The keenly anticipated annual Summer Conference held by Brunstad Christian Church South Africa in December 2018, was well attended. Stephanopark Conference Centre in Vanderbijlpark was teeming with participants, 466 in total, including 97 children. Besides the 309 South Africans plus 27 CYDP members, there were 72 visitors from various African countries such as: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. Austrian, British, Danish, Dutch, French, German and Norwegian visitors made up the remaining 58 visitors, not forgetting 1 visitor from Dubai!
The main guest speaker Kåre J. Smith (Norway), was the first speaker at the four conference meetings, which included a youth meeting, followed by other guest speakers from Europe and Africa. The powerful and edifying messages from the speakers gave hope and encouragement, as well as exhortations to come to a seriousness by taking to heart and putting into practice what was said at the meetings.
The conference program included time for relaxation and fellowship and a variety of activities. For those wanting to exercise, a fun run was arranged taking into account varying degrees of fitness; the swimming pool was open for those wanting to cool off; for those bursting with energy, soccer and volleyball tournaments were organised; for the more sedentary, a games room offering activities such as foosball and table tennis was available and a toddlers’ activity corner kept young children occupied and happy.
The children’s meeting held on the last day of the conference, was based on a verse in the New Testament book of Luke 16:10, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” Examples from everyday life were used to simplify the verse so that the message was clear and understandable and one that the children could identify with.
After the conference many people expressed their appreciation and thankfulness for being able to attend such an uplifting, helpful and inspiring conference.