I first heard about Urbana a year ago. Several people who had attended the 2006 conference tried to describe it to me, but nothing they said could have prepared me for what God would do in my heart during Urbana 09. I arrived at the conference not quite sure what to expect. I have been interested in medical missions for a while, but was desperately seeking direction from God.

Each day at Urbana began with a Bible study in John; what a perfect way to start the morning! I really enjoyed the Bible studies because they taught us how to delve into Scripture, make observations, ask questions, and answer questions based on the text. Learning how to do this has taught me that Scripture has so many rich layers filled with meaning. I now have a new way to look at the Bible that I didn’t have before, and this will undoubtedly help me as I challenge myself to dig deeper into God’s Word.

The afternoons were filled with seminars. As I sifted through countless sessions, all of which I wanted to attend, I asked God to show me what He wanted to teach me. With that in mind, I attended several seminars on medical missions, sharing Jesus with your family, and reaching the unreached. Each session taught me something new about God’s character, His unconditional love for His people, His healing power, and His desire for every nation, tribe, and tongue to know Him.

In the evening we gathered together to sing, worship, and praise our Lord. I enjoyed worshiping in different languages and listening to the echoing voices of thousands of believers filling the stadium. I imagine that this must be what Heaven is like! After worship there were several major speakers and missionaries who shared testimonies with us, some even risking their lives to be there. As I listened to their testimonies I was completely overwhelmed by what God is doing around the world to bring people into His Kingdom!

I felt increasingly challenged by each speaker to walk in the footsteps of Christ. Most of all, I felt completely humbled by God. Despite the thousands of people surrounding me, I knew I was having an intimate encounter with Him. He had opened my heart and exposed within me each doubt, fear, and worry that had burdened me. Then, He covered it with His love. Pure love. It is His perfect love for an undeserving person like me that brings me to my knees. This love compels me to serve. Toward the end of the conference I made a commitment to serve God in medical missions. I simply cannot keep quiet about the love of Jesus Christ.

“But if I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” -Jeremiah 20:9

I truly can’t find the words to describe my experience at Urbana. I don’t think the right words even exist. But nothing can really prepare you for what God will do in your heart while you are there; you will simply have to experience it yourself.

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