We talked to three of the attendees at the Assembly of Representatives’ meeting on May 20, 2024 to find out more about who they are, what motivates them to contribute as representatives and what items they’ve found to be most interesting about this work.

– Of course, good organization is needed

How have you prepared for the meeting?
“After I had read all the documents and written down my questions and comments, we had a meeting with the representatives from BCC West-Nederland, our local board and elders. Together, we went through the documents and discussed the different proposals presented, their implications, and our questions. The Netherlands has collected all questions from our local churches centrally and sent them to the BCC Federation. We received answers to all our questions and comments and thus had enough information to make all decisions today.”

– Indicates that the work is moving forward

Which items have been the most interesting today?
“There were several items that indicate that the work is moving forward. Perhaps not so exciting, but still important milestones on the way forward: The issue of all local churches becoming members of the BCC Federation, and the new committee researching volunteer work are particularly interesting.“

How have you prepared for the meeting?
“Several trustees and the board of the local church in Connecticut go over the case documents together. In this way, we gain an understanding of the items and are better equipped to implement them when decisions are made by the Assembly. If we have any questions or suggestions, these will be collected and submitted before the deadline.”

– Very interesting to see how the organizations work together towards a common goal

How do you prepare for the meetings?
“We are sent case documents to read well in advance of the meeting. Then the board of the local church invites the local elders to a meeting where we go through the items to be presented. We can also submit questions and input on items to be presented. This makes us feel heard and seen, even as a small local church in the larger community.”

The launch of digital mission has already taken place years ago. Several of the digital channels that have been in operation have already achieved high viewing figures. But now the initiative is gaining momentum in new areas. With funds from the mission collection, new opportunities open up to help fulfil the mission Jesus gave all disciples.

The result of the collection, which has been ongoing in the months leading up to the feast, is massive. Over NOK 26.8 million has been raised by members for the Hidden Treasures Foundation Publishers to drive digital mission. The list of donors includes over 100 churches and fellowships. The collection was budgeted at 25 million. It is the Assembly of Representatives that decides what purpose the collection will be used for, based on proposals put forward by the Elders.

– The task we have been given by the Elders is to put the church in “Go therefore” mode, Espen Kyllevik says referring to the great commission. He is the producer of the feast.

– We are experiencing a tremendous response. Many have been waiting for this. Everyone we talk to thinks it’s fantastic that what we hear at each meeting, and not least our songs, will now be much more accessible out there for anyone who wants to find it.

Go therefore – digitally

Since 1912, the Hidden Treasures publication has been published monthly. Even during the Second World War, when paper was rationed, production was kept up.

The magazine was to function as a snowplough, “because people can’t see the road”, Johan Oscar Smith wrote to his brother in December 1911.

From the beginning, the publication had most of its readership outside what was then the beginning of the church. Johan Oscar Smith encouraged people to spread the early issues of the publication.

The need to be able to see the way and spread the message of a life of sanctification is highly relevant today. The time has come to continue the line Johan Oscar Smith held from the beginning, to reach as many people as possible who have an ear for the truth, also on digital platforms.

Where can we read the publication?

A new website for Hidden Treasures is already in the making. The content on the site will be new and old literature, media and video content as well as study tools, which can spread the gospel and provide guidance in living in sanctification, as the Bible and Paul encourage us to do.

The funds will be used for publishing digital content. The existing paywall will be removed, making content easier to find, easier to share and easier for search engines to pick up.

According to the plan, the new website will be up and running in the autumn of 2024. We look forward to updating our readers at bcc.no and bcc.us.

New song from Shillong Chamber Choir

The film also launches a brand new song produced by the Shillong Chamber Choir, a multi-genre choir based in India.

“We are thrilled and grateful that they wanted to join us in this collaboration. We know they have a personal connection to the message, and it shows in the performance,” says Elise.

The song is based on Psalm 121, which Mordecai also quotes in the film.

“This is a wonderful psalm that provides enormous comfort, help and strength when facing the storms of life,” says the producer.

