Stories from Urbana
A few Laurentian students (L-R) Jessica, Sandra, Laura
Here are some stories from two students I had the blessing of spending time with at Urbana 2009.
JESSICA (left in photo):
As an undergrad student finishing up my last year and having absolutely no idea what’s next, I decided that going to Urbana was the perfect thing for me to do in such a time of transition. I guess I showed up hoping to be impacted by a specific topic, organization or speaker and receive some clear conformation or guidance about God’s plan for my life. Well, I didn’t quite get what I expected…but I know I got what I needed. Throughout the entire week I was constantly convicted to humble myself before my Creator. It was totally challenging and refreshing to dissect The Word and see what Jesus was like while “He dwelled among us”.
On the third day of Urbana there was an interview done with Patrick Fung, the general director of OMF. Dr.Fung was so humble and wise; one of those people you see and know that they really get what it means to live as a Christian. Something he said really blew my mind, although you may think it’s pretty simple. He said that while he was a student in medical school God had challenged him to first, give God his heart, then talents and gifts. I know that God is telling me to give Him total control because He knows better than I do. Now I just need to remember this and wait on God for guidance regarding the next step to take.
UPDATE: After Urbana, Jessica led a bible study with another Laurentian student who attended Urbana in the dormitories that surpassed her expectations and went very well! Jessica has now completed her final semester at Laurentian.
LAURA (right in photo):
Urbana was an incredibly challenging and amazing conference! I would recommend anyone who wants to be stretched and learn more about serving God in their own community and around the world to attend. I was reminded of the Lord’s desire to use me to serve and show Jesus to the people around me – both in my neighbourhood and in neighbourhoods globally. During my last few months at university I have committed to purposefully reaching out to my fellow teacher’s college students and also to fostering community without our campus IVCF group. Urbana reminded me of the essential call I have to go out and live like Jesus, hanging out with my neighbours and loving them as God does – unconditionally.
UPDATE: After Urbana, Laura finished her last semester on campus, and took part in a mission trip to Kenya. Upon her return, she has accepted a two year teaching position in Tanzania. She is excited to go and use her vocational skills to serve Jesus in the classroom!
Life-giving work with students
After a long day staring at a computer screen and hoping a cup of coffee will make me more alert, nothing brings life into my day like working with students and hearing how Jesus is working (and sometimes interrupting) their lives towards his purposes.
A few weeks ago I was sitting at my desk at my part-time office job. It was just after lunch and I was hitting the “3 pm brick wall”. It was my first day back after a week away and I was waiting for my third cup of coffee to kick in so I would be more alert. The day wasn’t particularly stressful; in fact, I had actually been able to complete some projects and do some needed maintenance on others. It was a day when I had minimal interruptions and distractions, and was experiencing one of my “ideal” days at the office. Yet, by mid-afternoon, I could barely stay focused on the task at hand.
Just then I received an email from one of my students, she had spent some time at a conference the week prior and had some very significant conversations and time in scripture. What came out of this week left her spinning, and as she was processing these encounters and an invitation to ministry, she asked to meet with me to discuss her options.
Now, this email came as a complete surprise, and also filled me with complete joy! This was the type of invitation I had hoped to make to this student but sadly was not able to during the school term! It was super exciting to receive this email, and also see that some of my hopes for this student were fulfilled despite my absence, and yet to still be invited in the process!
It was after this email and making plans to meet with this student, that I was alert and had the energy to push through the rest of the day! It became clear to me that nothing else in my life truly compares to the life-giving work of working with students and walking with them as they encounter Jesus and respond to his call!
The Arch 