Tag: kec

“A Great Gift and Privilege”: How KEC Encouraged Kathryn’s Family

For Kathryn and her family, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) was an opportunity to step out of life’s busyness and be deeply encouraged in their faith. Though they had only attended one day of KEC in 2023, last year they committed to the full experience. Read Kathryn’s story below.

Caption: Kathryn and her husband, Amish

1. Can you please introduce yourself and your family?

My name is Kathryn, and I attended KEC 2024 with my husband, Amish, and two daughters, Jasmine and Lani (16 and 19 years old). While we had attended one day of KEC 2023, this was our first KEC that we attended in full.   

2. What made you start attending KEC?

For a number of years now, we have had numerous friends share their own KEC experiences and speak highly about the entire weekend. It was this alongside their kind invitation to attend with them that encouraged us to start attending. 

3. What was the highlight of your KEC experience?

As this was our first year attending, we felt everything was a highlight – the ease of registering, friendly welcomers, meeting new and old faces, worshipping God together, learning and growing in God’s word. My daughters also attended the night sessions which they absolutely loved.

4. How has KEC encouraged your faith

I was particularly encouraged by the intentionality to live Hebrews 10:25 [in] ‘not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’  It is a great gift and privilege to worship alongside my family, friends and others, share in God’s Word, and bear each other’s burdens. Alongside this, it has reminded me that my journey with Christ is not a solitary one. Instead, it is woven into the fabric of a much larger story – one where each person’s faith contributes to building and strengthening the whole body of Christ. 

It is a great gift and privilege to worship alongside my family, friends and others, share in God’s Word, and bear each other’s burdens. Alongside this, it has reminded me that my journey with Christ is not a solitary one.

5. Why would you recommend KEC to other families?

Whether you are exploring faith or a seasoned Christian, KEC invites you to explore your questions, share your burdens and joys, and meet like-minded people doing just the same. It is a safe environment for all ages, where talks and activities are both engaging and transformative. 

Can’t make it in-person? Join us online!

Easter Convention kicks off NEXT FRIDAY! For those who just can’t make it in-person, our online program is still a fantastic way to do KEC. You can livestream over the weekend, or catch up on-demand with 30 days access. Either way, don’t miss out!

If you’re keen for a day trip, KEC day tickets are also on sale, so you can still experience time away from life’s busyness, listen to powerful, fantastic preaching and enjoy family time in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Visit our website for more information: https://easterconvention.com/ or go to https://easterconvention.com/register/ to register your place!

By Patrizha Yeomans

“20 Years of Encouragement”: Merilyn’s KEC Story

Through powerful teaching, shared worship, and time spent with others, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) has left a lasting impact on countless families. Merilyn’s story is one of them. With over 20 years of KEC under her belt, it has been a significant part of her walk with God.

Caption: Merilyn and her family

1. Please introduce yourself!

Hi! I’m Merilyn, and I’m married to my wonderful husband, Ray. We’ve been very blessed with three terrific children who are all married now, and we have five beautiful grandkids, with another one on the way!

Caption: Merilyn and her husband, Ray at Katoomba

2. How many KEC’s have you been to and what made you start attending?

We’ve been to about 20 KECs since our first back in 2003. Our good friend Helen from church had been encouraging us for a few years, and we’re so thankful she didn’t give up! We had a great time, and our kids—who were 12, 11, and 9 at the time—really enjoyed it too. They were eager to go back the next year, so we did! We also then took my sister’s family along, and that became our rhythm for many years.

3. Can you share a KEC highlight?

There’s a moment I’ll always remember, though it’s hard to fully describe. It was from one of the speakers, who passionately spoke the threefold “Holy, holy, holy”. The words were so loud and deep, echoing through the auditorium in a powerful way. Even though it was many years ago, every time I read those words, I’m reminded of the awesomeness and greatness of God – He is Worthy!!

4. How has KEC encouraged your faith?

God always has something to teach me, I never choose KEC based on the theme or who the speakers might be, the songs, others who share… I know it’s going to help me grow in my Christian walk.

God always has something to teach me, I never choose KEC based on the theme or who the speakers might be, the songs, others who share… I know it’s going to help me grow in my Christian walk.

