Should I Go to Urbana 03?
Perhaps
you're thinking of going to Urbana 03, but you're unsure. The convention
is a big investment of time, money, and energy. It isn't a decision to
be made lightly. On this page, we've compiled some resources to help
you thoughtfully and prayerfully decide
about attending Urbana. We've also specifically addressed concerns about
money and family.
Why should I go to Urbana 03?
For sixty years, God has been using Urbana conventions to change the
lives of His people and to bring His Kingdom more fully to our hurting
world. God works powerfully in the lives of Urbana delegates, giving
them a bigger picture of his love for the world, his global mission,
and his work in our lives. Many people make significant decisions at
Urbana, and God has used the convention to send thousands of his people
into the mission field. But you don't have to be considering foreign
missions to come to Urbana! The only requirement is a heart willing to
receive what God has to offer.
"[Urbana] was an amazing experience which opened my mind and heart in a way I could've never expected. I traveled alone to the US, not knowing much about Urbana, honestly...but it was a call that changed my life… I'm praying so I can go back to Urbana 2003 in order to keep growing spiritually."
— Ana from Argentina
Explore this website to discover more of what God has in store at Urbana! You can check out the theme, program, speakers, worship, prayer, seminars, exhibits, and small groups.
Pray!
As with all significant decisions, your Urbana decision should start with prayer. Set aside some time just to pray about Urbana. Ask God whether or not you should go to the convention.
Weigh the benefits and costs of attending. If it helps you, make a list. Remember to have a spiritual eye: While costs like time and money are immediately apparent, benefits like direction from God or healing in your spiritual life may be less obvious. Submit these things humbly before the Lord.
Also, consider your own motivations. Why do you want to go to Urbana, or why are you hesitant? Ask God to reveal your own heart to you. Try praying from Psalm 139:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
If you are hesitant to attend Urbana out of fear of what God might call you to, then you are in danger of quenching the Spirit of God in your life. Fear is not a faithful reason to make any decision. If God reveals fear in your heart, lay it before Him in humble repentance. He is faithful to forgive and quick to love.
Even if you are already planning to go to Urbana, pray through your motivations. Understanding exactly why you're going to the convention will help you to be more focused and receive from God in your time there.
Remember that decisions are a process. You may need to return to the issue in prayer several times, and it will help to discuss the decision with a close friend or spiritual mentor. Be persistent in prayer: our God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.
Money
Financial concerns should not prevent anyone from attending Urbana 03. We want all people, regardless of their economic background, to be free to come to the convention.
If God is calling you to come to Urbana, he will be faithful to provide financially. Our Paying for Urbana page has ideas for how to save, earn, or fundraise for your convention fee. The extra work required is small compared to the spiritual treasures that God has at Urbana. Partial scholarships are also available.
Family
Our plans do not always line up with those of our families. Maybe you'd like to attend Urbana, but the week after Christmas is a special family time. Maybe your family isn't Christian, and a big Christian convention like Urbana feels suspicious to them. Maybe your parents just disapprove.
If your family is open to discussion, be honest with them about Urbana and why you want to go. Explain what Urbana is, why it's important to you, and what you're expecting to get out of it. If your family isn't Christian, you can explain how Urbana is a continuing investment in your cross-cultural education. It's a valuable, enriching experience of meeting people from across the country and around the world. You will be learning about the responsibilities that we as North Americans have to the rest of the world. If it would help your family, you could get a respected pastor or InterVarsity staff member to speak with them on your behalf.
Remember to pray! Our God can change minds.
Scripture teaches that we are to obey our parents and honor them (Eph. 6:1-3, Col. 3:20), and yet that the call of Jesus always comes before the wishes of our family (Matt. 10:34-39, Mark 10:28-31). As you pray about family issues in your Urbana decision, be certain that you are doing everything possible to love and honor your family while being certain that Jesus, not your parents, is the ultimate Lord of your decisions. Pray for the right attitude in the process; seek to love and serve your parents over your Christmas break. Do not allow anger or bitterness to dwell in your heart, but practice forgiveness, patience, and sacrificial love.
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