Every four years, the RPCI organises a British Isles conference. This year, it was attended by around 400 people. Below is a report by Grant, Yvonne and Jacob Alexander of Airdrie RPCS.
On Saturday 23rd July we set off from home to attend the RP Covenanter Holiday Conference at the Share Village in Northern Ireland. This was not our first RP conference but it was our first time holidaying in Northern Ireland. We were not disappointed.
We decided on the full board option and shared a chalet with the Quigleys, the Fallows and a lovely Austrian lady called Ruth. The accommodation was dormitory style ensuite bedrooms with a central living area and kitchen. There were other options of caravanning, camping or staying off-site.
The food was good – we were never hungry – and we were very impressed by the way the staff from Share worked so hard each day serving food to organising and instructing activities.
The speaker was Rev Knox Hyndman and his series of morning sermons was entitled, “Ending the Long Silence – John the Baptist Introduces the Saviour”. We were left with much to contemplate such as our need of repentance; to not speculating how Jesus may work but to remember that He is always at work; and that although we may not see the outcome Jesus continues to speak through His servants.
In the afternoons and evenings there were various activities arranged and much fun and laughter was had by all.
The Share conference seemed to be a much more relaxed family holiday atmosphere. Whilst Gartmore was completely new to us, at Share we met up with old acquaintances and met new people as well. It is always such a blessing and uplifting to feel part of the larger family of God’s people and to be reminded of their presence.
It is also an encouragement for us as parents to see Jacob build on friendships from the past and meet new children of his own age group. It is such a good opportunity for our children and young people to meet with other Christian families in a safe and caring environment and for them to be hearing God’s Word each day. He is already counting down to the conference in two years time.
We would encourage anyone, young or old, who has not been to an RP conference to seriously consider going along. You will hear God’s Word preached and be challenged in your walk with God. You will meet other Christians and have fellowship with them and you will have fun and much laughter. All are good for the soul.
Here are some thoughts from Jacob, aged 7.
“I loved Share. It was the best conference ever. I liked meeting up with my friends from the conference at Gartmore and making new friends too, especially Ewen, Daniel and Timothy. We had our own group in the morning where we had a story (for example, The Ten Commandments and the story of Ruth). We played at games and made a craft. In the afternoon we had activities. I took part in Archery, Banana Boating and Circus Skills. My favourite was Banana Boating and jumping off the jetty into the water. I also enjoyed watching the boat building and boat race on the last day. At night, after joining with everyone for family worship, we had more fun with activities like orienteering, inflatable table football (with us as the players), t-shirt painting, and slip and slide. I loved playing at the play park with my friends. Oh, and the food was good too. If you were to ask me, “Should I go to the conference in two years time and why?” I would say, “Yes! I’m planning to be there”.”