Part two of the story ready for the fall

The team is excited to present part 1 of the story of Esther, but is also continuing to work on part 2, which will be ready in the fall.

“It’s important for us that now that we’re telling this story, we have to do it properly. We must include all the characters and the events that unfolded. That’s why we’ve divided the story into two parts instead of compressing it,” says Elise.

The first part is more about Esther’s inner struggle. She had to leave everything that was safe, her environment and her people, and go into an unknown world with an uncertain future. But she didn’t go alone; she had God by her side, and her faith and trust in Him kept her safe. Everyone could sense that there was something special about Esther; she had strength and grace about her. Part two is about the struggle that arose after she became queen. With an external enemy that threatened the entire existence of the Jewish people. In faith, Esther gained the strength to stand up for her people. And God was involved and controlled it all in a wondrous way.

Part one of the film is included in the interactive time travel concept and is available from May 3, 2024 onwards.

Part two of the film is planned to be ready for screening in autumn 2024.

See a small taste of the film HERE.

Interested in learning more about Bible Kids’ time travel concept? Click HERE for more info – or go directly to the time travel yourself at THIS LINK.

By Kjetil S. Johnsen

The reading plan is now available in the popular Bible app from YouVersion, which has over 600 million downloads. Through a 3-day reading plan of key Bible verses, the significance of the temple for Christians today is explained. The collaboration with YouVersion represents a shared desire to make the Bible’s content accessible by combining the Bible texts with unique films from the game.

Arve Solli, head of the team developing the video game, hopes the reading plan will be thought-provoking and inspire many of the users of the Bible app.

“We hope the reading plan will help close the gap between modern technology and ancient scripture. Quite simply, it will inspire today’s young people to read more of the Bible,” says Arve Solli.

The game attracts attention in Canada

Arve was recently interviewed by the Canadian talk show 100 Huntley Street. He hopes the game will be well received among young people:

“Reading the Bible is one thing, but we also believe that understanding the context in which it was written and why Jesus used the examples He did, can have a huge impact. If they can also get a sense of the events, and what is at stake, and become immersed in the Bible stories, we believe they will understand the meaning of Jesus’ message much quicker.”

This is what the reading plan contains

The plan starts by exploring the role of the temple in ancient Israel. It was a holy place where God dwelt among His people, but commercial exploitation by traders was a major deviation from the temple’s intended purpose. It is written about Jesus in the Gospel of John 2:13-16:

“In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the moneychangers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

Jesus’ radical act of cleansing the temple is a powerful testimony of godliness and purity. These values are equally relevant for believers today who are called to be a temple of the Holy Spirit.

The reading plan includes unique videos from the game universe, taking readers back to the time of Jesus and giving them a first-hand experience of how we believe the events in the Bible unfolded.

Read the full reading plan in the Bible app here and feel free to share it with your friends.

Recently, I sat down with Phil Lee who is the lead project manager on the North American side of the planning committee and Rob Cheetham, who has responsibility for the feast content. Both are from Ottawa, Canada, and they are communicating both remotely and in person with other volunteers from the seven churches that are involved in planning.

Phil, what was your reaction when you learned that North America was being offered the opportunity to contribute and plan for the Brothers Conference?

 “I initially had mixed feelings of anticipation, excitement, but I think most of all, thankfulness. We from North America have traveled to Brunstad so many times over the years. However we are always there as ‘guests,’ with others doing most of the planning, and organizing of the many tasks that make such a large event run smoothly. 

To have an opportunity to work with many people from different countries, cultures and languages at Brunstad and contribute in a tangible way to an event is very special. As we began the project, I realized how much work it takes. This gave me such a greater appreciation for the effort that goes into making these events the best possible for our friends.”

Event planning for BCC events begins six months before the event date. This is an important aspect for the North American team, because they are planning the event entirely remotely in collaboration with two guides who work for BCC Event. This must present some unique challenges.  

