At last week’s 84th annual Missions Conference, the student body took a three-day break from classes to focus on missions and changing the world for the furthering of God’s kingdom. Throughout the conference, we were exposed to some world-class speakers and missionaries that helped empower the students to go spread the love of God to all the nations. Most would agree that the presence of the Holy Spirit was very present and thick in the sessions.
For those that have attended the conference any year in the past, it’s a known fact that the Thursday night session has a reputation for being passionate and spirit-filled. This year, Thursday night met and exceeded all expectations. The service went an hour past the time limit and the altar was filled with hundreds of students seeking prayer and leaders prophesying over students and their futures.
As a Christ follower, watching the Biola community worship together in unity and passion was a beautiful sight. Right before my eyes, I saw people restored from addictions, filled with the Holy Spirit and receive callings for their lives. Beyond Thursday night, the entirety of the conference was incredible and students’ lives were changed forever. This experience mirrored those that I had at youth camp in high school. When I noticed the mirror, I began to notice a pattern.
Unfortunately, after these conferences and camps are over, students frequently fail to maintain the momentum they built once they return to the “real world.” I question how you can be so on fire for the Holy Spirit and ready to change the world one day, then soon after, lose the momentum that God gave you. Though this is my first year at Biola, I have had many conversations with many students that indicate that this happens all the time. In high school, I would frequently see new students come to youth camp and leave equipped to make a difference, passionate about getting connected in the youth group, and ready to start their new journey with God. Sadly, in most instances, their relationship with God begins to sink once they leave, as does their attendance in the youth group.
My biggest fear for our student body post-Missions Conference is that we fail to remember all that God did in that week and apply it to our lives. Based off the conversations I have had with others, it’s safe to say that the conference helped a lot of people come to a deeper place in their relationship with God. For some of us, we even gained wisdom that will help us change the world for God’s glory. I would hate to see someone who was ignited to go spread the gospel to all nations fail to do so because they lost the momentum the conference gave them.
We are blessed to go to a school that wants to help all of its students grow in their faith and be ignited. As the students, we would be crazy not to take advantage of this opportunity. Biola has created many areas around campus that serve the purpose of being a place where you can experience solitude and talk to God. In addition, we have a world-class Bible faculty that wants to help deepen your understanding and knowledge of the Bible. Listen in class: You could get something out of it. When we are willing to maintain this momentum and take advantage of the opportunities we have to deepen our spiritual growth, our desire to become equipped and ready to impact the world for Jesus Christ will grow.
