In the beginning…there was Richard in a marquee.
But by the end there was lots of tired but smiling faces inspired by God’s creativity, amazed by the servant-nature of those in charge, and motivated to keep God at the centre of their lives through the “awesome illustration of a stone in a jar”.
Revive 2017 saw a shift, not only in the stage placement in the main marquee, but towards an immersive and creative experience for all, reflecting how God created us to be in his image.
Young and old alike had a great experience. From the little ones enjoying the new state-of-the-art nursery, the teens making a mess with coloured paint, to the parents astounded at “how many people are spending the entire weekend looking after and teaching our children”. One parent even exclaimed that “really it was the best place to have an accident! Everyone was around to help look after the kids.” Glad we could help, but not sure that’s the aim!
We are so lucky to belong to a network of churches with such a “wealth of gifts in teaching – we don’t need big name speakers when our own speakers are so amazing!” And the teaching didn’t disappoint. Whether you were lucky enough to attend all of the evening events, or were one of the parents “taking it in turns with another family to babysit so we can all attend the evening events on one of the nights” you couldn’t fail to feel privileged to belong to something bigger than just Sunday at church.
Whether you spent your free time chilling by the 4pmer’s fire pit (or in the fragrant yurt!), found Awesome Cutlery “hilarious” or tested your strength in the tug-of-war you are sure to have struck up some great conversations with new and old friends alike.
The best way to sum up Revive 2017?
“God was so kind and gave us just what we needed.”
“Great talks. Stressful at times but grand to be together and to get a shot in the arm!”
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
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