As a couple, we haven’t been able to attend KEC in person recently. Instead, we’ve gathered a small group of others who are also unable to attend. For the four days of the convention, we meet in a different home each day to fellowship, share, and experience the convention together in a new way.

5. Why would you recommend KEC to others?

KEC brings together people from many denominations, it’s a beautiful reminder that we’re all part of the same body and are indeed ‘all one in Christ Jesus’.

Caption: Merilyn and her family at KEC 2019!

It’s not too late to register!

It’s not too late to register for KEC 2025! Whether it’s a full weekend, or just a day, you can still experience time away from life’s busyness, listen to powerful, fantastic preaching and enjoy family time in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

For those who just can’t make it in-person, our online program is still a fantastic way to do KEC. Either way, don’t miss out!

By Patrizha Yeomans

Conquering Worldliness: Secure Your Spot at Katoomba Easter Convention 2024

Registrations are now open for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2024.

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KEC is an annual event aimed at encouraging people to rest and grow in God’s word each Easter. For many families with children, KEC has been adopted as a family tradition; a way for parents to communicate the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection and prioritisation of spiritual growth each year.

Katoomba Easter Convention 2023 Highlights

Since 1962, God has used KEC to transform entire families, with children growing up through the children’s programs, and graduating as men and women who are convicted to live for Jesus alone:

“Through the Kid’s program, I was annually fed with engaging and solid Bible teaching, which allowed me to thank Jesus for what he has done in every stage of life. KEC has been a major influence in the way I know Jesus and express my faith today.”
Anna, KEC Delegate and Volunteer

“KEC is an opportunity for a family get together with a gospel centred focus. Our children in the past and now our grandchildren love the children’s program and are encouraged and fed in their walk with the Lord and enjoy fellowship with KEC friends. Adults likewise are encouraged and challenged to continue to serve the Lord.”
Gaye, KEC Delegate

In 2024, the program will be built around the theme: “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”, with delegates invited to consider how they can remain faithful as Christians in an increasingly secular world.

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 Keenites (toddlers) to adults, all are welcome to join us this Easter.

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit the website: https://easterconvention.com/

To receive the latest KEC updates including updates on 2024 speakers, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Registrations are now open for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2024

By Heidi Tai

Over 2,300 Emboldened with a ‘Rock Solid’ Faith at Katoomba Easter Convention

We praise God that over the Easter long weekend, over 2,300 adults, youth and children gathered at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) to be empowered by God’s word. Through powerful Bible talks, inspiring testimonies and uplifting worship in song, delegates were refreshed with compelling and respected reasons to trust God’s word in a world of confusion.

Since 1962, KEC has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.

This year, over 1700 delegates joined the Adult Program to hear from a wide range of international and local speakers. Through expository preaching, topical talks and inspiring testimonies, KEC speakers encouraged delegates to see God’s word as a ‘Rock Solid’ source of truth, goodness and beauty.

Program highlights included Ed Stetzer’s “God Has Spoken” expository talks from the Psalms, Dan Paterson’s “Living Out the Truth in a World of Confusion” expository talks from the Gospels, Sam Chan’s “The Plausibility of Believing” short talks from the book of John, and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker’s personal testimony “How Oxford and Peter Singer led an Atheist Historian to Jesus”.

“Each speaker had an impact. Listening to Dan speak about his suffering and Sarah about her walk from atheism into Christianity was very encouraging.”

“All of the speakers were amazing. Ed, Sam and Dan all had different styles of preaching which was super refreshing each time they came up to speak.”

“I loved Dan Peterson’s talks illustrating the gospel and Jesus’ death and resurrection. The whole convention showed me how much God loves me and convicted me that I need to spend more time with Him.”

While adults enjoyed rich teaching and fellowship in the main session, over 580 children and youth were served by one of eight programs, ranging from Tiny Tots (up to 12 months) to Senior High (Year 10-12). Quiz Worx served the Primary Program with puppetry, music and stories while Tim Edwards taught Junior High, and Aaron Smith in Senior High. Powered by over 170 volunteers, KEC’s age-specific programs gives every family member an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel each Easter:

“I’d spent well over a decade having the Bible well-taught at KEC by people who loved Jesus. I’m thankful that the leaders in the Kid’s Programs and speakers for the adults never shied away from the fact that life can be hard, but God and his word are true and unchanging, and that he is worth following.”

