Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) has released KCC One—a brand new mobile platform which aims to make God's word accessible worldwide. For close to 120 years, KCC has gathered Christians across age groups and life-stages, denominations and regions under the banner “all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The not-for-profit ministry hosts six annual conventions with the hope to see Australia transformed by Jesus Christ through the powerful preaching of the Bible. Now, with new technologies, they hope to see this vision unfold across the globe.
 
Available on iOS and Android, KCC One is a free app offering access to video, audio and transcripts of KCC’s extensive catalogue of Bible talks from the last 42 years. At a time when Christians across Australia and around the world have been forced to isolate, KCC’s rich library of over 350 expository preaching and topical talks allows users to hear from local preachers such as Peter Adam, Sam Chan, Simon Manchester and Kirk Patston as well as international preachers such as John Piper, Nancy Guthrie, Michael Ramsden, Paul Tripp, Don Carson, Helen Roseveare and Francis Chan. The app promises regular updates, including exclusive content.

​Although COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of most of KCC’s 2020 live conventions, the ministry has been quick to adapt to online alternatives. KYCK Live was the premier livestreamed youth event which attracted over 10,000 high schoolers from all around Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom. Preacher Brett Hookham taught from Hebrews 10 on the topic of perseverance--reminding youth to cling to gospel hope and to continue spurring each other on in ‘love and good deeds’, even in the age of social distancing.

For many, KYCK Live was a timely event that provided much-needed encouragement and fellowship—including a Missionary Kid serving in Japan with CMS.
 
“The worship made me miss being surrounded, encouraged and growing with a bunch of believers. There is something truly special about youth in Australia. Amazing how so many have come to gather.” 
 
The video footage from KYCK Live has already been uploaded to KCC One and can be accessed by anyone from anywhere in the world. 
 
KCC hopes its livestream events will bring Christian community and teaching to those without access while also serving to generate income to fund the ministry.

Onward is returning in 2020 as an online Live Stream event and we're pleased to announce that urban missionary, Sam Chan, will return to address the theme 'Finding Your Crowd: Living in a World of Difference & Exclusion'. As Christians Jesus asks us to stand out in the crowd for Him, but how do we do that in a post-Christian world? Chan will give some tips on how we can stand out for Jesus for all the right reasons. 

According to Sam Wan, Onward's Committee Chair, Onward exists to equip a new generation of Christians to be salt and light in the world, and to better engage the controversial themes and ideas of our society in a Christian way. 

"I love how Onward equips a new generation of Christians to be salt and light in the world and to understand how to be wise in navigating what it means to contextualise, and walk between love and truth." 

According to Shaddy Hanna, a Youth Leader from Merrylands East Presbyterian, Onward has served to encourage and equip his youth to be on mission in their schools and local contexts.

"Onward is for Christian teenagers to be equipped with the gospel, equipped with skills about evangelism that they can then take back into their schools, workplaces and other environments."

Onward 2020 will be held on Friday, 26 June at 7pm as an interactive online Live Stream event. We encourage youth to gather with us for a night of praising God, listening to what He has to say and wrestling with tough questions about life and culture today.

​Sam Chan is an "urban missionary" for City Bible Forum and has experience speaking to high-schoolers, professionals, seminary students and academics. He was the Asian nerd in high school–short, bowl haircut, top class for maths, but bottom team for rugby, the mighty 13F's! In high school, the chaplain got him to read large chunks of the Bible, and that's when Sam realised that Jesus was perfect so that we don't have to be perfect. Which is just as well because Sam is hopeless at dancing, taking out the rubbish, and karaoke. 

You can get a taste of his teaching on his blog Espresso Theology which gives readers a short, quick, buzz of theology by taking you from your world to Jesus in 60 seconds. Sam has a PhD in theology, is a medical doctor, and is the author of Evangelism in a Skeptical World which won Christianity Today’s book award for 2019. 

