I went to Urbana with lots of expectations. Much to my surprise the first thing that I heard from the speaker was, “To let go of your expectations or lack of expectations”. Each day of the conference was packed with bible studies, seminars, sessions and prayer meetings. It was overwhelming as each activity was so enriching and there was so much to learn.
The conference was a glimpse of heaven with God’s presence so eminent. From morning 7 am till night 11:30 pm I was surrounded by thousands of students who were genuinely seeking God and worshipping Him. The theme of the conference was, “The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” John 1:14. I gained new perspectives towards this bible verse as I discovered anew what it means for Jesus to dwell among us. Jesus being incarnated and dwelling in my neighborhood. Initially it was difficult to imagine the incarnated Jesus dwelling in my neighborhood. My neighborhood which seems so secular and graceless. God’s love and His calling in my life broke the dichotomy between sacred and secular. It helped me to find my special dwelling place in God’s global purposes.
“The incarnated Christ didn’t bring truth to us in philosophy but in person” was a resonating statement made by one of the speakers. I am challenged to use Christ’s incarnation model to reach out to my friends rather than any business model.
I was reassured that God can use me where ever I am. I have learned not to despise any practical training as God can use any experience that I have had and use it if I cooperate. I have made a commitment to Jesus to allow Him to work through me “now”.
At the conference I was also challenged in my prayer life. I have come to a new understanding on how to pray and “The dignity of causality” (quoted by speaker) that it provides. I learned that prayer is not fundamentally about getting answers; rather it is the transformation that it brings to my life.
I confronted the truth that sharing Jesus with my college friends is the most significant and important thing that I can ever do.
I am broken but I still have my testimony. I have said "yes" to Jesus, “yes” to use me and to make His dwelling in my neighborhood.