“My last year in the senior high program proved to me how special KEC is, particularly the incredible encouragement from those within my discussion group. It really prompted me to think deeply every day and to praise God for the amazing opportunities we have.”

While we live in a world of confusion and scepticism towards the Bible, it is our hope that KEC has given delegates a renewed confidence that the Bible is true and trustworthy, beautiful and good. It is our prayer that the church will have a ‘Rock Solid’ faith in God’s word, holding out the Bible as a treasured possession and worthy of wholehearted, joyful submission.

Did God speak to you at KEC? Share your story with us here!

Hear all the KEC talks with KCC+

The KCC One app has launched KCC+, a brand-new subscription service giving users faster and exclusive access to the latest KCC event talks. Available from a monthly annual subscription rate of $4.99, new subscribers will get instant access to our April catalogue which includes 13 talks and uploads from KEC 22, as well as all the KEC 23 talks in May.

Learn more here: https://www.kccone.org.au/

“The talks were all just incredible and I can’t wait to listen to them all again on the KCC+ app. I am so grateful for the reminder that there is nothing I can do to earn or deserve God’s love and it is purely through His Grace that I am saved.”

We praise God that over the Easter long weekend, over 2,300 people gathered at KEC to be empowered by God’s word.

By Heidi Tai

6 Ways to Prepare for Easter Convention This Weekend

Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is right around the corner! Here’s 6 ways to prepare your hearts, minds and families for the long weekend with us.

1. Secure your spot at the Easter Sunday Night Dinner

Get the family together and enjoy a hot, catered dinner and fellowship with other attendees. The Easter Sunday Night dinner is separately bookable from your conference ticket registration. For attendees who have booked accommodation onsite with StayKCC (not including camping & CMS) and volunteers staying onsite, this has been included in your booking.

Pricing:

Adults and children over 12 years: $20
Children (3-12 years): $15
Children under 3 are free.

If you have already purchased your KEC tickets and would like to add on the special night dinner, you can purchase directly through our ticketing system or give us a call on 1300 737 140.

2. Meditate on passages that will be preached at KEC 23

This year we are pleased to host a combination of local and international speakers and special guests including Ed Stetzer, Dan Paterson, Sam Chan, Malcolm Gill, Jonathan Dykes, Judith Calf and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker.

Together, they will explore the theme, “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. To prepare your hearts for Easter, we encourage you to meditate on the passages that will be preached at KEC:

Psalm 1
Psalm 19
Psalm 23
Psalm 84
Matthew 27:32-54
Mark 14:66-72
Mark 15:42-47
Luke 24:1-12 & 36-49
John 20:24-31
John 8:40-48
John 2:1-12
Isaiah 55
Psalm 119:105

To see the 15 confirmed talk titles, click here.

3. Prepare your tickets for entry

Make sure your tickets are ready upon entry. If you registered on or before close of business 23 March 2023, please bring the tickets that you received in the mail. If you registered after this date, please arrive a little earlier on Good Friday morning to pick up your tickets from the Info Tent on site.

4. Pack for all types of weather

The weather in Katoomba can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack for rain, hail and shine! Don’t forget your rain jacket, warm clothes, and comfortable gear for enjoying the outdoors during free time!

5. Stay up to date with KEC on socials and the KCC One app

Stay up to date with the latest KEC 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.

6. Tune your heart for worship with our Spotify playlist

Familiarise yourself with the songs being played at KEC by following our Spotify playlist.

There’s still time to join us!

At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendly program that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God.

Dates: 7-10^th April 2023
Place: StayKCC, Katoomba

There’s still time to join us! Register today: https://easterconvention.com/

6 ways to prepare for Katoomba Easter Convention 2023

By Heidi Tai

15 Talks Confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention

We’re pleased to give you a sneak peek of the 15 talks confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC).

Katoomba Easter Convention is returning this Easter long weekend to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. At KEC this year, delegates will be empowered to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.

