and ‘Male and Female’.  

“I loved the relevance of the talks, the confidence of speakers, the unashamed focus on the beauty of the way God has made us, and the way we were encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus throughout it all. There are big parts of Genesis 1-3 that many conferences today would brush over, but I am so thankful to KYCK for addressing them head on with such conviction and compassion.”

– KYCK 2 Leader 

We praise God that from hearing His word preached, 68 teenagers became a Christian for the first time, 356 recommitted their lives to him, and 49 left the conference wanting to learn more.  

“KYCK made me recommit my life to God. Being around my brothers and sisters in Christ is so uplifting, it shows that no matter how alone in my faith I feel, I am not, and there’s so many people that share my beliefs.”

– KYCK 3 First Timer Youth 

“My favourite thing about KYCK 24, as always, is hearing the gospel preached and seeing young lives turning to him! 6 of ours responded! And seeing them move forward in their discipleship!

– KYCK 3 Leader 

For teenagers who are already following Jesus, KYCK gives them an opportunity to access speakers beyond their church network—to hear old truths with fresh perspectives. For many, it also serves as a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their faith, and that their beliefs are shared by thousands across Australia. This encouragement is especially important for teenagers in smaller youth groups, isolated rural areas, or who face opposition for their faith at home or school. 

It was just amazing experience to be in a room with so many teen Christians and be able to worship together.

– KYCK 1 Youth

KYCK is such an encouragement to our young people and leaders. It’s great to see many of God’s people worshipping together.

– KYCK 1 Leader 

“KYCK is the youth’s pinnacle event of the year to fellowship around God’s Word, other youth and singing.”

– KYCK 3 Youth Leader 

Hosted as a hybrid event, youth groups can choose to experience KYCK in-person at StayKCC in the Blue Mountains, or KYCK Online; a high-quality livestream promising a ‘front row’ seat from the convenience of a living room or church hall. Delegates who joined KYCK in-person could take part in optional fellowship activities including the ‘KYCK On’ Soccer Cup where youth groups Christ Church Gladesville and Nowra Baptist Church took home the crown; and the Saturday Night BBQ where over $6,100 was raised to support Scripture teachers.  

Early Bird tickets are still available for KYCK this September!  

KYCK will return for a fourth weekend on the 27-29 September in Katoomba. KYCK 4 Early Bird tickets are still available until 30 June AEST from our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/  

YouTube video

5,000+ youth and leaders met their Creator in the book of Genesis at KYCK conference.

By Heidi Tai

9 Ways to Prepare for KYCK this April 

Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference. Guest speakers Alan Au, Brett Hookham, Sam Low, Andy Stevenson will teach from the book of Genesis about creation, humanity and the fall. Special guests Polly Butterworth and Patricia Weerakoon will also join to help teenagers think through the theme of ‘identity’ in today’s world.  
 
If you’re joining us this month, here are 10 ways to prepare your hearts and minds for KYCK:   

1. Get pumped for worship with the KYCK 24 playlist      

Whether you’re wanting a shout-out-loud worship session or some mellow praise for quiet study, this playlist is the perfect soundtrack to familiarise yourself with songs that we’ll be singing at KYCK 24! Listen here.  

2. Get your team ready for the KYCK On Cup!  

This year, we’re bringing back our Saturday afternoon soccer competition – KYCK ON! The winning team will be declared the champions and awarded the prestigious KYCK ON Cup!  We’ll also be giving prizes to the best supporters – think apparel, mascots, team flag and uniform. The match will be held the Saturday of each KYCK weekend, so if you plan on being there, make sure to get your teams and supporter costumes ready! 

3. Meditate on the book of Genesis  

Get the most out of KYCK with some pre-reading from the book of Genesis chapters 1-3 to prime your heart to hear and respond to God’s word.   

4. Bring your Genesis friendship bracelets to swap and share with others 

Here’s your chance to get creative with spreading the Word! Gather with your youth group to make friendship bracelets and trade them with others at KYCK! We suggest including bible references to our KYCK theme (Genesis 1-3), our memory verse (Colossians 1:15-16) or the name of your youth group. There might even be some prizes on offer! Have fun! 

5. Rep KYCK 24 with fresh merch  

Our range of KYCK 24 merch includes hoodies, tees, beanies, caps and NEW sunnies! Enter our merch giveaway competition on Facebook or Instagram to win a hoodie! You can also purchase merch onsite at KYCK each Saturday morning from 8am. All proceeds go towards keeping our ministry going. See pricing and size info here

6. Pray for God to work powerfully through KYCK    

Please join us in committing KYCK to God in prayer:    

  • Pray that as the gospel is preached at KYCK, the Spirit will work powerfully in the hearts of youth.  
  • Pray that God will protect our speakers Alan, Brett, Sam, Andy, Polly and Patricia ahead of KYCK, and that they will preach the gospel and its implications on our identity, clearly and faithfully. 
  • Pray that KYCK will be an opportunity for teens who don’t know Jesus to meet Him for the first time.    
  • Pray that teenagers will leave KYCK with a firm trust in Jesus, and that they will be bold and loving gospel witnesses in their schools, communities and homes. 

7. Stay up to date with KYCK on socials and the KCC One app   

Stay up to date with the latest KYCK news, and interact with our live segments by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Download the KCC One App to gain daily encouragement from KCC’s library of sermons, topical talks, testimonies, and devotionals in audio, text and video formats.  

8. RSVP for the Saturday Night BBQ  

Support high school scripture and teachers by purchasing the Saturday night BBQ at KYCK. Held each Saturday, 6.15pm-7pm in the Plaza, it’s $7 per person and includes 2 sausage sandwiches & a soft drink! RSVP here: https://www.kyck.org.au/saturday-bbq/  

9. Still haven’t registered? Join us online!  

If you can’t make it to Katoomba this April, you can still join us online! We’ll be live-streaming our KYCK 2 weekend (19-21 April) and you’ll have a front row seat to all the action. Click here to register today!  

9 ways to prepare your hearts and minds for KYCK youth conference

By Heidi Tai

Matt Sparks to speak at Easter Convention 2024 

We are pleased to announce that Matt Sparks will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with Tim Blencowe and John North, Matt will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.   

Meet KEC24 Speaker: Matt Sparks

Matt is married to Tash, and they have three kids, living in Sydney’s eclectic Inner-west. In 2014, they took a leap of faith and planted Anchor Church in their small two-bedroom apartment with a team of 17 people praying for a powerful move of God. Today, Anchor is a growing movement of churches committed to planting vibrant, missional churches that form people into the image of Christ. He is passionate about the local church, the glory of God, and the Parramatta Eels!  

Matt will be giving three talks in the evening at KEC. Get a taste of his teaching here:  

  1. Movies that Shape Culture 
YouTube video

In this talk, Matt explores themes from our favourite blockbuster movies, and shows us how the messages of our culture as depicted in film, intersects with the gospel. By unpacking the popular theme of being “true to yourself”, Matt explains that movies reveal the values, dreams, hopes and wishes of our culture, and encourages Christians to watch with discernment and the gospel in mind. 

  1. Selah: Psalm 42 
YouTube video

What do we do when we feel spiritually dry and drowning under life waves? In this sermon, Matt shares how Psalm 42 is an honest and determined cry to experience more of God—even when our faith is failing.  

  1. Deconstructing God: How can the Christian sex ethic be ‘good’? 
YouTube video

In the ‘Deconstructing God’ series, Matt Sparks addresses some of the doubts of the Christian faith, and to provide good answers to questions that shake our faith. In a world which tells us that to deny your desires is damaging, or even dangerous, how can Christian sex ethic possibly be good news for those with same-sex attraction? In this talk, Matt addresses this important question and provides wisdom and comfort to Christians who are doubting the goodness of biblical sex ethics.  

Experience KEC this Easter! 

Katoomba Easter Convention offers you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family in the Blue Mountains, to get away from life’s busyness and hear powerful, life-changing preaching every day.   

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’   

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives.  

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.   

Experience a strengthening of your faith.  

Experience encouragement for every member of the family.  

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.   

Experience KEC.  

More info: https://easterconvention.com/   

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, Matt Sparks!

By Heidi Tai

John North to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

We are pleased to announce that John North will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks, John will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.  

Meet KEC24 Speaker: John North

John North was born in India to Australian missionaries and loves to teach God’s word in a penetrating way that changes people’s lives. He is the Director of EvangelismSHIFT International and the National Director of Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI) in Australia. For 30 years he has helped AFCI to build a team focused on accelerating the spread of the gospel through local churches.   

John wrote GrowthWorks, a book to help you get back on the path of spiritual growth. He is on Hope 103.2 radio each morning in Sydney with the Time With God devotional spot.   

John is married to Lois and they have four children. In his free time, John rides his mountain bike, plays games with his family, and reads.  

John will be giving the four main morning talks across the KEC weekend. 

Get a taste of his teaching from these ‘Time With God’ devotionals:  

Getting Older  
In this devotion, John opens Psalm 92 to explore the topic of ageing. In a culture obsessed with staying young, John shares God’s purposes for old age, and how we can grow stronger and more fruitful as the years go by. Tune in here.  
 