“I think we all understood from the beginning that the international aspect of this was going to present a unique set of circumstances and challenges. However, everyone just dove in and worked. We were determined and confident that there was nothing too challenging to overcome.

One challenge that is actually quite significant is that the team in North America is spread all over the east coast from Connecticut to Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Ontario, and as far west as Manitoba. These events are usually managed by a team in one location, but we are spread all over. Endless early morning Zoom calls and a myriad of messenger chats resulted. There are many times that it would have been so much easier to have been together in person but we leverage technology for what we could. We do enjoy the few times we can meet as a team during conferences at Victory (in New York State). It is always special to see our ‘Zoom buddies’ and to have the chance to plan in person!”

Phil, did the event staff at BCC have any guidelines for you as you went through the process?   

“To begin with, we met with the representatives of the organizing team from BCC Events that we would be liaise with. This was the producer and the project manager. We were provided a framework for the organization we had to put in place locally here. The various roles and the general associated responsibilities were described to us in general level detail: Vision, Concept, Production, and Execution.

Of course, technology plays a large part in this type of project. Early in the process we realized that the organization at BCC Events was also very much still under development. At one point, it became painfully clear that we were really off track and to be honest, quite, quite lost. However, with really good communications, the teams on both sides of the ocean were able to identify the gaps in the process, and within one week the Miro template we were working on was overhauled and relaunched. Immediately, things worked so much better and we again found our way. That was an interesting experience of problem solving and teamwork.”

Phil, in the past few years at Brunstad, there has been a noticeable effort by BCC to encourage diversity and to celebrate the many cultures that make up the members of BCC. Through food, and activities the participants are able to experience and share other cultures and to gain an appreciation and understanding of unique aspects of their international members. How will you be choosing to share North American culture at Brunstad? 

“We are unique as people, and as lands. We all have so many different life’s experiences and these perspectives can bring out a totally unique flavor to an organization. This year, we will have a giant outdoor rib fest followed by a corn hole tournament. Though, I have to say, finding good quality ribs in Norway is a bit more of a challenge than it is here in Canada!”

Rob Cheetham was responsible for overseeing the organization and content for a feast meeting that took place during the event.  During these feasts, the entire group gathers for edifying messages delivered through sermons and testimonies, music and songs and multimedia content.

Rob, what was the theme for the feast? How did this become the theme (what was the process)?

“The theme chosen was ‘Hammerslag og Lovsang’ (‘Hammer blows and songs of praise’ in English). The first step in the process was initiated by a video message sent to all the local congregations in which one of the church elders asked for ideas from all members, both male and female.  The goal in doing this was to encourage participation in the brainstorming period and to gather many different ideas before choosing the final theme. 

The theme we chose was a representation of the whole work we did together to plan this event. The sense was very clear to urge the congregation to offer ‘sacrifices:’ their time, body and thoughts to serve the others. The hammer blows represent the work that is being done wholeheartedly and joyfully, so that each person can participate in the blessing that comes from being part of the work (the songs of praise that result from such a life).” 

When you were planning for the feast, how did you take the theme into consideration?  

“The theme affected many aspects. The film subject and the questions we prepared for the brothers to answer were of course in connection with the theme. The songs that were selected for the choirs to sing were related to the theme. And even the color scheme and font and the graphics selected were done with the theme in mind.”

How did the planning and execution go during the event?

“There are always challenges and unexpected things to deal with when planning for a event like this. We had a schedule and a timeline in mind – but we also needed to be flexible, and be willing to change things with little notice. When everyone working on such a project is focussed on fulfilling their responsibilities and working together to overcome challenges that arise then it creates a good environment and the participants notice this.”

Following the event, I caught up with both Phil and Rob. Back from Norway now, they both agreed that overall, the event went really well, despite some challenges with planning an international event from afar. 

They reported that participants really enjoyed the classic American steak and ribfest, the American style games, and especially the theme evening. And while they are looking forward to perhaps being a little less busy for awhile, both are also excited for the next time they can contribute to events in the future.

