Back for its sixth consecutive year, Converge, an Australian-wide youth camp held in Stuarts Point in New South Wales (NSW), gathered 405 young adults over the weekend of February 12 to 15. This year’s event was not only special for being the biggest yet, but also for happening after a long season of isolation and gathering restrictions due to COVID-19.

“Reconnecting with old friends and interstate friends and being able to sing together too was a highlight for many,” explained Rosemary Andrykanus, assistant youth director for Victoria.

 “The Café space put together by Erin Raethel and Trent Keegan was also a really good space for young people to connect and get to know each other,” said Simon Gigliotti, youth director for Greater Sydney.

Organized by the Australian Union Conference (AUC), the event featured evening worships, beach visits, water sports, food, and social activities.

Pastors Eddie Hypolite and Roland Talamaivao were the guest speakers for the weekend, preaching on relevant topics and challenging listeners to focus on being missional.

On Sabbath afternoon, attendees were inspired and empowered to lead ministries in their local churches. “More than 70 attended and shared their passion of being a leader within their church,” said AUC youth director, Jeffrey Parker.

“One highlight was a challenge by Roland to form Life-Groups. The next Sabbath, we received a photo of a new group that was formed. They had never met before, and now this Life Group is formed and ready to grow as a powerful missional community”, he said.