The fifth and final day of Urbana 06 ended the conference and 2006 with a bang. There were a variety of sessions during the day and the evening grand finale ran from 7:30p to 12:15a. It was fun to ring in the new year with 22,000 people all praising God. It was a really energizing experience!
As I reflect on my first Urbana, a few things come to mind. I was amazed at how courteous and thoughtful most people I met at the conference seemed to be and how deliberate and serious people were in their faith. This was really encouraging to me and quite contagious! The exhibitor / booth area at the America's Center contained hundreds of missions agencies and Christian (mostly seminaries) schools. It was amazing to see how many different groups are focused on spreading the Gospel. The big focus seemed to be Africa and AIDS this year. Bono delivered a very thoughtful speech to the conference and really encouraged the attendees to make a difference in the world and to take action now. The issues of extreme poverty and AIDS in Africa are our generations mega issues, and he challenged us to address these issues now and make a global change. I also felt really encouraged by all the great music, theatrical performances and sermons. I thought Rick and Kay Warren's talks on the "Challenge to Hear God's Call" was perfect for this conference too and it really spoke to me during this phase of my life.
All and all, I feel really encouraged as I consider a transition in 2007 to Japan with my company (Motorola), which will give me the chance to explore BAM in Tokyo. Please pray that I'll see God's plan for me in Japan as I consider the fact that less than half of one percent of the Japanese population have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 9:37-38
37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
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