During its long history, the work of Keswick has rippled around the world, and there are now established ministries in some 16 countries, with nearly 90 individual Conventions, large and small. The Hungarian work, known as BalatonNET, is an example of a nation catching the vision and making it its own, shaping a programme that is attracting young and old, and which is uniting believers across different denominations. Attila Kapocs tells the story…
Jozsef Csaplar, a Hungarian pastor and church planter, walked around the Keswick tent about 20 years ago with a growing conviction that a similar event had to be started in Hungary. Our Lake District is Lake Balaton, so it seemed obvious to team up with a local church in one of the villages by the lake, the leadership of the Evangelical Alliance and like-minded pastors and start BalatonNET.
This year we will celebrate the 19th BalatonNET and it is great to look back to God’s provision over the past nearly two decades. A total of 1,500 people attend over five days. Many pastors, elders, and mission leaders – including Hungarians living in neighbouring countries – choose to finish their summer at Lake Balaton (see main picture) attending the event. We work with an annual theme which shapes the main sessions and workshops. We invest in the next generation through our children and youth programmes. Our art programme is also getting stronger every year – inspired by Keswick Unconventional.
