A Taste of Heaven
The International Students Track at Urbana 06by Terrell Smith
"I was treated to a picture of the kingdom of heaven" one participant said at the last International Students Track at Urbana 03, where over 90 nations were represented. "It was an incredible picture of what the kingdom of God will look like when every tribe and nation will be gathered before the throne!"
How will international students and scholars serve Jesus Christ as Lord and make a difference? How will internationals be called to participate in what God is doing to change individual lives and even whole countries? Around the world, new doors are opening for the gospel. God is strategically placing internationals with their skills, language abilities, and education all over the world.
The International Students Track at Urbana 06 is designed for Christian international students and scholars and North Americans who are currently involved in friendship and ministry with internationals. The Track will deepen faith, broaden horizons, sharpen skills, and clarify God's calling.
As part of the larger Urbana 06 Student Missions Convention, the Track will host 1,000 participants who will:
- Live together in a specially assigned hotel, which will provide opportunities to network with other Christian internationals from all over the world.
- Participate in practical seminars that motivate and equip.
- Meet in country specific small groups for prayer and worship in many different languages and customs.
- Enjoy multi-cultural Bible studies and worship.
A worship team made up of international students will lead worship in Korean, Japanese, Chinese, English, and other languages, in a variety of worship styles, giving us a taste of heaven. A student from Togo said, "After Urbana and the International Students Track, one sole idea continues to cross my thoughts: to reply to the love of our Father by sacrificing my life for mission in my country and elsewhere."
Evening prayer groups will be arranged by countries, so internationals can pray for their countries in their own languages, and worship God in their own styles. "The country- and area-specific prayer groups helped me to network, grow in my love and vision for my people and country" one student shared. Another said, "We pray for our country, that God would provide pastors and evangelists and missionaries. Those that I have met here have a mission. They want to do something for God and for China."
Daily Bible studies in the Book of Ephesians will draw participants closer to the heart of God, and give them a passion for reaching his world. "The multi-cultural Bible studies helped me to see Scripture from many perspectives and to apply it in my life," one participant said. Another added, "Urbana helped me understand my place in God's purposes in the world."
Practical seminars specific to the needs of internationals will train and equip internationals as they return home or go to another part of the 'world. "There are elements from Urbana which I could bring home to challenge and mobilize the current generation of NZ students to heed God's call to participate in his worldwide mission," a Track participant said. International-Students Tracks of the past have been the birthplace of national movements, such as the African Christian Fellowship,', and the Japanese Christian Fellowship Network (originally called Urbana-Kai).
Perhaps God is calling you to participate in the next International Students Track at Urbana 06. You can gather a group of friends to register and go together! Or, perhaps you know of an international student or scholar who should be there to experience a taste of heaven, and you. could even help them pay for it.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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