By Berit Hustad Nilsen

In recent years, BCC has invested in producing content for children, especially animated films about Bible stories. Over 50 films are already on the Bible Kids YouTube channel as well as on our app BCC Media, and more are being produced each year. Our wish is for the Bible to be accessible and brought to life for children.

Perhaps one of the most exciting stories is precisely what happened at Easter over 2,000 years ago. Click on the animated film below to see this explained in a simple and illustrative way.

Long Tradition in Celebrating the Easter Holiday

For over 100 years, BCC has organized Easter conferences. Since the church began using Brunstad as a meeting place back in 1956, the Easter festival has been celebrated there. This year is no exception.

Brunstad is the central gathering place for more than 220 congregations associated with Brunstad Christian Church worldwide, including 12 North American churches. Several generations have experienced fellowship and holidays together during the conferences at Brunstad and bonds of friendship have been forged across cultures, nations and age groups.

Easter Conference is a festive time when we gather around the life-changing message Jesus brought. In addition to Easter services, Easter Conference features activities, meals, and fellowship in and around the massive conference village at the Oslofjord Convention Center.

Voluntary Efforts Make Space for Young People

Things truly kick off on Saturday, the week before Easter weekend, though, and many voluntary hours are behind the preparations as 4,700 expectant young people arrive for Easter Camp, an international faith-based camp for 13-26 year olds. Young adults use the Easter holidays to help make the camp an unforgettable experience for younger teenagers.

The holiday peaks when over 12,000 members gather for the conference in the latter half of Easter week. The youngest participant is only a few weeks old, and the oldest is well over 100.

We wish our members a camp and conference filled with content, and all our readers a happy Easter!

East Coast preparations

Welcome to the hall of BCC Ottawa! A buzz of excitement is felt as soon as you step inside. A large poster of David and Saul greets you, along with cascades of colorful balloons and streamers. It is still several hours before the children will be arriving, but youth and adult workers are rushing around, finishing the last minute preparations for this much anticipated day.

Today is Bible Kids Explorers! Bible Kids Explorers is a program for children ages 6-12 that explores Bible stories in an innovative way through the use of films, and both virtual and physical tasks. In addition to the Bible Kids bi-weekly Sunday School, the Explorers is an extra special virtual time travel the children get to experience twice a year. They get to ‘travel back in time’ to explore Bible stories and experience how God’s Word can help us in various situations.

The experience is made complete with Bible Explorers stickers, Bible cards for the children’s treasure chests, and special Bible Explorers “merch.” This time it is baseball caps for all the kids.

The vision behind Bible Kids

Of course, there is a much deeper goal for the day than just having a good time. The vision for the program [as described by the BCC Committee on the Rights of the Child] is that: “What the children experience through BCC will draw them to Jesus for the rest of their lives. It will give them security, hope, and a longing for the heavenly. It will lay a foundation in the children and equip them to make good choices in any phase of life they may enter.”

With this in mind, and after entering the main hall filled with decorations and activities scattered throughout, it is understandable to wonder about the preparation and planning that went into such a day. There certainly are many practical efforts that took weeks and months of planning, from organizing children into groups with leaders, deciding and purchasing the food they will eat, who will order and pick up the highly-anticipated hats, decisions about decorations and how to make it a fun environment, etc.

Invested volunteers

“I want to be part of sowing God’s word so they can experience Jesus as a friend, helper, and a refuge.”

Stephanie has offered most of her day to cook and serve in the kitchen. The children will enjoy a pancake breakfast and pizza lunch today, and many hands are needed to make this run smoothly. Stephanie puts it simply: “Children are a precious gift from God. Jesus loved the children; they have a special place in His heart! They also have a very special place in my heart and I want to be part of sowing God’s word so they can experience Jesus as a friend, helper, and a refuge.”

Sam is a children’s worker who is responsible for boys ages 10-11. What motivates him to spend so much time with these boys? When asked, Sam laughs and says, “It certainly isn’t because I have a lot of extra time and don’t know what to do! What motivates me is that I have received something incredible from heaven. When I opened my heart to the message that we hear, and began to practice it, I received an incredible gift from heaven. I found the answer to all of my difficulties and became a happy person. When somebody has given you a great gift like that, it’s very natural to want to share that great gift with others.”

