The calling out of toxic masculinity can leave men feeling confused and paralysed about what it means to be a man in this world. While the world has made it clear what masculinity shouldn’t be and the ways in which has become toxic, we don’t often hear how masculinity can be biblical and helpful.
At BASECAMP this year, we want to give men of all ages and life-stages a clear and compelling vision of what it means to be a man. Ahead of the conference this August, here are 12 resources that explore the topic of biblical masculinity. ArticlesWhat Makes a Man – Paul Tripp Paul Tripp shares 8 ways in which the Bible addresses the question of what makes a man. Read it here. Gospel-Centered Manhood: Three Correctives Entering his late 20’s, Joseph Rhea shares his desire to “grow up” and to live out his manhood in a way that gives glory to God. He shares three biblical principles which have shaped his perspective on manhood. Read it here. Brother, Where is Your Identity? David Powlinson challenges men to consider who or what is shaping their identity and foundation of “self”. He then shares biblical realities to reorient men into remembering their imperishable identity in Christ. Read it here. VideosLecrae’s ‘I Am Second’ Testimony In this testimony, Hip Hop artist Lecrae shares how his childhood was void of a father figure and how Hip Hop culture became his model for masculinity. Wrestling with insignificance, he began to look up to gangsters, until the day that Jesus gave him significance and became his role model in life.
Matt Chandler – Manhood Restored
To restore the definition of manhood, Pastor Matt Chandler explains what the Bible says about being a man and gives practical examples for what this should look like.
A Man & His Idols – Jeff Bethke
In this spoken word, Jeff Bethke shares a poem which speaks about idolatry in contrast to what God’s intent for men is. This poem unveils the false gods that men may be tempted to worship, while pointing men to turn to Jesus as the true source of joy and example of manliness. BooksManhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole – Eric Mason The earthly crisis within manhood will be there until Jesus returns, but in Christ men are pointed toward the gospel as the vision for renewal. Manhood Restored by exciting new pastoral voice Eric Mason combines theological depth with practical insights, putting men in step with a gospel-centered manhood that will enrich every facet of their lives.
The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling For Men – Richard D. Phillips
In this book, Richard D. Phillips cuts through the cultural confusion, highlights God's mandate for men, and encourages readers to join him on a journey of repentance and renewal. Christian men today need to examine their hearts and embrace their God—given mandate. Only then will they be able to recognise their high calling, and by God's grace, serve faithfully in whatever context God has placed them.
Men: Firing Through All of Life – Al Stewart
Men: Firing through all of Life, not only talks about problems facing men today, it offers solutions. Some of them are just suggestions from a very ordinary middle-aged punter, but some of the advice will come with a lot more weight, wisdom and authority, because it comes from the Bible. Podcasts
The One Thing: Healthy Masculinity with Al Stewart:
Al Stewart discusses with Derek Hanna what the Bible would call ‘healthy masculinity’ and the basis for promoting this viewpoint of manhood today. Listen here.
Dad Tired
A podcast dedicated to equipping men to lead their family well. Episode topics include how to manage marriage unity, mental health, family transitions, work decisions, difficult in-laws, expressing emotion and more. Listen here.
Gender Identity - Christian Counselling & Educational Foundation (CCEF)
What does it mean to live life as a gendered being? Is there an “essence” of maleness or femaleness? If so, how should we define it and how does it relate to the concept of masculinity or femininity? This podcast episode explores a biblical understanding of gender as a subset of sexuality, and will speak to those who struggle with their gender identity and offer guidance to those who care for them. Listen here.
Dive deeper into this topic this Saturday!
Gather with men across Australia and beyond for BASECAMP men’s conference which will be livestreamed this Saturday 8 August, 8:30AM – 12:30PM (AEST).
