Conferences

The preaching attracts a record number at the Easter conference

For several years the Easter conference has been one of the most visited conferences, and this year the record was broken. The opportunity to hear the Easter message and be reminded of Jesus’ life and resurrection from the dead drew people from all over the globe to Vestfold in Norway. See the pictures from the conference.

14. April, 2023
By: Karine Andresen and Anne Lea Krarup Nielsen / Photo: Volunteers for BCC

Unity and community

The local churches in Stavanger, Hamar, and Finland were involved in organizing various parts of the event. The effort and planning paid off, because everything went off without a hitch, and the volunteers contributed to making the event a good experience.

But even if the structure is good, the weather is good, and everything goes as it should, nothing can compare with hearing the Word of God.

– We come for the meetings, says Edwin Nooitgedagt, 26, from Poland. – You have to be there in good time if you want a place in the hall, it fills up immediately.

Oskar (17) and Edwin (26) get some food after the evening meeting
Oskar (17) and Edwin (26) get some food after the evening meeting

He also mentions how much he loves meeting up with friends from other countries:

– It’s almost miraculous how a common faith and a common goal connect us and give fellowship in the spirit, on a completely different plane. Words are poor. I almost don’t know how to express it, says Edwin.

Every seat was full during the gatherings in the main hall, and people of all ages are there to hear the preaching.
Every seat was full during the gatherings in the main hall, and people of all ages are there to hear the preaching.
Kåre J. Smith leads the edification. He reads from the Bible and speaks freely according to the working of the Holy Spirit and his own experiences of being a Christian.
Kåre J. Smith leads the edification. He reads from the Bible and speaks freely according to the working of the Holy Spirit and his own experiences of being a Christian.

I got exactly the answer I needed

It happens in the main hall. These meetings are very spontaneous, and many contribute to the edification. The listeners are on the same wavelength. They listen, laugh together, clap, and bear with things that don’t go perfectly.

Many have come to the conference to be inspired to live life as a follower of Jesus, and it’s totally normal to sit quietly and judge yourself during the meeting, as Edwin expresses:

To be free from myself and my stale, human ways of thinking, that’s one of the greatest things a human being can experience. I simply receive help. Someone put it this way, that we all come with our various problems and troubles – and through the preaching we all get exactly the answer we need.

At Brunstad I don’t just hear dry words. It is perfectly clear that those who preach about the power of the resurrection, which raised Jesus from the dead, have the same power in their own lives.

Edwin Nooitgedagt
It is a firm tradition that the whole hall stands up to sing “Day has dawned now! Sorrow’s gone now!” on Sunday morning.
It is a firm tradition that the whole hall stands up to sing “Day has dawned now! Sorrow’s gone now!” on Sunday morning.
The meeting is simultaneously translated to over 20 languages.
The meeting is simultaneously translated to over 20 languages.
Harald Kronstad preaches at the children's meeting.
Harald Kronstad preaches at the children’s meeting.
The children have practiced for several weeks to sing three songs at the children’s meeting.
The children have practiced for several weeks to sing three songs at the children’s meeting.
Pictures of the children at the Easter conference
The participants who watched the children’s show at the Easter conference
An Easter relay with a show for the children
An Easter relay with a show for the children
During the Easter conference there were show hockey games
During the Easter conference there were show hockey games
The activities for the children are prepared by volunteers
The activities for the children are prepared by volunteers
Children participating in the soccer tournament during the Easter conference
Young mentors help the children carry out the activities
Young mentors help the children carry out the activities
Children participating in the Easter relay during the annual Easter conference
Children painting Easter eggs
Good memories are created for the children during the conference
Good memories are created for the children during the conference
Children playing at the skate park outside Oslofjord Arena
Good friends at the Easter conference
There are four meals per day included in the conference package
There are four meals per day included in the conference package
The food is made at the conference center and distributed by volunteers
The food is made at the conference center and distributed by volunteers
Teamleaders in the action campaign must answer for themselves during the press conference during the Magazine
Teamleaders in the action campaign must answer for themselves during the press conference during the Magazine

A varied program for all ages

The Easter conference was full of a variety of activities for participants of all ages. The children’s meeting on Saturday was about loving Jesus because He first loved us. You can do this by doing the good and obeying His commandments. Afterwards there was a show and activities for the youngest participants, who were entertained and engaged throughout the whole day.

Those over 60 years of age attended a senior’s lunch. A relaxed atmosphere created a good framework for conversation and friendship. The combination of faith-building meetings and social fellowship experiences were sure to create memories of an Easter celebration for all the participants.

A panel discussion about the church during the senior lunch
A panel discussion about the church during the senior lunch

Facts about the Easter conference:

  • 12 600 participants
  • 38 nationalities
  • 126 000 meals
  • 3 700 breakfast food boxes
  • 895 number of volunteer shifts
  • 4 meetings, youth meeting, children’s meeting in 6 languages, Assembly of Representatives, the Magazine, varied activities