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 Favourite Time of the Year”: Kayla’s KEC Story
Kayla’s journey with Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) began when she was just five years old, attending alongside her parents. What started as a childhood tradition quickly became one of the most formative influences on her faith. Through the faithful example of other Christians and digging into God’s Word, Kayla has found a place that continues to strengthen her faith year after year, reminding her that ‘we aren’t alone’.
1. Can you please introduce yourself and when you started attending KEC?
My name is Kayla and I been to 20 Easter conventions starting from when I was five years old! I started attending with my Mum and Dad and now with my husband Jono, since we got married in 2022.
Kayla (left) with her mum and her husband, Jono
2. What made you start attending KEC?
It was definitely my parents’ decision for that first year (I was a child haha) but it very quickly became just about my favourite time of the year. I so looked forward to the kids program each year and catching up with the same friends each year. As an adult, I continue to attend as I find so much value in spending solid time in God’s word and in fellowship with other Christians from all over NSW and beyond.
3. Can you share a KEC highlight?
Growing up attending the kids program every year was a highlight. Being encouraged by other Christians my age as well as the leaders who I always thought were so cool. I would recite the memory verses, the talks and discussion times played a huge part in my Christian journey and in my growth as a Christian.
As an adult, the talks each year are a definite highlight. Working through multiple different parts of the Bible each convention means a lot gets covered in only 4 days and hearing from speakers from around Australia and the world can give different perspectives and ways of explaining things that is so helpful.
And then of course spending a long weekend away in the beautiful Blue Mountains each year with family is special as well.
4. How has KEC encouraged your faith?
I think there are more moments, memory verses and talks from my childhoods at KEC that have influenced my faith and helped my faith endure than I can remember. Even just gathering with so many Christians from all walks of life and know that we all love and serve the Lord and are brothers and sisters in Christ is so encouraging each year. It really reminds me that we aren’t alone in our faith and even just how powerful the Lord is.
It really reminds me that we aren’t alone in our faith and even just how powerful the Lord is.
5. Why would you recommend KEC to others?
Attending as a child and growing up at KEC was such a blessing. I’m thankful that my parents made this part of our yearly routine. It’s even just so valuable having other Christians faithfully modelling a life lived for Christ to your children, especially when they are teens and might not want to hear about God from you!
I think now as an adult, it is so encouraging to spend solid few days immersed in the word in a beautiful part of God’s creation and to be reminded that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves – being part of God’s family.
It’s even just so valuable having other Christians faithfully modelling a life lived for Christ to your children, especially when they are teens and might not want to hear about God from you!
Our prayer is that Easter Convention is a time that deeply impacts your life for the glory of God, no matter your life stage or age. Whether you join us in the beautiful mountain air of Katoomba or from your living room or holiday home elsewhere, our absolute priority is to provide a program that will continue to be a time of significant spiritual impact for you. Register today!
Kayla’s journey with Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) began when she was just five years old,
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.
Welcome to Testimony Tuesday! These are stories of faith, transformation, and encouragement from our KYCK
By Patrizha Yeomans
Short on Time? How to Spend the Day at KEC 2025
Planning to join us at Katoomba Easter Convention but not sure how to make the most of your day? Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your visit and enjoy everything KEC has to offer!
For Adults:
Choose Your Day: Come any day from Fri-Mon for an enriching experience filled with worship and teaching.
Attend Morning Sessions: Start your day with two inspiring morning sessions. Be ready to dive deep into God’s Word alongside other attendees. During the morning break, enjoy a sweet treat at morning tea, browse the bookstall and visit our Ministry Partners in the Plaza.
Break for Lunch: After the sessions, enjoy a relaxing lunch. Bring your own or grab a bite from local eateries! Many cafes and restaurants around Katoomba Main Street and Leura are open during the long weekend, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore Katoomba: Since you’ve already made the trek, take the opportunity to explore the stunning sights around Katoomba. Visit the iconic Three Sisters, take a bushwalk, or enjoy the charming local shops where you can find Katoomba specialty products and other unique trinkets.
Fellowship Together: Spend time connecting with other attendees over coffee or food during the breaks. You never know who you might meet and how your faith might be encouraged!
Consider an Evening Session: Can’t spend the full day with us? Why not come for an evening session? Single evening tickets are available for just $42.
Join us for the Sunday Night Dinner: Set aside Sunday night as an extra opportunity to fellowship with other KEC attendees over dinner. Sit under the stars and around the bonfire and warm your bellies with a delicious curry meal made by our in-house caterer. Pre-book your dinner tickets to guarantee your place and avoid missing out.
For Kids:
Morning Kids Programs: Check your child into one of the engaging kids programs we run every morning. Check-in times are:
8:30am: Primary and Junior High programs.
8:45am: Keenites, Pre-School, Infants, and Senior High programs.
Exciting Activities: Kids will enjoy age-appropriate Bible teaching, fun activities, and a chance to make new friends in a safe environment.
Evening for Teens: If you have children in Junior or Senior High, they’re also welcome to join the Adults Program and attend the evening sessions for a time of worship and teaching.
Pizza on the Plaza for teens: Junior and Senior High kids are also welcome to join the Sunday night Pizza on the Plaza, a special treat hosted by their program leaders. We recommend you RSVP in advance if your children plan to attend.
Whether you spend the whole day or just join us for an evening session, there’s something for everyone at KEC. We can’t wait to see you in the mountains over Easter!
Planning to join us at Katoomba Easter Convention but not sure how to make the
By Patrizha Yeomans
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!
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
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 everythingyou 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!
As we near the end of the year, we can often be in reflection about
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!
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