After hearing these two, there is no doubt today will leave the children with many good memories and valuable lessons for life.

West Coast happenings

On the opposite side of the continent, the Bible Kids groups in Vancouver, Canada and Seattle, Washington are working with the same vision to make this experience something the children will never forget. A group of twenty children and mentors from Vancouver are getting up early to drive three and a half hours.

“Are we there yet?” you hear Colin and Carter ask at least 10 times during the trip. These young boys are excited to get to their destination.

As you pull up to the hall in Seattle, you see the childen’s friends at the entrance, eagerly waiting to greet the carloads from Vancouver. Banners and yellow and purple balloons welcome you. The mentors from Seattle have also done a top-notch job decorating and prepping for the day’s activities.

A group photo is captured before the excited children are invited to enter the hall on a red carpet, cheering all the way inside. They gather for a short kick-off where they hear the exciting schedule that awaits them, and then energetically break off into their groups.

Bringing God’s Word to life

The day’s theme is Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life.” The Bible Kids are brought back in time to 1025 BC to hear the captivating story of David and Saul. They learn that David chose to keep his heart pure when he was young, and to be faithful to His God. At various parts of the program the Bible Kids are needed to complete various tasks, such as helping to choose a King for Israel, or finding a code in a cave where David can hide. Zip lines, potato guns, and a David and Saul capture game are all part of the plan to help focus on the theme of the day, making the Bible story  – and God’s Word – as tangible as possible.

Judith, from Seattle, has done a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to make this day a reality. “Some of the motivation behind being part of the Bible Kids day was to help the kids understand the story of David and Saul better and get more of a love and interest for the heroes we read about in the Bible,” she shares.

“Hearing about those special stories and learning about the heroes of faith when I was a child has given me a foundation and love for God’s word later in life. It’s so good to be able to be a part of making it exciting and real for the kids now.”

A Unified Work

All too soon, vehicles on both sides of the continent load up again with children, Bible Kids merch in tow.

Alexa, age eight, expresses sincere thankfulness that she could come on this day trip to Seattle. When asked what she liked about the day, she shares: “Learning about God, David and Saul, and all the activities. All the mentors made it so good for us.”

“I’d sum it up as epic and unforgettable,” one of the mentors says with a smile. “It was a fantastic day for everyone. People are going home happy, and have something good in their hearts to think about and live by.”

“A story from God’s word has been brought to life in a creative way, and hundreds of children in North America have had the opportunity to learn the same Biblical values.”

You watch as several of the mentors start to clean up: one pushes a large broom across the foyer, while another pops balloons enthusiastically.

It seems to have been a successful day. A story from God’s word has been brought to life in a creative way, and hundreds of children in North America have had the opportunity to learn the same Biblical values. Whether from east or west, Bible Kids Explorers encourages young Christians to apply God’s simple laws to their own lives with the goal of helping them feel equipped to make good choices at every stage of life.

By Eunice Lenk

For the past three years, Bible X has been creating Gate Zero, a groundbreaking new Bible video game that takes players back in time to explore ancient Israel, interact with gospel stories and examine the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words.

“We believe that there’s a great need for innovation when it comes to conveying the message that Jesus came with to the younger generation.”

As part of their research on the target audience, head of games Arve and a few others from the team travelled to California and Ohio last year in March to conduct in-depth interviews with youth pastors from seven churches.

The team hoped to get insight into youth ministry work in the US, the challenges youth pastors face and their sentiments on using a video game like Gate Zero in ministry.

Prior to this, the team had also met virtually with seven other youth leaders from Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Washington in the fall of 2021.

Youth need innovation

The youth pastors the team met with came from a variety of denominations with varying church sizes. All of them were full of youthful energy and keen on creating the best program possible to engage their students.