God’s Purpose For You  
In this devotion, John shows us through Jesus’ example, that God’s plans for us may include painful and difficult experiences. He then explains why through hard times, God is still worthy of our trust and how we can respond to God when we’re going through challenging times. Tune in here

Reasons, Emotions and Faith 
In this devotion from Isaiah 1:18-20, John explores the vital role that human reasoning and emotions play in our faith and affirms that God wants us to engage both our minds and emotions when walking with Him. Tune in here

Peace For Today 
What does it mean to have peace? Is ‘world peace’ truly possible? Can we have peace if we struggle with stress or anxiety? In this devotion from John 14:23-27, John explains the biblical definition of ‘peace’ and how we can have it today when we put our faith in Jesus. Tune in here 

Experience Katoomba Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Katoomba Easter Convention offers you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family in the Blue Mountains, to get away from life’s busyness and hear powerful, life-changing preaching every day.  

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’  

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives. 

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.  

Experience a strengthening of your faith. 

Experience encouragement for every member of the family. 

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.  

Experience KEC. 

More info: https://easterconvention.com/  

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, John North!

By Heidi Tai

Meet Our KEC24 Speakers

We are so pleased to introduce our speakers for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) next year. In 2024, John North, Matt Sparks and Tim Blencowe will join the KEC platform to preach on the topic “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”. Together, they will open God’s word to help believers hear God’s warning against worldliness while encouraging them to stay true to the course God has set before them. 

Meet John North

John North was born in India to Australian missionaries and loves to teach God’s word in a penetrating way that changes people’s lives. He is the Director of EvangelismSHIFT International and the National Director of Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI) in Australia. For 30 years he has helped AFCI to build a team focused on accelerating the spread of the gospel through local churches.  

John wrote GrowthWorks, a book to help you get back on the path of spiritual growth. He is on Hope 103.2 radio each morning in Sydney with the Time With God devotional spot.  John is married to Lois and they have four children. In his free time, John rides his mountain bike, plays games with his family, and reads. 

John will be giving the four main morning talks across the KEC weekend. 

Meet Matt Sparks

Matt is married to Tash, and they have three kids, living in Sydney’s eclectic Inner-west. In 2014, they took a leap of faith and planted Anchor Church in their small two-bedroom apartment with a team of 17 people praying for a powerful move of God. Today, Anchor is a growing movement of churches committed to planting vibrant, missional churches that form people into the image of Christ. He is passionate about the local church, the glory of God, and the Parramatta Eels! 

Matt will be giving three main evening talks across the KEC weekend. 

Meet Tim Blencowe

Tim and his family are part of the international community of Macquarie Baptist Church, where he serves as senior pastor and as a chaplain to Macquarie University. Tim was raised in a missionary family, has a background in high school teaching, and enjoys helping people embrace a living faith that integrates the whole of life. 

Tim will be giving four short morning talks across the KEC weekend. 

Go Together. Grow Together.

At KEC, hearing and responding to God’s word is the priority. At a time where we and our children are bombarded by secular messages, values and ideals, KEC will help your family to start the year well, rooted in God’s word.   

As always, the program will feature empowering Bible talks, inspiring Christian testimonies, uplifting worship in song, and breaks for relaxation and fellowship. With age-specific programs for everyone from toddlers to adults, all are welcome to join us this Easter.     

Book your Family Package by 31st December 2023 and get FREE online access over the long weekend added to your booking (normally $60 in value). For more information visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/special-offer/  

Meet our 3 speakers confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention 2024!

By Heidi Tai

A Hero Among Villains by Nathan Lee 

In this this KYCK 2023 talk from Mark 3, Nathan Lee shares how the Pharisees became “villains” when they hardened their hearts towards God, turning His loving command of Sabbath rest into an exhausting “system” for God’s people. He invites youth to consider whether they may be living like the Pharisees and if their rule-keeping reflects a heart that truly loves their God and neighbour. Finally, he encourages youth to meet Jesus—the hero who forgives villains.  

A Hero Among Villains by Nathan Lee

Key Quotes: 

“The Pharisees are watching because it’s the Sabbath and they are looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, to get Him in trouble. By their standards, by their rules, by their system, healing this man would be classified as work. Jesus knows this, but he doesn’t back down.”

“The Pharisees had missed the whole point of the Sabbath. It was never meant to be about following the system. It was meant to be about rest.”  


This talk is part of our KCC+ December collection which includes 12 talks from KYCK 2023 and a 4-part video Christmas devotional series. Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/ 

Nathan Lee shares how the Pharisees became “villains” when they hardened their hearts towards God and encourages youth to meet Jesus—the hero who forgives villains.  

By Heidi Tai