Do you ever get that feeling when you return from a conference and everything seems quiet and you wish the conference was just a little longer? If you do, you may be able to relate to where I am coming from. It’s great to be home, but it was also great being away with so many wonderful YFC people.

The conference was excellent, and maybe even the best YFC staff conference I have been to, and this was my 8th (I think!. I have tried to think why, and maybe its due to the freedom of having no team this year which enabled me to be more available to others.



Ajith Fernando was due to be our main speaker for the conference. He is the national director of Sri Lanka YFC and quite rightly felt that he should not leave his country at this current time. Karl Martin actually did our Bible studies and he was excellent, mainly because he shared his struggles and was honest about the pain of ministry and where he is at the moment.

There were other excellent speakers and events during the week:

Bishop James Jones spoke on our last night and provided some great insights into Jesus and the earth based on a 3 month sabbatical where he seemed to do little else then re-read the gospels.

We experienced the Rob Lacey tour one night which runs through the Bible from beginning to end. Very funny and very good to see.

There were also good talks from Roy Crowne and other YFC staff with a good mix of valuable seminars as well.

All of the above were excellent but they were not the highlights of my week. The highlights of my week were:

1.At a collection for Sri Lanka YFC on the second night we raised £8000 – amazing to think that a lot of the 350 people, which is amazing in itself but even more so when we know that many people there were unwaged and volunteers.

2. Having a meal with the Solent YFC team, who have become good friends, and experiencing kiwi juice for the first time while discussing the merits of living in Essex … or not!

3. Sharing with other directors who are struggling but trust me enough to share their pain as well as allow me the privilege of praying with them.

4. Having a prayer meeting with the London cluster of directors rather than go immediately to the bar after the evening session.

5. Seeing my old team relating well together under the leadership of Malcolm.

6. Having breakfast with my great friends Den and Sha.

7. Being prayed for by those that care enough to pray with me.

8. Discussing into the early morning with Rich, Hugh and Pauline how we can transform the city of London for God, as well as drinking Caffreys and red wine.

9. Sharing the pains and joys of relational youth work with Helen Gatenby from Urban Action Manchester.

10. Being asked to watch a video produced by Jemima and Andrea from Newmarket YFC which they used in a school.

11. The sheer privilege of interviewing other centres from around the country and hearing the exciting things they are getting up to.

All of this was topped/enhanced/whatever by being part of, and worshipping with, a 350 strong and diverse family who’s only common factor and desire is their passion to see Jesus shared with the young people of this nation.

It’s great to be back, and I am touched once again that things like this only happen due to the financial giving of others – those of you who give to YFC so that I can do this role. Thanks loads for your generosity – you are top people.