Half a World Away

Everyone at Brunstad was excited to be there during the summer conference, but this year there was one group of people that were particularly thrilled: the youth group from Australia, which consists of around 70 people.

Although many of the Australian young people have visited the conference center before, it was the first time the entire youth group travelled there together, making the trip extra special. They had been working hard for a long time to save up enough money to come.

It might seem remarkable that a group of young people would spend so much time and money to go to a Christian conference from halfway across the world, but simply seeing the immense joy on people’s faces as they reunited with some of their best friends, quickly makes you realise that such a trip is well worth the effort and expense.

Stopover in England

On the way to Norway the whole group made a stopover in England, where they visited the church in Taunton for several days. It was a marvelous experience to get to know other English speaking friends half a world away, and the English friends made a real effort to give their Australian vistors a memorable stay. It was a great start to their stay in Europe!

One of the main purposes of this trip was attending the services that were held during the conference at Brunstad. During these services the gospel about freedom from sin was preached by Godly brothers who live the life they preach. The young people have seen the effects this gospel has had on the lives of those who speak about it, so they are also eager to hear about it. Many of them came to the main hall long before the services began in order to get a seat near the front. This helped them focus on what was being said without being distracted.

“In a way it feels like you’re coming home."

Brunstad Conference Center provides fantastic facilities and many modern conveniences; however, that is not what makes it such a unique venue. When asked what made Brunstad such a special place, one of the Australian boys said:

“You’re able to come to a place where you meet many people you don’t know, from all walks of life and from many different countries and for some reason you just click with these people...”

Another put it this way:

“In a way it feels like you’re coming home. There’s a sense of peace you get here at Brunstad that you don’t get anywhere else. It’s hard to describe!”

For those visiting Brunstad for the first time this trip made a wonderful impression. Wherever they went, they were met by friendly, happy people, and enthusiastic volunteers who manned the information desks, the bank, and the supermarket. They also noticed that the various food outlets went out of their way to provide outstanding service. The people who own apartments and cabins here at Brunstad were also very hospitable and keen to receive visitors for meals and good coversations at all hours of the day or night.

During the traditional volleyball tournament, the Australian supporters were, without doubt, the most vocal of all, and stood out with their distinctive green and gold T-shirts as they cheered their teams on. Throughout the years many people have visited Australia for longer or shorter periods, and it was amazing to see how many of these people turned out to support the Australian teams!

"We will come again!"

Besides making new friends and greeting old ones, this trip also provided many opportunities for the youth from Australia to become better acquainted with one another. Different activities such as sightseeing, sports, boat trips and barbecues provided a good environment for the young people to interact with others they normally don't spend much time with.

After enjoying some of the most memorable weeks of their lives, the big question for many of these Australians is—how to save up enough money to come again next year!