During their first year in Newman, Roger & Amanda Kyngdon realised that Halloween was a big deal in their community. In fact, because 31 October falls in the middle of a school term, Halloween was bigger than Easter and Christmas.

As there were lots of big events in town, the Kyngdons decided to start an alternative. In 2018 they ran their first ‘Light Party’, and it has become an annual event which has grown in popularity each year. 

Along with the gospel message being proclaimed, Light Parties include games, craft, activities, and a BBQ. For the Kyngdons, it has become one of their favourite events of the year. Last year, 50 kids plus their families came along to celebrate the light!

“Each year we are always surprised by the number of people who attend,” says Roger. “Although many people in Newman, let alone the rest of Australia, enjoy the other event in October, it is a great opportunity to share the message that Jesus is the light of the world and that we do not need to live in darkness.

“The other encouraging thing is that a lot of the families who come along are non-church families who are invited by people from our church, or who have connected through our Playtime ministry. Those who attend hear the Gospel clearly – We walk in the light, as he is in the light 1 John 1:7.”

Light Parties are not only held in Newman, but in churches right across the world. In 2013 Scripture Union in the UK started providing churches with resources to use because of the amazing opportunity for communities to hear the Good News of the Gospel.

In 2023, following on from the lead of the Kyngdons, the Faricys in Kununurra held their first Light Party. “We had a fantastic time at our first Light Party!” says Daniel. “More than 50 kids were there, with one third of families coming from unchurched families. Praise God for Jesus – the light of the world!

“The following year we built on that effort and sizzled some sausages and had some fun carnival activities – light jars, a lollipop tree, and glowin- the-dark bowling. Henry (our assistant minister) shared how Jesus is the light of the world, who brings light into our world. In 2024, we had more parents in Kununurra come with their kids than the previous year, and there were many good conversations. One family then came to church on the Sunday.”

If you would like to know more about holding a Light Party, you can find resources on the internet or why not email the Kyngdons or
the Faricys?