I wanted to tell you all about this awesome missions conference called Urbana. I have gone twice (2003 and 2006). The conference happens once every 3 years. It is called Urbana because it used to be held at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Some 40,000 people come together for the conference. I absolutely love it. It is put on by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship which is a college campus ministry (similar to Campus Crusade for Christ). The conference is in St. Louis from December 27 to 31.
Here is the full schedule. There are morning Bible studies that really help you learn how to study the Bible inductively on your own. There are group sessions where you learn to sing songs (mostly written for Urbana) in several different languages (Spanish, French, Korean). There is an exhibit hall where you can meet hundreds of mission agencies and learn about what they do. There are dozens of "classes" for you to check out each afternoon on any topic you can imagine dealing with missions and ministry. Also in the big auditorium you will hear these amazing speakers. One of the best parts is that you sing until midnight on New Year's Eve and celebrate by dedicating the new year to God with 40,000 international brothers and sisters in Christ. It makes me think that's what heaven will be like - praising God in all different languages with so many people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
If you get a chance to go, I highly highly recommend it. Check out the website! Feel free to pass this on if you think others may be interested!
