When I was 19, I attended Urbana 1981 with my parents and my older brother, Rich. Urbana is one of the world’s largest missions conferences, held every three years between Christmas and New Years.
I had such a great time, I kept coming back for four more Urbanas (1984, 1987, 1990, 1993). At Urbana, the worship is amazing, the speakers are fantastic, and the exhortations are challenging.
However, since Shannon and I became parents, I haven’t been able to attend. Because Shannon is on staff with InterVarsity, the organization that hosts the event, she usually goes by herself, while I stay home with the two boys. But that changes this year.
Tomorrow my family drives to Lexington, KY to visit my father and sister for a few days. On December 26, we will drive to St. Louis, MO where we will join 16,000 students from all over the world for Urbana 2015. A few conferences ago, they moved from Urbana to St Louis, but decided to keep the name. I’m excited about returning to Urbana after a twenty-two year hiatus. And just as I went as a family of four thirty-two years ago, we’ll go as a family of four this year.
Shannon will be leading a Bible study for 800 students each morning, looking at the gospel of Matthew. I will be one of her minions (I am named Dave…). Minions not only wear yellow, we also assist, welcome, facilitate, and run microphones.
I’ll also lead a seminar on December 29 @3:30 on God Behaving Badly. Nathan and Noah will attend as students.
If you’re the praying sort, please pray for our drive (almost 2000 miles round-trip), for Shannon and my teaching, and that God speaks to each member of our family.
If you’re coming to Urbana, I hope to see you either at Shannon’s Bible Study, at my seminar, or at the BTS booth in the Exposition Hall.
Will you be there?