Be equipped and encouraged by this short talk where Sam gives 3 tips for telling people about Jesus:

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​Tickets for the Onward Live Stream will be $15pp and will help cover the cost of hosting a Live Stream event and to keep KCC running in 2021 and beyond.

​Due to COVID-19 we have had to cancel all our events and are facing a $750,000 deficit. By honouring the request for registration you are enabling us to keep valuable Christian ministry happening, and helping us steward KCC well for the coming generations. 

Stay tuned for registration details at: www.onwardevent.com ​

Stay up to date with Onward event:

We are so pleased to welcome Kara Martin as the guest speaker for OneLove women's conference. In this interview, Kara shares how a cartoonist inspired her conversion, the people who have spurred her on in the faith and the spiritual disciplines that helps her to stand firm in Jesus.

1. What do you do with your time during the week? 

My name is Kara Martin. I have a portfolio career–which means I'll take whatever opportunity God prompts me to take. I lecture at a couple of colleges and spend a fair amount of time preparing for talks or presentations. I am currently researching and writing book three of my Workship series: How to Shape Christians for the Workplace. I also have roles on boards and advisory committees locally, nationally and globally which involve meetings and reading. I also write blogs, articles, fortnightly devotions, and book chapters. I do some pastoral care with church and lots of mentoring, including coaching several social entrepreneurs with Seed. The other area of focus is my family, caring for them physically, emotionally and spiritually.

2. How and when did you come to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?

I was 11 years old and my non-church family had allowed me to go to a horse-riding camp with a couple of school friends. It was held at Teen Ranch in Cobbitty, outside of Sydney. There was a cartoonist (Graham Wade) illustrating stories about Jesus. He drew a picture inspired by Revelation 3:20 with Jesus standing at the door, and told us it was up to us to open the door of our hearts to him. I had liked what I heard about Jesus, so I asked him into my heart, and felt warmth and awareness of his presence that has never left me.

3. Who is someone who has inspired your walk with Jesus? 

There have been so many! Madeleine L'Engle and C.S. Lewis shaped my theology through story. John Stott, J.I. Packer and F.F Bruce were early influencers through their writing. I have been mentored by wise women and men throughout my life: Margaret, Stuart, Peter, Jill, Isabel, Cathy, and Christine. I have had spiritual friends walk beside me: An-Magritt and Diane. Music has inspired my spirit. Creation has opened my eyes to wonder. Artists have given me new ways of looking. God has used every person I have encountered to teach me something about himself, myself and the world.

4. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self to stand firm in your faith? 

I have learnt the importance of spiritual disciplines to develop a deep intimacy with God, flowing out to authentic relationship with others. I have spent a lot of time at Bible college learning about God, but what sustains me is actually knowing God and being in deep relationship with him. Like any relationship, I do that through listening and questioning, and being in his presence by encountering him in his Word, prayer, a daily examination of my openness to him, Sabbath rest, as well as other habits.

5. What can delegates expect from your talks this year? 

I will be continuing to seek God and pray as I prepare for OneLove, but the guarantees from my contribution are: laughter, opportunities to discuss with others, and the challenge to apply what you learn into the context in which God has placed you.

In this video, Kara explains why these seven books are important to her and how they have served to shape her spiritual life. 

1. A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle
2. The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S Lewis
3. Issues Facing Christians Today - John Stott
4. Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction - David G. Benner
5. The Courage to Teach - Parker J. Palmer
6. Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good - Amy L. Sherman
7. The Bible!

You can purchase these recommended reads from The Wandering Bookseller. 

OneLove is a one-day event for all women to gather under life-changing preaching and to enjoy fantastic fellowship. Whether you have been a Christian for many years or are still seeking answers about God, join us and be encouraged, refreshed and renewed for the journey ahead. In 2020, guest speaker and author Kara Martin will be joining us to preach from God’s word. You can sign up for email updates from our website: https://onelovewomen.com/ ​

Stay up to date with OneLove conference:

In 2020, we are so pleased to welcome Madeleine Dudley as the new chairwoman for OneLove women’s conference. In this interview, Madeleine shares how she came to faith, her highlights from attending OneLove, the unique struggles of busyness and burnout for modern-day Christian women, and the Lord’s promise of rest for the weary.  
 