Guest speakers Professor John Lennox (Oxford University), Jeremy Dunne (City Light Church, Balmain) and Dr. Mark Stephens (Centre For Public Christianity) will be joining us to open God’s word and to unpack the theme, “Man Disrupted: How Jesus changes men for the better”. Tickets are $45pp and available from our website: https://basecampmen.com/
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 Author and Bible teacher, Kara Martin, will be joining the KCC platform for OneLove women's conference to preach on the theme of finding true rest. Ahead of the event, she has recommended five reads that will help us to think more deeply about this topic. The Art of Rest, Adam Mabry The world never stops. But we need to. And, as Christians, we can. Welcome to the art of rest. If you're feeling weary, wishing life were more sustainable, searching for a way to rest without feeling guilty, or suspecting that you'd enjoy Christian rest if only you knew how to do it – this book is for you. Discover how rest is different than you thought, more important than you've realised, and more wonderful than you ever imagined. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World, John Mark Comer Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness as a root of much evil. In this book, you'll find a compelling emotional and spiritual case against hurry and in favor of a slower, simpler way of life. Sacred Rhythms, Ruth Haley Barton Do you long for a deep, fundamental change in your life with God? Do you desire a greater intimacy with God? Do you wonder how you might truly live your life as God created you to live it? Spiritual disciplines are activities that open us to God's transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives. Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a 'rule of life' that allows for regular space for the practice of the spiritual disciplines, this book takes you more deeply into understanding seven key disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun Everyone who longs to know Christ deeply will benefit from spiritual discipline. Now expanded, this handbook is full of practical, accessible guidance on making the most of such practices as fasting, solitude, contemplative prayer, and lectio divina - an ancient method of devotional Bible reading. Every Moment Holy, Rabbit Room Press Every Moment Holy is a book of liturgies for the ordinary events of daily life – liturgies such as 'A Liturgy for Feasting with Friends' or 'A Liturgy for Laundering'. These are ways of reminding us that our lives are shot through with sacred purpose especially when, we are too busy or too caught up in our busyness to notice. Book descriptions provided by The Wandering Bookseller. Register in July for a Gift Pack! Our addiction to busyness means that we can sometimes struggle to come to the Lord and spend time enjoying Him. The world’s agenda of “getting ahead” distracts us from maintaining a sharp sense of eternity. So, in 2020, when normal life was stripped away, what did we learn about activity and rest? Did it clarify for us what is truly important? When life as we knew it was shaken up by a pandemic, what did we learn about our priorities? Join us at OneLove this August to hear Kara Martin (Author, Workship) and Amy Orr-Ewing (Senior VP, RZIM) open God’s word to preach on the topic of finding true rest. Tickets are $45pp and available on the website: www.onelovewomen.com Remember, if you register before midnight 1 August, you will receive a OneLove Gift Pack* which includes:
*Available for Australian post boxes only. Register for OneLove today. Stay up to date with OneLove women's conference:  Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash 2020 has been a wild year: bushfires, floods, and a global virus pandemic. With current outbreaks causing a re-introduction of restrictions impacting gatherings, we have made the decision to relaunch KYCK 20 as a livestream event with a new program and speakers. The original line up of speakers and “Strong & Courageous” theme will be postponed to 2021 where we hope to gather physically again.
KYCK 20 Spring Dates: Week 1: Saturday 26 September Week 2: Saturday 10 October Guest speakers will preach from the book of 1 Thessalonians on the theme “Past Present Future” with the goal of sharing how the gospel has and continues to impact humanity across history, and how Jesus saves us from sin, the greatest virus of all. Delegates can expect a program filled with powerful gospel preaching and time set aside for meals, discussion, prayer and games with their youth group. We will be announcing the new speakers and program in coming weeks. You can subscribe for email updates on the KYCK website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 
Photo by RZIM.
BASECAMP men’s conference is returning as a livestreamed event this August and we are pleased to welcome Professor John Lennox as a guest speaker. Joining local preachers Jeremy Dunne (Pastor, City Light Balmain) and Dr. Mark Stephens (Senior Research Fellow, Centre of Public Christianity), John will be opening God’s word and preaching on the theme “Man Disrupted: How Jesus changes men for the better”.
