Belgrave Heights Easter Convention 2024
Belgrave Heights Easter Convention was a great success when measured by all that success means. 1,300 attended, 20 Mission ministries were represented at the Missions stalls, and the teaching enriched the souls of all who were there. It was so encouraging to see so many young people in attendance. The children had their own programmes as they travelled in an imaginary time machine to discover heroes of the faith. The speakers were faithful to the Word of God and all three taught the Word with passion. They were Alasdair Paine, Vicar of Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Cambridge, UK and David Cook, who for 26 years was the principal of SMBC. Richard Coombs, teaching Pastor of Wattle Park Chapel and Chair of the Belgrave Heights Convention spoke at the Global Missions meeting. Alistair focused on the first four chapters of Genesis and David Cook spoke about “the Jesus people met”. As always the singing was such a highlight of the Convention. The children’s programme was led by OAC along with a team of volunteers, and their presentation on the last day of the Convention as always, was very heart warming.
This year, for the first time at Easter the Hope Centre was open for guests. A special feature this year was the art show in the Twin Gums room, where Jueanette Lovell and Mal Austin had donated their art and photography to be sold and the funds were gifted to the Convention.
All the twelve messages are available to be purchased from the Convention’s website.
Many people are unaware that the convention grounds also have camping facilities where people can set up their caravans or tents. They have allocations for 150 occupants and this year it was nearly a full house.
The following are some comments from people who attended the Convention and also those who camped on site.
I’m talking to Andrew from Glenroy, this is his first time at Belgrave Heights Convention.
What have you enjoyed at this your first Easter Convention?
“Its great to see so many believers here (1,300) and to see all the Mission stands, discovering what God is doing all over the world. I am really enjoying my time here.”
Your name is?
“Barry.”
How long you been coming to Belgrave?
“Off and on for 50 years.”
Wow; and what is it that brings you back each time? “We just like it. It builds our spiritual life; it’s something we look forward to each Easter and Christmas.”
Belgrave Heights is more that just the Convention, its where families come and camp in caravans and tents. Let’s find out their responses to this Easter Convention.
I’m talking to?
“Allison.”
How long have you been coming to Belgrave Heights?
“This is my third time.”
What caused you to come?
“My friends invited me and I love the Christian community.”
I’m talking to?
“Brenda.”
Where do you come from Brenda?
“We’re pretty local, we are from Chirnside Park.”
Is this your first time here?
“No, my childhood was spent at Belgrave Heights Conventions. We would camp here every year when we were kids. We spent some time overseas then when we returned to Australia we started coming back to the Easter and Christmas Conventions.”
What was the best thing about this Easter convention for you?
“I think the speakers are always fabulous and it’s amazing to be with a community of believers that you don’t usually get to hang out with. To really enjoy great teaching, good fellowship, and the weather’s been awesome this time.”
Now I’m talking to?
“Deanne, and this will be our sixth year here. We have met some good friends here and our kids get good teaching and they love coming.”
What is your name?
“Hannah”.
How old are you Hannah?
“I’m 9”
What do you do when you come to Belgrave?
“Run around like crazy!”
Is there a special programme for you?
“Yes. Our stories this year are about heroes of the faith.”
Who was your hero today?
“Joseph.”
I’m talking to 18 year old Abby. What do you like most?
“I like camping out here and getting to go to the sessions and stuff for young people after the sessions.”
What do you do at the young adults programme each night?
“Play great games and hang out with a lot of other young people.”
I’m talking to Mark from Bairnsdale who is here with his wife and family.
“The camping is enjoyable, but I guess the people that we camp with as well, all of the people that we get to spend time with here and along with some great teaching and fellowship.
What is the thing that touched your heart the most?
“We were just discussing that 2 minutes ago, about how much teaching and new revelation, has been brought out of the first three chapters of Genesis.”
Rachel, you’re Mark’s wife, what has been your take on this Easter Convention?
“The thing I like is the fellowship, and the teaching and all the wonderful people you get to know, and the music is always great, so uplifting and God focused.”
I asked Kartic if this his first time at Belgrave Heights Convention?
“This is my first time at any convention. It’s been absolute pleasure being here. I was introduced to Christianity eight months back and I have been doing Bible study with a few people. One of the couples at the Bible study invited me for Belgrave Heights Convention and from the first moment it has been very interesting. I’ve been enjoying every, every moment”.
Pippa who is from Newstead. Pippa attended the Children’s program run by the volunteer staff from OAC Ministries. Tell me what you do in your programme “The people act out stories from the Bible and about people who don’t know Jesus and how these heroes of faith told them about Jesus.”
Who was your favourite Hero?
“Florence Nightingale”
What was so exciting about Florence Nightingale?
“She helped solders get well when she was in Turkey, she showed compassion to them by loving them and making them better and she was motivated by Jesus.”
Al Watson