1. What is your name and what do you do with your time during the week? 
 
My name is Madeleine Dudley, but most people call me Mads. During a more normal week, I work as a graphic designer at SBS, attend St Thomas' North Sydney and try to fit in a bike ride or two. During these abnormal weeks the routine has stayed mostly the same, there is just a bit more banana bread than usual. 
 
2. How and when did you come to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? 
 
I am very fortunate in that I grew up in a Christian family so I have always known the truths of the Gospel. In saying this, it was around the end of year 11 that I wholly committed my life to Christ. On a school trip, I spent a few months away from my family and my church. This challenged me to make sure my faith was my own and not a product of my surroundings. The Lord was very kind in shaping me over the course of the following year. He continues to do so.  
 
3. What do you think are the greatest challenges facing Christian women in Australia today? 
 
Christian women today are living in a unique time indeed. In some ways, our struggles are the same struggles as those who have gone before us. There really isn't anything new under the sun! In other ways I do believe we are facing new challenges. More than ever before, there is an expectation for a Christian woman to be a lot of things–a businesswoman, a church member, a family figure, a great friend, etc. Burnout, busyness and overcommitment are definitely a reality for many. Sometimes it's easy to forget God in the madness and that is a hard challenge. 
 
4. When did you first attend OneLove conference and what made you return?  
 
My first OneLove was four or five years ago. Full disclosure: for the first couple of years my mum buying my ticket was a big contributor to my attendance. For me, it can sometimes take a bit of a pep talk to replace a relaxing Saturday coffee with a conference but every year without fail, I am SO glad I have gone and walked out feeling refreshed and encouraged. There really isn't anything like worshipping God alongside hundreds and hundreds of women from all walks of life. I'd even go as far to say it ends up being one of the best Saturdays of the year–seriously!
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5. Share a story of how God used OneLove to inspire your relationship with Jesus. 
 
Women sharing their personal stories out the front is something that has always stuck with me. I think of Kathy Manchester, Nancy Guthrie and Anne-Sophie Rowcroft in particular. It has been a great encouragement to hear the raw and honest experiences that other women have had in their Christian walks. In each unique testimony, the Lord has shown His steadfastness in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This has really helped me understand the character of Jesus better and helped me to trust Him with my own life more deeply.  
 
6. As of 2020, you took on the role of chairwoman for OneLove conference. Why do you think women should set aside time to attend women's conferences like OneLove and what can they expect if they join in 2020?  
 
It goes without saying that this year has been a strange year. For many of you, 2020 has been a year of great stress and suffering. For others, you've probably felt like you've never had more time on your hands. Whatever circumstance you are in, the invitation from Jesus remains the same: "Come to me and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). I'd encourage all women to come along to OneLove 2020. I'd like to think that you'd walk away from the conference feeling refreshed, encouraged and with a better understanding of what Jesus’ invitation means for us at this moment in time. ​

OneLove is a one-day event for all women to gather under life-changing preaching and to enjoy fantastic fellowship. Whether you have been a Christian for many years or are still seeking answers about God, join us and be encouraged, refreshed and renewed for the journey ahead. In 2020, guest speaker and author Kara Martin will be joining us to preach from God’s word. You can sign up for email updates from our website: https://onelovewomen.com/ ​

Stay up to date with OneLove:

We are pleased to announce that BASECAMP 2020 is still going ahead. Whether we gather in-person, or virtually over livestream, we are still committed to planning an event that will renew your strength for the journey home. 

In these unique times we may be feeling a myriad of emotions such as anxiety, anger, fear and fatigue. Whether we're struggling with the fear of getting sick, the financial stress of job loss, or the worry of losing loved ones, it is important to acknowledge our thoughts and feelings, and to entrust ourselves to the One who remains firmly seated on the throne. 

