Urbana 09 Sharing
Aaron:
The grand hallways and endless escalators of the Edward Jones Dome were once again packed full of people, Christians of all nations, gathered to share in communion of Christ’s Holy calling under booming speakers, a massive football stadium, and blazing lights. Knowing that it was all done for God, it sums-up to a wonderful expression of adoration to the King. Every keynote and seminar speakers, the multi-dimensions of musical and artistic worship, the packed agendas, endless mission pamphlets, yes, even enthusiastic road facilitators were meticulously organized. This goes to show how every staff member had ready in their hearts the joy to serve, what is very representative of the central purpose of this mission conference: preparing people to serve. Such superficial goodness had even yet to exemplify the utmost quality of the entire Urbana experience, a lifetime eye-opener! The keynote speakers, coming from various mission-driven backgrounds, shared diverse values and principles to note in fields ranging from the business world to the poor in third world countries, even to being persecuted by violent groups. Every speech and sharing embodies lifetime experiences and lessons of success in the gospel, only through the power and grace of God, reconciling the broken world to Jesus. Delving in the Word every morning with complete strangers, brothers and sisters, was rather reassuringly heart-warming. Seminars shedding light on Christians in the scientific world, in a foreign country, in most unimaginable circumstances opened minds to a whole new world of possibilities. Moreover, sharing in commonalities of Taiwanese Christians in the International Student track was also most rewarding.
With regards to the current Montreal Christian climate, Urbana has helped me put in perspective how impacting the world could happen simply in one’s neighborhood: the French Canadians, many under-privileged groups of people, maybe people living in the Little Burgundy or in Eastern Montreal, where crime rates are typically higher. Furthermore, I’ve been encouraged by meeting many other Taiwanese brothers and sisters in other North American cities, who also show zeal in serving the Lord. Most importantly, I began to recognize that God’s plans may go beyond skill sets that one already possesses, what a speaker referred to as acquired skill sets. With lack of words to do justice for God’s goodness, lavished through this conference, I can only suggest dear brothers and sisters, to consider being challenged in life by planning to attend the coming Urbana.
Timmy:
What I learned most was concerning prayer. As our faith grows, so should our prayer. When we pray we always like to reiterate to God what he already knows. But instead of putting the focus on the people or on any material things, we should put the focus on God. We can look at prayer from another perspective other than from the Lord’s Prayer such as from Acts 4. The prayer can be separated into 4 sections: proclamation of God’s sovereignty, Him being the creator, revealer and actor. If God was not in control of everything, it would not make any sense for us to pray. In other words, when we pray, things happen. Furthermore, he is a God who speaks to us and reveals himself to us and is active throughout history. We must learn to survey all possibilities and to pray big and bold as our God is a great god and nothing is impossible.
Marcelo:
URBANA 2009 gave me a model for missions in the image of God becoming flesh and living among us through Jesus Christ. In terms of location, a mission field can be as small as our circle of friends and family, as big as our campus or neighborhood and as far as the four corners of the world. For me, my life is my mission field. I believe we are called to be incarnational wherever we go, into the places that God has sent us, to be a light to a community and to the world so that they may know of God's love. This is my recommitment to God's work in His Kingdom.
After Urbana, God presented me with an unique opportunity to be sent into the world this summer. I will be going on a month-long mission trip to China as part of the Global Partnership program organized by Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). I am joining a team of Canadian students and staff to be part of the amazing work that God has already been doing in China. Please pray for us and for the people we are going to meet there.
Michael:
URBANA 2009 was a time of renewal and recommitment. Many lessons were learned or refreshed. I was particularly touched by messages given on December 29th by three different speakers. First, our Bible expositor, Ramez Atallah encouraged us to practice graduated (increasing) tithe. As our income increase, so should the percentage of our offering. He compared the idea to the different tax brackets we have today. He also shared with us a way to determine whether we should make a purchase or not by asking ourselves whether it is a tool or a toy. He also encouraged us to live below our income and to give more to the missions.
The first speaker in the evening, Shane Claiborne gave quite a few memorable lines. Two of them stuck in my mind, possibly for a very long time. They are “The blessings of God are too good to keep for ourselves,” and “If you cannot give away your possessions, then they are not your possessions. You are their possessions!”
Oscar Muriu spoke last and did it well. He gave a touching testimony about his attempt to bring a prostitute to Christ. He thought he was able to answer any questions and to resolve any situation. But this lady was different. She would loved to come to Christ but she felt she couldn’t as she had to feed her two years old daughter while she did not know any trade and could only sell her body. He watched her leave, speechless and powerless. Through this story, he intended to remind us that we must be humble while we are on mission fields. We cannot have a know-it-all attitude. We must be ready to listen.
Irene:
A seminar designed specifically for international students had a great impact on me. It was about “going back.” The seminar reminded us about the love and the passions we have to possess toward our native country. We were being sent by God to other countries for a purpose. We should not forget our countries; instead, we need to pray firmly for God’s people in our nations and praying for more people knowing Christ. The speaker also drew some examples about people who have devoted themselves for their countries. Some people returned to their countries to spread the gospels. Some staying abroad increasing others awareness on their countries. In the past, most missioners being sent to Taiwan were foreigners. However, I think, us, who speak the native language of our mother land would make a greater difference on our land. We should really be the one who spread the gospels in our land and do something for our nations
Melanie:
My second Urbana experience helped me to realize God's work in me for the past few years. I believe that my calling from God is to spread the gospel through missions. At Urbana, one of my favorite speakers, Shane Claiborne, encouraged us to live our life for Jesus, and to spread Jesus to the lost, the blind, the poor, the outcast, the hungry and the sick. Jesus gave himself for us so we can live, and the best way we can live our life is to give ourselves to others.
Hilary:
Mission isn’t only about going out of my own country to try reaching foreigners in remote areas; but, simply staying in my community to try reaching those whom I am familiar with and yet to be Christians. I never understood that there is a second part to the meaning of mission until I went to Urbana. God not only allows me to understand this second meaning through speaker Ramez Atallah, but He even uses me to play the role of leadership for both Marianopolis Christian Fellowship and TRC Youth Fellowship in which I am able to carry out my faith into actions by sharing it with my dear brothers and sisters. That being said, the most important for me right now is to share my faith with my parents whom are yet Christians.
God never said this work would be easy, and He’s right. It could be difficult at times. However, through these few opportunities like Urbana and thankfully, the upcoming summer retreat, I will learn even more about mission and be even more equipped for the process to become an effective witness for God in my community.
Joseph:
I am impressed by the variety of music that the worship team presents. We can worship God with so many ways and with so many languages and cultures. Each way has its own beauty. I appreciate a lot the fact that no matter who we are, we will find a way that suits us to worship Him from the bottom of our heart.
I like how they arranged the seminars. It is so specific to any kind of people that are in different fields. It’s also a way to help us to apply our faith in our life, especially at school and at work.
From those speeches, I realized that I should have a larger view of Christianity. Just like Jesus who welcomes everyone including the Samaritan woman, we should be opened to everyone and shouldn’t judge them by their appearance.
The moment touched me the most is the prayer meeting with people from other countries. The power of prayer is so big that we can gather together and leave those culture gaps aside to be one in Christ. In Jesus’ eyes, we have no difference. We’re all his beloved sheeps.