“We believe that there’s a great need for innovation when it comes to conveying the message that Jesus came with to the younger generation,” says Arve.

And the youth pastors agreed.

One challenge that many of them mentioned was the short attention span among youth today. “How can we capture their attention long enough to bring a message across?” is a real question youth leaders face.

Several shared that they try to bring in interactive elements in their teaching, from using props and games to lighting something on fire.

Using video games in ministry – a welcome possibility!

Through the interviews, the Bible X team learned that there is a need for a game like Gate Zero in educating young Christians today. Many of the youth leaders acknowledged that gaming is popular among their students. In general, their feedback on the game was very positive!

Several gave practical feedback on specific elements in the game. It was helpful to know that most of the youth leaders, regardless of denominational background, were open to using the game as long as it was true to the Bible.

Armed with valuable feedback from these conversations, the Bible X team travelled back to Norway in enthusiasm to continue developing what they hope to be the first of many high-quality, immersive Christian video games for youth.

About Bible X

Bible X was formed in 2020 as a subdivision of BCC Media STI in Norway. Their vision is to provide access to the most powerful message in the history of the world through immersive experiences.

They are currently developing Gate Zero, a story-rich adventure video game where you can travel back in time to explore 1^st century Israel, solve missions and dodge danger while experiencing Biblical events firsthand.

Designed with youth groups in mind, the game also includes a unique cross-platform co-op feature where groups can play together using a PC and mobile phones.

Release 1 of Gate Zero is planned for 2024.

Exclusive testers

From February to April last year, Bible X invited members of BUK (Brunstad Youth Club) to participate in their closed beta. Over 500 youth from BCC NA got to try out the beta version of Bible X’s game, meeting for several sessions over six weeks for gaming, good conversations and a fun time together with their friends.

Since then, Bible X has been tested by hundreds of gamers.

Listen to what Steve VanMeter (Forge Gaming), Micah Walsh (Riverview Church) and Bubba Stallcup (Love Thy Nerd) have to say after playing Gate Zero by clicking the video below.

Follow along!

Interested in more info and regular updates? You can follow along with Bible X and Gate Zero developments on Bible X’s exclusive YouTube channel: Bible X Game, Bible X’s Instagram (@biblexgame), or Bible X’s main websites: Biblex.io and Bcc.media/us.

Annual Women’s Conference

Each year on the weekend of International Women’s Day, women of all ages from around the globe gather at Brunstad Christian Conference Center in Norway for an International Sisters’ Conference.

This year, a record number of 5,700 women are gathering there on March 10-12, to hear God’s Word and to be strengthened in their Christian faith. Among those who have prioritized the event and are excitedly looking forward to the conference are several women from Winnipeg, Canada. We asked them what their expectations are for the weekend and why they chose to come.

An opportunity to hear God’s Word

Shannon, a busy mother of four, is here with several friends to embrace the special opportunity, as she puts it, to “soak up God’s word, uninterrupted.” When in the regular Sunday services back home, “I try to get one thing to remember and work with – more than that can be difficult while keeping my children occupied,” she adds. It’s clear she’s expecting to receive a ‘vitamin-boost’ for her spirit during her two or three days at Brunstad. “I love the natural fellowship we can have here with many others who may have similar home situations.”

Surrounded by those with the same interest

Angela is a supervisor at a personal care home. She tells of her need to be together with people who have the same interest in life. “I felt that I needed to come. It is always an encouraging time together! I need to surround myself with positive people who encourage me in my faith, and this is where it happens.”

Help for the daily life

Elizabeth, 40, is specific about her expectations regarding this conference: “I need help to do everything I do with my kids in patience and love. And I need faith to put my life in God’s hands, in my daily situations.”

Unity and connections across cultures

The theme of this year’s sisters conference is “Joined Together in One Body.” Unity and fellowship with other followers of Jesus Christ is important to these women, and they look forward to hearing how to make use of the Gospel more perfectly in their daily lives in order to experience unity with the other members, including those in their local churches and families.

