General News
26 April, 2024
Perfect weather for convention
It was brillant weather for camping and being out and about, and it set the tone for the 2024 Wimmera Easter Convention.
The convention started with a few residents of Warracknabeal district who wanted an event which would bring congregation members together from the many churches spread across the region and beyond.
Apart from a couple of years during Covid, the convention has continued each Easter since the late 1930s, and is one of many activities which attracted people to Warracknabeal over Easter.
Committee president Paul McCrohan said committee members met quarterly to plan the annual event.
Large crowds at the Town Hall and full camp numbers meant the young and the old experienced the many and varied activities over the long weekend.
The teenagers, led by Issac and Jemimah McPherson, enjoyed a Wild West Theme at Brim Recreation Centre, alongside team games such as the Amazing Race.
Each game throughout the camp won the teens Wild West dollars allowing them to bid for items "for sale".
Sunday's bible studies and dawn service enabled the teens to further understand the scriptures and their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Young Adult Camp centred at the Warracknabeal Leisure Centre enjoyed Asian cuisine cooked by friends who have an Asian background, and were judged the best meals of all the camps - including the Town Hall supper room.
Warren and Natalie Short led the young adults in a campfire held at Hugh and Merrily Keam’s, a barbecue at the Lions Park, and free time including swimming in the Yarriambiack Creek.
They also joined in the sessions at the Town Hall and took part in their own bible studies.
The Junior Day Camp held at the Wheatlands Church was full of noisy fun and games, including giant balloons, water balloon volleyball, battleships, inverted Hungry Hippos, an Easter egg hunt, bubbles, craft and bible stories around the theme of "Running the Race - sharing your faith."
In the Town Hall sessions, Bible teacher Russ Grinter drew on the Convention theme "The Hill To Die On" in his teaching, opening with the challenge that it is hard to know the truth from the media, giving as an example the conspiracy around the Princess of Wales.
Ash Buchanan challenged the young people - using a long rope, he taped a small section to illustrate that our life here is very short compared to eternity.
Crossculture speakers Luke and Laura explained the confronting experiences of their first term in another culture: home schooling in 40 degree heat, difficulties with another team member, gunfire, anxiety after an assault, a car accident involving a child, health issues, and marriage difficulties.
The Lord provided for them with seven months in USA for treatment and counselling.
The couple were able to return, and found their perseverance and strengthened resilience enabled them to manage the challenges better.
Open Air Campaigners (OAC) national director Jason Potter is based in Canberra, and explained we now live in a culture where only 5 per cent go to church, and that our culture is now like the culture of the early pre-Christian church.
We share the Gospel graciously, changing the world one person at a time through Jesus, boldly and bravely.
Volunteer cooks in four kitchens - including the new town hall supper room - catered for people attending the weekend's activities.
The Town Hall was filled with great music and singing, proving again to be a great venue for the large crowd, and preparations are now underway for the 2025 convention.
To listen to the messages go to wimmeraeasterconvention.org