There was something about the summer holidays this year in the UK (post pandemic) that felt different from any other previous year – uncertainty, desperation, cancellations, lost luggage, rail strikes, long queues at Dover, ever increasing costs – all played their part.
But for the thousands of Christians who made the annual pilgrimage this year to the pretty Cumbrian town of Keswick for the Keswick Ministries Convention, none of the above happened and the most common words used by participants to describe their holidays were uplifting, challenging, and empowering.
I have often wondered why people return year after year to the same holiday destination. For sure, Keswick Ministries knows the answer to that question. The facts speak for themselves. The first event 147 years ago took place in a tent on the lawn attracting 300+ people. Today Keswick Convention attracts 3,000+ people over three weeks during the school holidays, and thousands more online.
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink”
Established in 1875 and with the same aim today as it was back then, the event aims to meet the needs of those who want greater depth in their spiritual lives.
Over the decades though, the Convention has also become known for many other things; encouraging Christians from many denominations to work together, a focus on scripture and its application in our lives, and a commitment to mission with a real desire to see the opportunities which could be reproduced around the world.
TCF members joined the pilgrimage this year – many not for the first time!
Marion: “Oh I remember our first time. We were on a caravan holiday in the 90s and we were drawn in by the marvellous music we could hear. We tracked down where it was coming from and actually attended the convention that year. For many years after we returned with the kids – once with their friends – 11 teenagers on the same family holiday! I have also attended as a volunteer.”
Mary: “I found out about the Keswick convention from many people at TCF who had been going for years. In 2018, I attended as a volunteer to help at the convention and Marion joined me then.
“It’s a real privilege serving God in this way and being part of something that is so big you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else. It’s just lovely.”
Hearing them both talking about their Convention experiences over the years is so encouraging.
“The sound alone hearing 2-3 thousand people singing their heartfelt praise to God is so moving it’s hard to find the words to describe it. You just have to be there. The convention also attracts the highest calibre of speakers, changing each week. And the programme caters for all age groups.”
Hearing them both talking about their Convention experiences over the years is so encouraging.
“The sound alone hearing 2-3 thousand people singing their heartfelt praise to God is so moving it’s hard to find the words to describe it. You just have to be there. The convention also attracts the highest calibre of speakers, changing each week. And the programme caters for all age groups.”
Gordon and Eunice: “Eunice and I recently returned from an uplifting two weeks at the Keswick Convention. The overall theme this year was “Grateful”.
“It was exciting to see thousands of Christians, including many young people, gather for praise and to hear God speak through the excellent ministry and teaching.
“We were particularly encouraged and challenged by the bible readings. Week one was Alistair Begg on 2 Timothy reminding us to adhere to the truth of God’s word and not dilute it to fit in with our secular society as many churches are doing. Second week was Jeremy McQuoid on Ephesians ch, 1-3 reminding us that we don’t go to church – “we are church” – and spreading the truth of what God has done for us in Christ.
“It’s easy to get fired up from being at the Convention for a couple of weeks but the challenge is to put into practice the ministry we heard, and the danger is like the good seed in the parable of the sower that the cares of this world don’t come in and choke it out.”
Kayla was personally inspired at this year’s Convention:
“As the organisation I work for undergoes a season of change and I find myself having to take on more responsibility, I’ve become somewhat afraid, doubting my ability.
“However, during my time at the Keswick Convention, I was reminded that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 7)
- Power – to enable us to keep going and to do His work,
- Love – to look to the interest of others
- Self-control – to live as God’s holy people.
“Paul’s words to Timothy have encouraged me to continue in faith and be brave in the face of hardship, knowing that God is with me and working in me. “Just as Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong and bold, this is what I needed to hear too.”
Our contributors were keen to also stress if you are tempted to attend next year, don’t just go for a day because you will want more and you’ll be annoyed you can’t get accommodation! They point you towards Keswick Ministries website to learn more about The Keswick Fellowship and the many events, other than Keswick, which you can attend throughout the year.
You can find all the services on Keswick Ministries YouTube channel.
Published August 26th 2022