Besides the faith-strengthening meetings, the women here have opportunities for fun and reconnection with friends over coffee, during meals, sports events, and other activities, as well as at the customary Saturday banquet: an evening filled with live music and edification – which is often a highlight of these annual events. The hall buzzes with conversation before and after each meeting as new friendships are forged, and old ones reaffirmed.

Takeaways – Inspiration to a personal life with God

In each meeting, the conference attendees hear and share messages that inspire them not only to know God’s word as a teaching, but to live it as it is written. A personal life with God leads to godliness in daily life.

These words from John’s letter are in focus at the close of the weekend:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-3.

Sitting together in the big auditorium at Brunstad, God’s word is preached with such clarity that faith for an overcoming Christian life fills many hearts with a hope for the future, and provides ‘tools’ to work with when each one goes home.

Was the trip worth it?

We catch up with the Canadians afterwards, to get their take on the weekend: Were your expectations met? Was the long trip really worth it in the end?

“Definitely. I’d do it again!” Elizabeth responds enthusiastically. “There was such an inspiring atmosphere there. The words I heard, especially in the meetings, but also in a lot of conversations in-between the meetings, were really encouraging. To get help in having the right perspective in life makes all the difference in my personal everyday life!”

“It was incredible to see how smoothly everything ran, with nearly 6,000 women there; and the unity and joy that was present was amazing,” Angela shares. “Also, I was really strengthened to live the gospel that we hear about, in my everyday life, where God has put me. I can have victory over suspicious thoughts, for example. I can overcome.”

“It was very worth it,” Shannon shares, emphatically. “The money spent on the trip and the ensuing jet-lag doesn’t even compare to the worth of being able to be there! Being with so many others who share my faith is always so edifying. I left the conference feeling very encouraged to use my time and my days to be faithful and zealous for my Christian calling.”

Presently, the cheerful chatter hushes as music starts playing. Everyone heads into the chandelier-lit sanctuary to find a place to sit. Children usually sit with their parents, quietly playing and whispering to each other.

Working with a clear goal in mind

The leader, Barry Couts, chuckles as he talks with another member sitting with him in the front row. It is natural for the congregation to look to Barry as their leader. He has gained their confidence by genuine care and wisdom, and his depth of personal Christian integrity. All Barry’s service to the church is voluntary. He is a working man with a growing business, but he takes the responsibility for shepherding the group seriously, in spite of the many other demands on his time. 

“… that all may learn and all may be encouraged.“

The goal of each meeting is the fulfillment of the verse 1 Corinthians 14:31: “… that all may learn and all may be encouraged.” Barry works in collaboration with several other members to make sure that this goal is being met. Not all the members have the same responsibilities during the service, but everything flows harmoniously as each one finds their opportunity to serve.

Music, announcements and special events

In the music section at the front of the sanctuary, some committed musicians provide uplifting accompaniment for the congregational singing. Today the various instruments include a piano, guitars, a trumpet, and drums that add lively rhythm.

The song leader announces the first song from the BCC songbook called, “Ways of the Lord.” The lyrics are projected onto a large LED screen behind the podium, so everyone who’d like to can sing along. 

After a couple of songs have been sung, Nick reads the announcements which are projected onto the LED screen. On the agenda are special events for different age groups. The children look forward to a chaperoned trip to the zoo in a nearby city. The youth anticipate a sports evening, with pizza and treats to follow. A ripple of interest goes through the audience when a board game evening with refreshments is announced for the seniors.

Prayer

After the announcements, Barry says it’s time to pray. Everyone stands and a few people pray earnestly to God. An older man prays that God will bless the meeting. Another prays for our country and leaders so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life (1 Timothy 2:2). A young person prays for help from God to overcome the temptations of sin. 

A hopeful message

After another song is sung, it’s time to hear a message from God’s Word. Often Barry speaks first, but sometimes another member opens with something from their heart to give to the assembly. Each one shares scriptures from the Bible that have been illuminated for them, and have been a personal help in their lives. The central focus is always the gospel that gives the hope of becoming like Jesus. 