John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions and is Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum. John has written a series of books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity including “God and Stephen Hawking: Whose Design is it Anyway?”, “Where is God in a Coronavirus world?” and “2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity”. His hobbies are languages, amateur astronomy, amateur bird–watching and some walking. John is married to Sally; they have three grown up children and nine grandchildren and live near Oxford, England. We look forward to welcoming John to the BASECAMP platform this year. Get a taste of his teaching here:
1. Why I am a Christian
Presented by Riverview Church, City Bible Forum, CREDO and the Christian Conventions of WA, John Lennox shares why he is a Christian.
2. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life
In this video from Oxygen Conference 2014, John explores the claims of Jesus from John 14.
3. Faith Has Its Reasons
Drawing from the Book of Romans, John explains the reason and evidence for his faith. Click here to view the video.
4. Where is God in a Coronavirus world?
In this video, John addresses frequently asked questions around God, suffering and the Coronavirus with RZIM President Michael Ramsden.
5. Wealth & Eternity
John Lennox opens the Scriptures with insight into how we can use our wealth in light of eternity. Click here to watch the video.
For more resources by John Lennox, visit his website: www.johnlennox.org/resources Hear John speak at BASECAMP!
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.
Join us on Saturday 8 August and experience BASECAMP in a new digital livestreamed format. Our three speakers will speak on the topic ‘Man Disrupted: How Jesus changes men for the better’. Toxic masculinity is just that--toxic. We have a clear picture about what ugly masculinity looks like and what we should avoid. But what we are missing is a positive, life-shaping vision for men, especially men of God. BASECAMP exists to give men a clear and compelling vision of a man. Purchase your tickets from our website: www.basecampmen.com Follow BASECAMP on Instagram or Facebook. 
Photo by RZIM.
OneLove women’s conference is returning as a livestreamed event this August, and we are pleased to welcome Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to the KCC platform as a guest speaker! Joining local preacher Kara Martin (Author, Workship), Amy will be opening God’s word and preaching on the theme “Come to Me: An Invitation to Find True Rest”.
Amy has a first-class degree in theology and has a doctorate from the University of Oxford. She is currently the Senior Vice President of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) and the Joint Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Her work involves leading a team of pioneering apologist-evangelists and speaking around the world on how the Christian faith answers the deepest questions of life. She is also the co-founder of REBOOT, a global youth apologetics initiative aimed at helping the emerging generation think deeply about faith. For the past twenty years, Amy has presented to a wide range of audiences and contexts including world-leading university campuses, at the UK parliament, on Capitol Hill and at the White House. She has also presented to banks, businesses, consultancy firms, churches and at conferences. Amy is married to Frog and helps lead Latimer Minster, a church plant and community on a farm in Buckinghamshire, and they have three children. We look forward to hearing Amy speak at OneLove next month. Get a taste of her teaching here:
1. Can I Trust the Bible?
In this video by RZIM, Amy shares why the Bible is a trustworthy source of truth.
2. Is Christianity Bad News for Women?
In this video, Amy delivers the 2017 Richard Johnson Lecture at NSW Parliament House on the topic of whether Christianity is bad news for women.
Is Christianity Bad News for Women? from CPX on Vimeo.
3. Hope in a Time of Crisis
In this video, Amy opens the Book of Nehemiah and charts its narrative arc from the fall of Jerusalem to the coming of Christ, and all the way through to our present days of the COVID-19 crisis.
4. What do you want out of your life?
The first words uttered by Jesus in John’s Gospel are: ‘What do you want?’ It’s a fundamental question posed by Jesus, and it’s explored here as Amy Orr-Ewing examines faith, life and truth. In posing this simple question, Jesus reveals that he understands the human condition and our search for meaning, purpose, fulfilment, identity and love.
5. Is the Pursuit of Happiness Making us Sad?
In this video, Amy dissects our culture's pursuit of happiness.
In this blog post, Amy explores the biblical view of women and work.
"Rather than Christian women judging each other for the vocational choices they make, maybe we can build a Church within which every woman is encouraged to seek the Lord about her vocation, and to fulfill the calling on her life with an attitude of service to others and to Christ." Click here to read the full post. Hear Amy speak at OneLove this August!
OneLove is a one-day event for all women to gather under life-changing preaching and 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.
