One of those looking forward to the summer conference is Eli Kronstad (68). She was only three years old when the first summer conference was held at Brunstad in 1957, and she has been there most summers since then.
“For me, there is an expectation that my spirit and faith will be strengthened through the spoken and sung Word of God. And it is always a highlight to meet dear friends from both near and far,” she says.
She explains that they purchased a lease agreement for one of the cabins in the village in 2004, and one of her children bought in with them as well.
“At Brunstad I meet good friends that I have known for many years, and we experience fellowship and joyous reunions in a beautiful place. For me, this is the best place in the world,” Eli says with a smile.
Mia Knutsen is 23 years old and her answer leaves no doubt:
“For me, attending the conference is not a question; I have to go,” she asserts. “It’s because at the conferences, I hear the words of life that nourish my spirit and provide guidance for everyday life. God’s Word gives me hope and faith for the future from an eternal perspective.”
Jesus is revealed to us, and we can partake in His life
Many have expectations regarding the preaching, as it is known for its clarity and strong emphasis on sanctification. When Kåre J. Smith was asked in a podcast about what we can look forward to when we gather at Brunstad, it was interesting to hear his thoughts:
“We need the spirit of wisdom and revelation to understand who Jesus is, the One who was revealed in the flesh and perfected in the spirit. This summer, God will grant us this, so that Jesus is revealed to us and we can partake in His life.”
Smith also highlights the incredible, hopeful message that came through Jesus:
“We see who Jesus is because He is the Word of God. And then we see how we too can become like Him by following the good laws of the Spirit of life, which liberate us from the laws of sin and death. This can make us happy for time and eternity.”
Attendance at 63 summer conferences
Kristian Bekkevold (63) has attended the summer conference since childhood.
“I was born in May, so I was only a few weeks old at my first summer conference, and since then, I have been there every single year, a total of 63 summer conferences.”
He enthusiastically speaks about the fellowship he experiences with good friends and family at the conferences, and how it is of great significance to his personal Christian life.
“The expectations are primarily for the building of faith together with good friends from all over the world. There is an extra special atmosphere when so many gather with a common goal, which is to get to know the life of Jesus better.”
Something new is always happening
Gill Savage (44) from England travels to the conference with her family as often as possible and looks forward to having conversations with friends from around the world. She also appreciates the ongoing renewal within the church.
“We often hear about various BCC projects at the summer conferences. There is always something new and exciting happening, and I enjoy that,” Gill says.
She and her husband Matthew (44) have purchased a points agreement, which allows them to stay at all the conferences tailored to their target group. When they had a child this took on a new dimension:
“A personal dream has come true for me, which is being able to attend the summer conference together with my own child. Seeing how our 5-year-old enjoys Brunstad is very special to me.”
“This will be the best summer conference ever”
When Axel Bekkevold (19) is asked about his expectations for the summer conference, he responds decisively:
“I expect it to be the best summer conference ever, because I feel that the conferences get better and better each time. I look forward to the uplifting meetings and the opportunity to make new choices for life.”
This summer he will be staying with his parents, who have previously purchased points for overnight stays in the hotel village.
“But I’m already saving up, and look forward to having my own suite one day,” Axel says happily.
Mia echoes the same sentiment:
“I currently stay in my parents’ cabin, but I’m saving for my own agreement and look forward to being able to book my own suite soon – it will be fantastic.”
It is not without reason that Mia and Axel, from a young age, have already started thinking about their future at Brunstad. Mia shares that she has countless fond memories from the summer conferences that she joyfully looks back on. And Axel describes the conferences as the most significant events in his life.
“I feel that the conferences are the highlight of everything we do in the church. It is at Brunstad that we experience unity in faith with friends from all over the world,” he says.
We are like migratory birds; we have to return
Kåre J. Smith quotes the verse that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
“We need nourishment from the Word of God so that the inner man can be built up. Then we become strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, ready to face the days ahead.”
Smith uses a familiar metaphor when he excitedly describes what brings us together:
“It is the spiritual nourishment we long for. That’s why every year we are like migratory birds – we feel we have to return; we feel we need more of it.”
Read about last year’s summer convention here:
