This past month, the sixth Free Church Continuing Youth Conference returned to the Ratagan Youth Hostel beneath the Five Sisters of Kintail. The setting suited the subject perfectly, with Rev. Graeme Craig giving talks about Creation and Evolution. It also provided ample opportunity for recreation, with some of the bolder attendees taking a dip in the frigid Loch Duich (though they understandably ran back in rather quickly for a shower). But there was still plenty for the less adventurous of us – trips to the local coffee shop and plenty of walks and talks were in order. 

Rev. Craig certainly provided us with discussion material in abundance. The three talks looked at the importance of the doctrine of creation and its impact, with time for questions and answers at the end of each. With the prevalence of evolutionary theory in the world at large, and especially in the universities where many of the young people are studying the sciences, there could have scarcely been a more suitable or applicable topic, and many questions were discussed. A focus in the last talk was given to sharing the doctrine of creation with others, where so many are stuck in their ideas about the Big Bang and consider such ideas as ours to be nothing but wishful fantasy. There were also books and magazines available for browsing, and the young people were given a riveting review of one in particular concerning astronomy.

As per usual, all at the weekend owe immense gratitude to our lovely cooks and skilful cook, Joanne MacIver and Sohana McKenzie. Additional thanks is also due to Sohana for giving her beautiful testimony on Sunday night. Thanks also to Rev. Craig for his labours in giving his talks and also his testimony. The Committee is also, as ever, to be thanked, with particular gratitude to Mr. Hugh MacDonald, former Chair, who is leaving the Committee for now. We wish him all the best with his new focus. Final thanks is due to Rev. James MacInnes and his congregation for welcoming us on Sunday morning and evening. The next Youth Conference is to be held in late October/early November of this year, and it is expected to be held in Ratagan. (DV)

Some who attend the Free Church Continuing Youth Conference with Mr Craig.