The theme for 2020 is “Come to Me: An Invitation to Find True Rest” from Matthew 11:28-30. In a culture addicted to busyness, believers may struggle to spend quality time with the Lord or to maintain a sharp sense of eternity. In a year when normal life has been taken away, and many have been forced to slow down, we want to help you catch your breath by reminding you of what Scripture says about true rest. Join us on Saturday 22 August to hear from God’s word and to learn how you can replace a lifestyle of hyperactivity, with a life of deep and satisfying rest in God. Purchase your tickets from our website: www.onelovewomen.com Stay up to date with OneLove on Facebook or Instagram. 
Onward was hosted by MC's Hayley and Sam.
Last Friday, close to 900 youth gathered in churches and living rooms for the Onward conference livestream, and to hear how the Gospel of Christ challenges ‘Cancel Culture’ in the West. Youth groups tuned in from across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, with the largest groups represented by Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, One Family Church Granville, North Side Chinese Alliance Church and Wild Street Anglican.
Despite being livestreamed due to COVID-19, the Onward team worked hard to recreate a physical conference experience by providing an interactive Q&A panel, worship in song by Whitefield band, and encouraging camaraderie within youth groups with a Dress Up challenge. 
Young Baptist Church Youth Group wins the Onward Dress Up Challenge with a Star Wars theme.
‘Rebellion Youth’ from Cessnock was a finalist for the Dress Up challenge.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Onward is a convention that seeks to prepare Christian youth to see their place in the wider world. By combining short TED-style talks, personal testimonies, singing and a live Q&A, the Onward program equips and encourages youth to engage with society and culture, with a biblical worldview.
Onward20 | Finding Your Crowd from kcc on Vimeo.
With the world becoming increasingly divided into tribes of thought, the theme for Onward 2020 was ‘Finding Your Crowd: Living in a World of Difference & Exclusion’. The official program kicked off with guest speaker, Sam Chan preaching from Matthew 15:21-28, to share what the Bible says about tribalism and the universal human desire for belonging.
Blending biblical references, news headlines and personal stories, Chan humorously highlighted both the benefits and dangers of tribalism. He then explored the development of ‘Cancel Culture’ in the West and how we are now only “one tweet away” from being shunned, shamed or expelled from even our own tribe. Furthermore, offenders of ‘Cancel Culture’ no longer bother with apologies, because there is no offer of forgiveness. 
Urban Missionary, Sam Chan preaches at Onward 2020.
The realities of 'Cancel Culture' were further highlighted with personal testimonies sharing experiences with tribalism on social media, in high school and the workplace. These stories highlighted the extent of the problem in every sphere of life and left us wondering how Christians can engage with others in a more loving and inclusive way. 
Karen, a university student, discusses tribalism and 'Cancel Culture' on social media.
Sam Chan then offered five ways in which the Gospel challenges ‘Cancel Culture’ and reminded youth of the unity that’s possible in diversity, if our identity comes from Christ. By highlighting God’s unconditional love for sinners, Chan reminded youth that all humans are broken, and yet Jesus “cancels” no one. Therefore, the Gospel should empower Christians to create inclusive communities marked by love, prayer, blessing and forgiveness for all people – even our enemies. “Campsie Youth had a great time and were super excited that we received the first shout out! Sam Chan shares his gift of sharing God’s Word so well, and we love how laid back and Aussie Asian he is.”
The night ended with a live Q&A panel led by Sam Chan and Onward Chair, Sam Wan. Together, they helped viewers to consider the practicalities around virtue signalling, love for enemies, demonising others, and whether Christians should be involved in social justice marches such as “Black Lives Matter”.
Onward 2020 Q&A panel.