We praise God for our range of international and local speakers who have accepted the invitation to address this important topic. Here’s a sneak peek of the speakers and talks that will be covered this Easter long weekend:

Ed Stetzer

Ed Stetzer is a Professor and Dean at Wheaton College where he also serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

Ed will share four talks from the book of Psalms:

Psalm 1 – The ‘Rock Solid’ Word (TRSW) Focuses Our Direction to God’s Pathway
Psalm 19 – TRSW Frames Our Decisions for God’s Honour
Psalm 23 – TRSW Feeds Our Desire for God’s Presence
Psalm 84 – TRSW Fuels Our Devotion to God’s Glory

Dan Paterson

Dan Paterson is the founder of ‘Questioning Christianity’, a ministry helping you connect the Christian story to life’s deepest questions. Dan will unpack the Easter story over three talks from the following books:

Matthew 27:32-54 – Otherworldly Suffering
Mark 14:66-72 & Mark 15:42-47 – Re-enchanting Humanity
Luke 24:1-12 & 36-49 – Turning Graves into Gardens

Sam Chan

Sam Chan is the lead mentor and trainer at EvQ School of Evangelism, a ministry of City Bible Forum) and author of How to talk about Jesus (without being THAT guy). Sam will share three talks from the Gospel of John:

John 20:24-31 – How do I know the Bible is True?
John 8:40-48 – How do I know the Bible is Good?
John 2:1-12 – How do I know the Bible is Beautiful?

More talks from Special Guests!

PLUS, more talks from our Special Guests on a range of topics:

Jonathan Dykes (Executive Director, Katoomba Christian Convention)
The Bible in Everyday Life: Rain & Snow (Isaiah 55)

Malcolm Gill (Lead Pastor, Multicultural Bible Ministry)
The Bible in Everyday Life: Lamp & Light (Psalm 119:105)

Sarah Irving-Stonebraker (Associate Professor of History and Western Civilisation, Australian Catholic University)
How Oxford and Peter Singer led an Atheist Historian to Jesus
A Strong Foundation: How History Can Help us in a Confused World

Judith Calf (Program Manager for Theological Education, Anglican Aid)
Keep Them and Do Them

There’s still time to join us at KEC!

Dates: Easter long weekend, 7-10 April 2023
Venue: StayKCC, Katoomba

Katoomba Easter Convention is less than two weeks away, so don’t delay in booking your tickets. Register now at: https://easterconvention.com/

A sneak peek of the 15 talks confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) this April.

By Heidi Tai

Jonathan Dykes Confirmed as Guest Speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention

We are thrilled to announce that Jonathan Dykes will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2023.

Katoomba Easter Convention will return on 7-10 April 2023, to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a time where God’s word is often met with mistrust and skepticism, KEC will empower delegates to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.

To address this topic, Jonathan Dykes will return to the KEC platform as a guest speaker. A long-time attendee and volunteer on KCC committees, Jonathan was appointed as Executive Director of Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) in 2012. Prior to this, he served as a faculty member at Sydney Missionary & Bible College (SMBC) teaching Preaching and on the staff teams at St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney and City Bible Forum.

For Jonathan, attending KEC every year has become an important family tradition—one that communicates to his children the preciousness of Easter and hearing from God’s word:

“Making the effort to go to KEC every year helps communicate to our kids that Easter is a special time and that dedicating time to listen to God is a priority.

“It has become our regular retreat space – away from interruptions, distractions and busyness – where we can talk as a whole family about what it means to follow Jesus Christ.”

Jonathan last spoke at Katoomba Easter Convention in 2004 and 2022, and we are thrilled to have him back at KEC 2023. Get a taste of his teaching from the SMBC archives here: https://www.smbc.edu.au/resources/bibletalks-speaker-talks/Jonathan-Dykes

Go Together. Grow Together.

At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendly program that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God. 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 every member of your family.

Dates: 7-10^th April 2023
Place: StayKCC, Katoomba
Theme: Rock Solid: Trusting God in a World of Confusion
Main Speakers: Ed Stetzer (Wheaton College Billy Graham Center) and Dan Paterson (Questioning Christianity)
Guest Speakers: Malcolm Gill, Sam Chan and Jonathan Dykes

For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/

Jonathan Dykes will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention 2023.

By Heidi Tai

5 Reasons to Make Katoomba Easter Convention A Family Tradition

Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether you’re gathering to decorate a Christmas tree, wrap dumplings, or to celebrate a meaningful holiday by the sea, family traditions are important for establishing foundational values and moments of deep bonding.

Since 1962, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.

