Over 260 young people and 75 volunteers recently gathered in Smithton Church for the 30th Big Free Rally. Whilst there have been a few changes since1996, including venue, age range, and the programme of activities, it was apparent, that young people continue to enjoy meeting in Christian fellowship.
To celebrate the 30th event, which took place on Saturday 3rd October, there were several, birthday themed, additions, including colourful banners and hundreds of balloons. The young people played party games and the winning team’s prize was to knock down a piñata. No birthday would be complete without cake and four of those present, who were at the first Big Free Rally, cut the birthday cake. The morning ended with a conga to lunch.
The most important part of the day, however, was worship, and we were privileged to have Rev Matty Guy (Dingwall) and Rev Scott Hamilton (Mearns) as our speakers.
Matty gave us all a really challenging talk on Psalm 139 and later in the day spent time with the primary aged children, explaining the Parable of the Sower and how we can grow in God today.
Scott spoke to the older ones on Ephesians 1 1-6. This talk focussed on the question “who am I?” leading the young people to understand they are chosen adopted by God.
Wilma Nicolson, from ‘Women for Mission’ spoke on the history of ‘WfM’ and the current project which includes support of FCYC.
The singing was very uplifting; it is always incredible to hear these young people sing praises to God.
The Big Free Rally is for ALL young people, whether they have been to camp or not, however, many love it for the time they get to spend with camp friends. This year we added a camp reunion slot so they could spend more time with camp friends with non-campers welcomed in to join the camp activities and games.
We give thanks to God for 30 years of the Big Free Rally, for the vision of the founding group and our prayer is that our young people would continue to grow in their love for the Lord and each other and that events like the Big Free would bring them even closer to Jesus.
See you there next year!
By the Big Free Rally Committee
