Over the weekend of June 18 to 20, more than 250 young adults gathered for a conference focused on faith, relationships and finding their calling entitled “Make Space”
Organised by the South Queensland Conference, this gathering was designed to encourage young people to make space in their lives and relationships for the Holy Spirit to work, based on Isaiah 54:1-3.
“Throughout the weekend, made possible by over 70 volunteers, we were challenged and empowered to step into a new season of spiritual growth and renewal,” said Alina van Rensburg, who serves as Young Adult specialist on South Queensland’s Church Support and Development Team.
The event was held at Life Church in South Brisbane on Friday night and Sabbath, and Victoria Park Golf Complex on Sunday, and was also livestreamed across Facebook and YouTube.
Lucy Dessington, a young health professional from Perth and the Growing Together project officer for Western Australia, was the keynote speaker for the weekend, sharing about the significance of acknowledging our longings and losses and finding our song within our brokenness; what it means to abide with Jesus, and how we can make space for purpose, worship, interruptions and sacrifice as we make space for His Kingdom.
“Lucy led us powerfully through the Word and invited us to experience God in new ways and to share the Good News of Jesus with those around us,” said Pastor van Rensburg.
On Sunday, 85 leaders gathered for the annual Young Adult Leaders breakfast, including pastors, elders and young adults from local Churches around South Queensland. Steven Argue, co-author of Growing With and specialist in emerging adulthood and spirituality, provided the keynote presentation via Zoom from the USA for a live webinar.
In addition, the conference featured live interviews, panel discussions and guys/girls breakout sessions, giving attendees ample opportunity to gain practical insights into their lives and purpose.
“I was involved in the praise and worship space as a singer at the Make Space conference,” said Leila Davis, a worship leader from Refresh Adventist Church (Qld). “A highlight of mine was definitely the Leadership Breakfast on Sunday morning. It wasn’t even necessarily what I learnt that struck a deep chord within me, but what I felt while being there: included, seen, empowered, and, indeed, like space had been made for me, and other young adults, to grow in knowledge, faith and leadership.”
“I helped out with the organisation of program for the conference,” added Kim Posala, a pastoral worker from Springwood Adventist Church. “Seeing our paper runsheet come to life was the highlight for me, from the brilliant hosts and inspiring interviewees to the musical items and Lucy’s powerful messages—it was such a convicting weekend.”
To watch the conference live, you can visit the South Queensland Adventist YouTube account.