5 reasons to make KEC a family tradition this Easter:

Model to your family the significance of Easter

For the Christian, Easter is a significant time of remembering the death and resurrection of Christ and how it applies to everyday life. Attending KEC can be a big sacrifice of time, money and resources, but by prioritising spiritual growth, we communicate to our families that Easter is more than a long weekend of chocolate eggs and bunnies.

“KEC has been great for my family to get away from the challenges and distractions of life to spend time reflecting on God. KEC is a great reminder that Easter isn’t about chocolate or holidays, rather it is a time to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection and how that should shape our daily lives.”
Verity Hall, KEC Delegate and Volunteer

Start each year deeply rooted in God’s word

At KEC, hearing and responding to God’s word is the priority. At a time where we and our children are bombarded by competing messages, values and ideals, it is important to start the year well, rooted in God’s word. Each year, KEC invites gifted Bible teachers to preach on relevant topics. In 2023, main speakers Ed Stetzer and Dan Paterson, and special guests Malcolm Gill, Sam Chan and Jonathan Dykes will speak on the topic “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a world of scepticism and confusion, KEC will empower your family to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by a good and gracious God.

“Through the Kid’s program, I was annually fed with engaging and solid Bible teaching, which allowed me to thank Jesus for what he has done in every stage of life. KEC has been a major influence in the way I know Jesus and express my faith today.”
Anna Kreicers, KEC Delegate and Volunteer

A commitment to annual Sabbath rest as a family

What if the Easter long weekend could become a time of regular Sabbath rest for your family?

Attending KEC may take some effort but once you arrive, you will be invited to rest in God’s word in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Drop off your little ones at our children’s programs and enjoy mornings being refreshed by Bible talks, inspiring testimonies, and uplifting worship in song. Spend afternoons relaxing with friends and family, surrounded by golden Autumn hues. Swap out screen time for meaning conversation and prayer in crisp mountain air. Away from the interruptions and distractions of city life, KEC is a space for your family to deeply consider what it means to love and live for Jesus.

“I love watching the dedicated Toddler team in action. Young Adult leaders who volunteer their Easter break to lovingly care for little ones so that their parents can benefit from undisturbed bible teaching in the auditorium. That is Christian community in action.”
John & Jenny, KEC Delegates and Volunteers

Expand your family’s view of God’s world and the global church

Attending KEC will show your family that God’s world is much bigger than the four walls of the local church, and that He is working powerfully across our country and world. At a time when being a Christian can feel lonely or isolating, KEC is a powerful reminder that we belong to a bigger spiritual family, and for life-long friendships to be formed. By highlighting stories of the persecuted and vulnerable, delegates are given the opportunity to consider how they can be part of God’s mission too.

“Over the years we have seen children grow into adults with children and seen God working in people’s lives. As a volunteer I have met in person, many different godly people from Australia and all the over the world.”
Gordon, KEC Delegate and Volunteer

Inspire your family into a lifetime of faithful gospel service

KEC relies on the power of volunteers—from our children’s program leaders to our ushers on the day, each volunteer helps to facilitate God’s Word preached from the platform. This volunteer model has impacted many delegates and created a strong culture of gospel generosity and sacrifice. We thank God that over six decades, we have witnessed delegates flourishing into men and women of faith—serving their local churches and KCC events as staff, committee members and volunteers!

“We first started volunteering after our children were all in high school. We were so grateful for the volunteers that had looked after them that we decided to give some time and energy ourselves. We really enjoy being part of a team committed to serving their brothers and sisters, and we’ve formed great friendships as a result.”
Ross & Karen, KEC Delegates and Volunteers

Go Together. Grow Together.

Are you ready to make KEC a family tradition this Easter?

Dates: 7-10^th April 2023
Place: StayKCC, Katoomba
Theme: Rock Solid: Trusting God in a World of Confusion
Main Speakers: Ed Stetzer (Wheaton College Billy Graham Center) and Dan Paterson (Questioning Christianity)

For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/

Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether

By Heidi Tai

Back Next

“A Great Gift and Privilege”: How KEC Encouraged Kathryn’s Family

Can’t make it in-person? Join us online!

“20 Years of Encouragement”: Merilyn’s KEC Story

It’s not too late to register!

Conquering Worldliness: Secure Your Spot at Katoomba Easter Convention 2024