Although KCC has had to put a pause on physical events this year, we thank God for the gift of technology, and the ways in which it has enabled his word to be preached far and wide, so that hearts can continue being impacted and transformed for God’s glory. It is our hope and prayer that youth will walk away from Onward 2020, committed to challenging 'Cancel Culture' with the Gospel and to show a divided world the unity and reconciliation that’s possible in Christ alone. “The work and passion that KCC puts into Onward and KYCK is really evident! I really enjoy and look forward to these events every year, and I know that they've played a big role in the Christian journeys of me and others." – Onward 2020 delegate Missed Out on Onward?You can still purchase tickets and view the event on-demand until 2 August 2020. Get tickets HERE. Get 15% off Evangelism Books!Our list of recommended reads on evangelism and apologetics are 15% off for Onward delegates. If you registered for the conference, make sure to pick up one of our recommended books from the Wandering Bookseller using the discount code that’s available in your conference booklet! Save the Date for Onward 2021! 
Since 1997, BASECAMP has been impacting the lives of men for their good and the glory of God through encountering Jesus. For over two decades, thousands of men of every generation and from hundreds of churches have been impacted by this conference experience. This year, we’ll be bringing BASECAMP to you on Saturday 8 August as a live streamed event. We are grateful to God that we’ll be joined this year by three guest speakers.
International SpeakerProfessor John Lennox
John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions, is Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum and has written a series of books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. His hobbies are languages, amateur astronomy, amateur bird–watching and some walking. John is married to Sally; they have three grown up children and nine grandchildren and live near Oxford, England.
Get a taste of his teaching from Oxygen Conference 2014 here: John Lennox: The Word Became Flesh from kcc on Vimeo. Aussie SpeakersJeremy Dunne Jeremy is a standard issue male in his late 30s living in Sydney’s Inner West. As a result, he is predictably into craft beer and Deus. He hasn’t yet devolved to the point where his personality is just Strava but some of the early warning signs are there. Mercifully, he has a beautiful and creative wife and 3 amazing and genuinely interesting kids! He is a Pastor at City Light Church Balmain and loves to preach Christ and encourage men to follow Jesus. Get to know Jeremy here: Dr Mark Stephens Dr Mark Stephens is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity, a media company dedicated to showcasing the truth, beauty and goodness of Jesus in surprising ways. He has previously been a theology lecturer and a pastor. He has a PhD from Macquarie University, where he examined cosmic eschatology in the book of Revelation. He loves the music of Patty Griffin, the taste of ricotta panzerotti, and the humour of Monty Python. Despite all evidence to the contrary, he believes the Parramatta Eels can win the title in this strange year. Get to know Mark here:
Man Disrupted: How Jesus changes men for the better
Our three speakers will be exploring the theme “Man Disrupted: How Jesus changes men for the better”. The calling out of toxic masculinity can leave men confused and paralysed about being a man in this world. None of us even aspire to what is being opposed. However, in our honest moments we admit we are prone to live in the 'Man Box' of rules and keeping each other in check. Making sure we keep the conversations to work, weekends and the weather. And so, we continue to be held on the canvas being suffocated by this.
We all long for more than that. We are made for more than that. We long for a clear and compelling vision of what it is to be a man. We long for a disruption in the current conversation about masculinity. We long for a disruption in our own inner life and hearts so we can unlearn patterns from an old stereotype of masculinity and learn the new way of following Jesus. BASECAMP exists to give men a clear and compelling vision of a man. We find this in Jesus who embodies, teaches and calls us to follow Him.
Registrations are opening soon. Subscribe to email updates on the BASECAMP website or stay up to date on social media:
Since 2000, OneLove has existed to inspire women in their relationship with Jesus. Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, OneLove is a one-day event which promises to refresh and renew women’s walk with the Lord. Ahead of the livestream event this August, we’ve put together five benefits of attending OneLove with women from your church.
