Brian and Bobbie Houston, the Australian founders of Hillsong Church, were guest speakers at HTB’s teaching holiday week, which was launched last night.

Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the Pope’s personal preacher, spoke this morning on the second day of the event.

The Houstons were welcomed by Vicar Nicky Gumbel as he introduced the 21st annual Focus event, which is attended by around 4,300 HTB members and friends, at Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.

Brian Houston spoke on the subject of ‘glorious obsession’.

Fr Raniero, who is 78 years old and had flown in specially from Rome, spoke on the subject of the Father’s love, reminding everyone that when he had last spoken at HTB’s Focus holiday several years ago he had spoken on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

At the end of his talk, he was given a lengthy standing ovation.

Sunny weather during the first two days has meant that large numbers have spent the afternoons on the beach.