At BASECAMP last year, Paul Tripp reminded us from Psalm 112 that "vertical fear drives out all horizontal fear". Let your horizontal fears on earth drive you to deeper dependence on God so that His power and protection can shine through your anxieties. 

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 112:6-7)

Please continue to join us in praying for the ministry of BASECAMP and that God will lead the team in their planning and preparations for 2020. To sign up for BASECAMP updates please fill out the form at the bottom of our website: www.basecampmen.com 

Ahead of BASECAMP, here are a few things you can do to stay connected and encouraged even in self-isolation: 

1. Call a brother to catch up and to remind him that he's not alone and that God is on our side!

2. Do not give up on meeting together even if it looks different these days. Encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ by being willing to show up despite the awkwardness of virtual gatherings. 

3. Follow BASECAMP social media channels for encouraging bible verses, quotes and other digital resources. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook. 

4. Download the KCC One App and listen to all past BASECAMP plenary and Build Up talks in audio and video formats for free! Here's an example of a Build Up talk by Carlos Aguilera who shares what running an ultramarathon for the persecuted church in the Middle East taught him about hope:

BASECAMP is an annual event for men who want to know God better. Since 1997, men of all generations and from across denominations have taken time out together to hear God speak. Each year, men have encouraged each other to run the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus. To register for the 2020 event visit www.basecampmen.com  ​

Stay Connected!

Seeking a break from screens and an activity that would nurture the entire family? 

​Ahead of Easter, The Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) team has partnered with The Wandering Bookseller to supply a list of recommended reads for every member of the family! In these peculiar times with increased time at home, let's fill our shelves with inspiring reads that will nurture hearts and minds with gospel hope and truth.

​We hope that you can use these book titles to develop daily reading habits with your family or to start a virtual book club with your friends! 

​Brahmin Reborn (Bhaskar Sreerangam)
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The wonderful testimony of Bhaskar Sreerangam, a zealous young Hindu man in India who was searching for Moksha, release from the Hindu cycle of reincarnation. Instead his prayers were answers by God sending Christians to meet him. Bhaskar's joy in becoming a Christian and finding assurance of eternal life, reminds us that the death and resurrection is good news, and news people are waiting to hear!


The Story of God’s Love for You (Sally Lloyd-Jones)

A lovely hardback gift book with the text from the Jesus Storybook Bible, but redesigned to be read by teens and grown-ups. A wonderful way to introduce people to the story of the Bible.

Resurrection Year (Sheridan Voysey)

Reflections from Sheridan Voysey about the year after he and his wife realised their dreams of having children would not be fulfilled. A hope-filled story about starting again after a dream has died, an emotive, poetic, and at times humorous discovery of the healing qualities of beauty, play, friendship, and love.

Be True to Yourself (Matt Fuller)

Our culture tells us that the way to be happy is to "be true to yourself". It’s posted on social media, promoted in adverts, taught in schools and, even, expressed in churches. But what does that mean, and does it actually work? Matt Fuller explores how true happiness, wholeness and freedom can be found in embracing who God has created us to be; allowing ourselves to be shaped by who the Bible says we are, rather than our own fluctuating feelings, or the voices around us.

For Richer For Poorer (Clare Heath-Whyte)

We are living through a time of global crisis that our generation in Australia has never experienced before. In For Richer For Poorer Clare Heath-Whyte tells the story of Christian women from the 19th century. Perhaps we can learn from the lived-experience of past generations?

Growing in Prayer (Stephen Shead)

28 daily devotions written to help cultivate a habit of prayer. With each short reflection, you’ll be encouraged to meditate on truths that fuel joyful prayer. Through the weeks, you will build up your own habit of coming before your heavenly Father each day to delight in and depend on him.

We hope that you enjoy these book titles, and we look forward to serving you again at Katoomba Easter Convention 2021 (2-5 April) with guest speakers Michael Ramsden (RZIM) and Kirk Patston (SMBC). You can sign up to receive our updates on our website: ​https://www.easterconvention.com.au/