Barry goes up to the podium and opens by reading Colossians 3:1: “If you, then, be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ sits on the right hand of the throne of God.”

The central focus is always the gospel that gives the hope of becoming like Jesus. 

“I have understood in my daily life if I seek the things that are above, and if I set my mind on the things above, then there’s a huge reward waiting for me!” Barry says. “We know that any time we get a word of God and there’s an ‘action,’ for example ‘set your mind on things above,’ then we know that the trials will come: life happens and the vision is not so clear anymore. But then I can pray, ‘Dear God, give me a heavenly vision so I can set my mind on things above.’ It’s a work, it’s not going to happen automatically.”

Barry’s message is simple and compelling. “For example, maybe you have a young family with children. There’s a lot going on, and maybe it’s noisy. Think then, to be able to set your mind on things above!” Barry speaks fervently, “To be able to think like this: I want to be good to my children, I want to serve my children. Maybe I sense my own irritation, but I resist that and pray, ‘God help me to be good to them.’ We need to be freed from what we are by human nature.” The words resonate in the hearts of the listeners, creating a desire to live this kind of a life.

Sunday school

After Barry concludes his message, the assembly’s voices blend together in a congregational song. This is followed by another gripping message from a second member, and the children are dismissed for Sunday school.

Eagerly, they scurry off to their respective Sunday school rooms for an interactive, fun time: singing, making crafts, eating a yummy snack, and participating in a short Bible lesson.

Individual contributions

Back in the sanctuary, after another song, there are a few shorter messages that compliment the theme of the beginning speakers. Everything develops in a positive direction. During a slight pause in the meeting, Barry interjects that the meeting is now open for anyone who wishes to share something from their heart.

Each one shares scriptures from the Bible that have been illuminated for them, and have been a personal help in their lives.

A row of chairs facing the audience fills up with men and women of all ages. One by one they go up to the podium to express their sincere desire to practice God’s Word. Each contribution is unique. A young woman sings a solo, with accompaniment, as her testimony. An older woman shares how she wants to set her mind and heart on things that are above by nourishing herself with God’s word. She reads Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

“ I truly believe”, she says, “That my mind can be completely renewed and transformed, and I can be filled with joy.”

After a few more speakers, Barry asks the youth group to come up and sing. They flock to the front and sing together with enthusiasm. The last to speak, a man tells how early in his Christian life he endeavored to set his mind on heavenly things. It was hard and took so much effort. This brought him into great need, and then he realized he could pray, and ask for help before the throne of grace. “I can set myself in heavenly places,” he affirms, “by being there before the throne of grace. I can admit to everything that the Spirit shows me! I can draw down the kingdom of heaven!” His words are spoken with emphatic conviction.

A help for the ‘daily life’

Sarah, a young mom, shares how she experiences the Sunday meetings: “Every time I go to the meetings with an open heart, God meets me where I’m at. Each Sunday I hear something that strengthens my faith. Sometimes it’s a message, or a song, or a simple prayer. Sometimes it is a heartfelt testimony that inspires me to live a daily life that’s pleasing to God.”

“Each Sunday I hear something that strengthens my faith.”

Jim adds his sentiment, “The meetings keep me on course in my Christian walk.”

After the meeting — Coffee bar, visits, & sports

The meeting draws to a close. Everyone stands while several pray. The chorus of a song is sung to conclude the meeting. Children spill happily out of the Sunday school rooms, and the fragrant aroma of coffee drifts from the open coffee bar. The youth are raising money for their camps and other youth activities and today they are offering a delicious meal that families can purchase rather than leaving for lunch. 

Warmer weather beckons people outdoors to eat at the picnic tables under the pavilion. Some choose to chat and relax on comfy leather couches in the indoor fellowship room.

Children play outside in the playground under the trees. Youth play soccer, basketball, or volleyball in the wide open spaces. It’s a carefree scene of people closely knit together by their Christian faith, and it’s clear to this writer that these are people who genuinely enjoy one another’s company.