What is GenFest?

Why change the name from Easter Convention to GenFest?

In 1967, Waikanae Christian Holiday Park held its first Easter Convention. The event grew yearly and we at El Rancho were privileged to host tens of thousands. We had world-class speakers, families grew in spirit and every space was filled. In recent years, Easter Convention decreased in numbers, people’s needs changed, alternative choices grew and so did the price!

This year our goal is to renew our Easter event. Getting away should be fun, so we are creating a festival where families can spend time together! Life is more expensive so we thought this event should be FREE!

We changed the name from Easter Convention to GenFest. The new name represents “generosity through generations.” God blessed us so we could become a blessing and that is what GenFest is about. We created a FREE event to inspire you to pass on what you might have spent to others in need.

Sponsor. Serve. Support.

The purpose of this weekend is to fulfill exactly what the name promotes- generosity through the generations. We want to inspire life-giving deeds.  We want families to grow together and serve together.

When Jesus rose from the grave the world was changed and as a result, we are forever changed. Because we follow Christ we must change the way we live.  Because of Christ we are called to do good.  The challenge of Genfest 2010 is to revolutionise the way you and your family serve.  Make this Easter different and share God's grace by giving love away generously both locally and globally.

We will be highlighting specific ways you can be involved through the weekend.  On Easter Sunday, we will be asking for a single offering inviting you to pass on the generosity.  We urge you to partner with El Rancho in giving life away.

As Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Acts 20:35

Guest Speakers

Ian Grant

Ian Grant affectionately known as “Chieffie” has been a youth and parenting advocate for several years. He currently presents Hot Tips for Parents on seven major radio networks in New Zealand. He has written several bestselling books on uplifting parenting practices and marriage books including, Growing Great Boys, Growing Great Girls and Growing Great Marriages.

Ian is an award-winning speaker and motivator and has received numerous awards for his work with teenagers and parents using his own experiences, flair and humour.  He has hosted several radio and television programmes that include Pass the Salt, The Herd, 5.30 with Jude and Closeup.

Ian has more than 43 combined years of experience working with youth and parents and is coming this year to encourage families to serve together as a means of passion on the life of Christ in everyday life.

Rob Holding

After 17 years with Rhema Broadcasting Group, Rob Holding is now pastor of the Katikati Christian Centre in the Western Bay of Plenty. Rob brings a passion to see people walking strongly with The Lord and not, as he says; “simply sitting in the pew waiting for the rapture”.

Rob has travelled and spoken extensively around the country in the last ten years and has listened to the cry for more of God. He believes this can be found by knowing what the Bible says and putting it into practice.

Accommodation

PLEASE NOTE WE ONLY HAVE LEVEL 1 ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE NOW

GenFest 2010 accommodations are offered at the following levels:

• Level 1 - (Tent & Caravan sites, powered and non-powered)
• Level 2 - (Bunkrooms for either single family or multi-family use. e.g. Poplar, Oregon, Willow, Rimu, Rata)
• Level 3 - (Bunkroom style accommodations with a kitchenette. e.g. Crighton, Family Flats)
• Level 4 - (1 bedroom flats with an ensuite bathroom & kitchenette. Futons available. Accommodates up to 4 people. e.g. Elm, Studio)
• Level 5 - (2 bedroom flats with an on suite bathroom & kitchenette. Accommodates up to 6 people. e.g. Baker, Villas.)

(El Rancho has 436 bunks or beds and 52 camping sites. Space will be limited. We anticipate the event will fill at approximately 100 families. Guests are encouraged to camp if appropriate. We will try to provide your family with your preference of accommodation but because it is a free event we will accommodate special needs or any mobility requirements first. No requests are guaranteed.)