guest speakers

dez johnston

Alpha Scotland

Dez is the director of Alpha Scotland where he serves and supports churches all over the nation. He is an ordained Baptist Minister who led an incarnational church plant in an area of mass deprivation in Scotland whilst being the Alpha Scotland Youth Coordinator previous to becoming the Director. Dez continues to serve widely across the youth work scene which has seen him recently be appointed as Europe, Middle East and North Africa Youth Director. Keeping him busy at home are his wife Fi, daughter, Amber, Cody and newest addition, Finn. When he is not cooking for his family, Dez loves music, the PlayStation, hats and sunglasses! He also has a small addiction to really, really old books and working out new ways of communicating our culture.

matthew macneil

founder of awakening

Matthew MacNeil is the Youth Development & Schools Worker for The Shed Project in Stornoway. He lives in the Outer Hebrides and has been serving in his role serving the community and the church. Matthew is passionate to see young people encounter the reality of the love God has for them. With a passion for young people and a heart to serve the Father, Matthew heard the call to create a space for young people to come and experience the Presence of God, thus Awakening Youth Conference was born. Matthew is also a Photographer but his greatest passion continues to be leading young people to experience more of the reality of who Jesus is and the love He has for them.

guest worship leader

Sam hibbard

youth development co-ordinator at Sheddocksley baptist Church

Sam Hibbard is a 23 year old based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Sam is the youth and young adults development co-ordinator at Sheddocksley baptist church, he is also part of the worship team community. He enjoys music, time with people, reading (this is a new hobby) and a good game of football with friends. He is passionate about writing songs that carry a message of hope. He has a desire to create spaces for people to find connection with one another and to grow in the awareness of Gods love and freedom.