Picture this; you’re tasked with taking 54 teenagers to an off-site conference, over a whole weekend, with 2000 others, in temperamental weather conditions, and facing the prospect of limited sleep. What emotions are stirred in you? 

For many; fear, anxiety, and stress. For the leaders of St Mick’s Youth excitement, joy and anticipation (and yes, admittedly a little fear, anxiety and stress).  

For years, the ministry of KCC’s KYCK Youth Conference has been a highlight of the calendar for St Mick’s Youth – not just as a chance to get away with friends to an exciting new place and have fun, but also because of the clear, engaging teaching and the opportunity to wrestle with God’s Word in a way that’s not possible in our normal rhythm.  

This year, we were blessed by gifts of Pre Shunmugam (MBM Rooty Hill), and Chris Mann (of Box Hill Anglican) as they explored the book of Jonah with us. We were reminded that our God is rich in love and mercy, and we were encouraged by the fact that God does not leave us in our situation but that he pursues us, even when we try to run in the opposite direction.  

On the Saturday evening, the youth were given an opportunity to respond to our good God, to accept the gospel, and to give their lives to him. On that night, God welcomed 41 teenagers into his family for the very first time! And we are so excited to let you know that 5 of those were from the St Mick’s Youth crew! 

It’s true that taking a large group of teenagers away to a conference like KYCK is challenging, and tiring, and at times stressful, but it’s worth it. There is nothing quite as exciting, energising, and fulfilling as seeing teenagers put their trust in Jesus.  

As we come back into our normal lives, and those young people head back into their homes, schools, socials groups, extra-curricular and sports teams, we would love for you to pray.  

Please pray for the 41 who gave their lives to Jesus. Give thanks to God for the miracle of bringing the dead to life. Ask him to protect and nurture those new believers, and pray that he would put faithful Christians around them to disciple them in their faith.  

Please pray also for the 123 others who decided that they needed to get their walk with Jesus back on track. Thank God for helping them to see where they had been drifting, and pray that they would continue to walk his way for the rest of their lives.  

Finally, give thanks for the leaders who serve our young people. They don’t serve because they want applause, they serve because they care about seeing young people follow Jesus and they are more than willing to do whatever it takes to see that done.  

With KYCK over for another year, we get a chance to take a breath before we start planning for KYCK 2027 – which we will do with just as much excitement as always because of who our God is, and what he has done.  

Matt Shannon (Youth & Young Adults Minister)