1. An opportunity to rest under God’s word without duties or distractions
OneLove gives women an opportunity to leave behind the busyness of life and to rest under God’s word without duties or distractions. This year, we invite women to gather in their local church hall or living room, and to livestream OneLove together! The theme for this year is ‘Come to Me: An Invitation to Find True Rest’ and will address our society’s addiction to busyness and what it means to find true and satisfying rest in God. “OneLove gives me the opportunity to escape into the Bible for a day–an opportunity I relish. Hearing words of encouragement, words that challenge and words that refresh points me back to that narrow path (Matthew 7:14) of salvation. I leave each year energised, and telling everyone I know to come with me next year!” – Merran
2. An opportunity for fellowship and to develop lifelong friendships
OneLove has become an integral part of church calendars as it serves as a complementary platform for women’s ministry. The OneLove program will give delegates the opportunity to break off with their groups to discuss and pray over the things that they have learned. These deeper conversations are often the start of new or strengthened friendships–something that can’t always be achieved over morning tea or Bible study in the week to week. “I organised for a group of 10 women to come from my church. It was special to spend time with them and explore our faith a bit deeper together, sing together and pray together.” – OneLove 2019 Delegate
3. Be encouraged by the faithfulness of other believers
With Australia becoming increasingly secular, being a disciple of Jesus can be a lonely journey. Being part of a ministry like OneLove with thousands of other believers is encouraging and empowering. Our delegates often leave OneLove refreshed and inspired, simply because they have witnessed thousands of other Christians who also take their faith seriously. “I love coming to OneLove with friends. Thank you for pushing us today to keep going as Christians, with a more glorious picture of Jesus laid before us, and that any suffering is worth it!” - Katie
4. Be inspired by intergenerational and interdenominational worship
‘All One in Christ Jesus’ is the heartbeat of KCC events. At OneLove, women of all ages, life-stages, ethnicities and from across denominations gather to worship and sing to Jesus. It is always powerful to see the emerging generation singing old hymns, and likewise, it is wonderful to hear the older generation share their stories of faith and perseverance. OneLove gives women the opportunity to experience the joys of gospel unity. “We were truly blessed by OneLove. The music, teaching and testimonies were like a little taste of heaven. I got to experience it with my sisters from church, but also with my granddaughter and my daughter.” - Sue
5. Hear the gospel preached by gifted, female preachers
Over the years, OneLove delegates have been served by a wonderful line up of gifted female preachers including Nancy Guthrie, Lizzy Smallwood, Anne-Sophie Rowcroft, Mary Willson and more. As the gospel is preached, unbelievers have found new life in Christ, while Christians have been encouraged to persevere. This year, we will be served by two guest speakers: Kara Martin (Author of Workship) and Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing (Senior VP, RZIM). "I just couldn't ignore God's tugging on my heart anymore, so I became a Christian then and there at OneLove." - Jen OneLove 2014 Testimony - Jen from kcc on Vimeo. Download our devotionals on rest!We have put together five daily devotionals which are focused on the OneLove 2020 theme of rest. Download them from the OneLove website: https://onelovewomen.com/resources/ 
Stay up to date with OneLove conference:
 We are giving thanks to God for a very positive 2019. God has been pleased to provide for and use the KCC ministry: conventions have impacted thousands, people have become Christians, KYCK has filled and grown to a fourth weekend, our conference centre continued to excel in every area, our staff teams performed better than ever and our volunteers and supporters generosity with time and funds was near record levels. It has been immensely encouraging to see several years of hard effort in many areas ‘behind the scenes’ come to fruition in these ways. How KCC is ‘travelling’ through the COVID-19 crisisDue to the COVID-19 crisis, KCC had to cancel Katoomba Easter Convention and reschedule our three KYCK weekends to October, in the hope of running them then. Our other events were all put on hold while we re-evaluated. We had to close our Conference Centre to all business until further notice. Currently, we are working hard to pull together Live Stream events for Onward, BASECAMP, OneLove, and possibly KYCK. We intend for Live Stream options to continue beyond the COVID-19 situation and are developing accordingly. We are also putting the finishing touches on our new app 'KCC One’ and fast-tracking development of new features. At our Conference Centre, we are working through a series of upgrades, improvements and maintenance. We are thankful to have so much to do, and for the Federal Government’s JobKeeper support and other concessions. This has enabled us to keep our two small and valuable staff teams together.  FinanciallyBeing unable to hold any face-to-face events and closing our Conference Centre has impacted our finances substantially. Funds generated from registrations, donations, on-site accommodation and resource sales have all been affected. Our worst-case scenario is that KCC finishes 2020 with a $1.2m operational deficit. We are taking every step to avoid this but if realised, we will navigate this by liquidating some minor assets and/or borrowing. This will be a difficult, but achievable. KCC’s financial reserves, however, will be all but exhausted. Moving forward, KCC needs to raise $750,000 to manage losses and to enter 2021 on a reasonably solid financial footing. Double Your Donation We thank God that a generous donor has pledged to match any donations made, dollar for dollar, for the first $250,000 raised. This means that any funds you give, are doubled in their value to KCC. We are aware that for some people – those who have suffered job losses and other financial hardship – giving to KCC financially is simply not possible. If, however, you are in a sound financial position, then we would like to ask you to partner with the work of KCC. Visit our donation page to help KCC recover from COVID-19: kcc.org.au/match2020 Stay up to date with KCC: We recently had the pleasure of meeting Otto Peeters who brought a group of men from Dubbo Presbyterian Church to BASECAMP 19. In this interview, Otto shares his BASECAMP highlights, stories of transformation, and why BASECAMP ministry is both ‘significant and special’ for men in his church.  Captain Otto Peeters as a Royal Flying Doctor Service pilot. 1. What has been the response from the guys that you bring to BASECAMP? I witnessed a growing resolve amongst the men in my church to step up as leaders in their families, and to be the man God has called them to be. The event was definitely a catalyst for change! We drove to BASECMP in cars and the conversations before and after were terrific! Last year, on the way home to Dubbo, we stopped in Orange for dinner. There was a sense of excitement amongst the men as we had all been part of something significant and special. I remember one guy said to me, “This has definitely started something. I’ve been chatting with the other guys in the car and there will be a lot that comes out of this.” The look on his face said it all. Since BASECAMP, I have seen men at church be more proactive about encouraging each other, catching up together and a growing intentionality through men’s ministry. To say BASECAMP was a turning point for many men in our church would not be an overstatement. A few months after BASECAMP, we had a men’s breakfast where the event theme ‘portrait of a man of faith’ was revisited. We were challenged again to be fearless, tender and thankful. Country NSW was in the grips of the drought at the time, so being fearless was a real challenge to many of us affected. It was a timely message for us all!  Paul Tripp preaches at BASECAMP 19. 2. Do you have any stories of how you or other individuals have been encouraged during and after BASECAMP? At BASECAMP, I saw biblical truths connecting with men which led to the healing of past hurts and dealing with sin and past events. This in turn caused growth and change, and men left Katoomba transformed. I was sitting next to one guy who has had a long and painful experience with his brother. I saw first-hand one of the talks really connect with him. He was clearly emotional as his situation was ‘opened up’ by Paul Tripp’s talk. He spoke to me afterwards that he was encouraged as some healing had taken place. Both Steve’s story about donating a kidney to a friend and George’s talk about his recent diagnosis with Parkinson’s were very stirring. George calling in his three friends to help him cope was such a great example of men helping one another through life’s challenges. George summed it up well: “I knew my friends could and would help me through this." I and others then asked ourselves, who are our ‘go to’ guys? We learned that using the support of other men is not a weakness but a strength! This can be a monumental mind shift for ‘men on the land.’  Men of all generations gathered together at BASECAMP: Mountains in Katoomba 3. Why do you think men should set aside time to prioritise conferences like BASECAMP? BASECAMP 2019 achieved for our group of men a huge range of benefits. The men who attended realised they did not have to walk alone. With other men from church, they could strive to be a man of faith with the support of others. Not only is it a difficult thing to walk alone, it’s quite foolish! It takes some work to convince a bunch of men, some of whom were tough farmers and builders, that it’s ok to open up about struggles, challenges and depression. BASECAMP was able to offer us all an opportunity to ‘realign our compass to true north’ and feel equipped to be a man of God again. It also reminded us to do this with the support of other men who were in this together. There is something very special about doing this with a larger group of some 3,000 Christian men in ‘the shed.’ I witnessed in our group a shared experience that became a catalyst for change. There is an inertia that begins at BASECAMP that continued back at home. Men from church now encourage each other to continue in ‘what was discovered and learnt on the mountain!’ We look forward to BASECAMP 2020 however it arrives this year!  Stay up to date with BASECAMP! |
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