The Beginning

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

From December 27-31, 2009, I attended InterVarsity’s 22nd Urbana student missions conference. The theme of the conference was “He Dwelled Among Us,” a reference to John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” With over 17,000 other students and young adults, I learned how God’s Incarnation is a model for how we can live missional lifestyles.

Students at the Urbana Conference gathered in America's Convention Center in St. Louis

Every day consisted of a morning session, two afternoon seminars, and an evening session. On Monday, the first full day of the conference, I attended the seminar titled “Your Role in Medical Missions Today.” I was excited to hear how God was working through doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of those abroad. I realized that my passion for medicine and healthcare was very similar to that of my brothers and sisters who were medical missionaries overseas. I felt, and still feel, God is calling me to the medical field to use my gifts and abilities to further his kingdom. As I learned about how medical missionaries are being sent to all regions of the world, I became more interested in learning how God can use my love for medicine as a part of His greater mission.

One of the blessings of Urbana is that for students looking for missions opportunities there is a multitude of Christian organizations at its “Global Connexions.” Each organization has a booth and representatives with whom students can talk and find out more information. It was during this time that I was able to receive prayer for how God would use medicine as a way for me to share God’s love for others.

A glimpse of Global Connexions

At the December 30 Wednesday evening session, decision cards were given to each student. On this card, students signed a commitment and wrote the name of a person that would hold them accountable to their commitment. Feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, I committed to serving in a short-term missions capacity for the summer of 2010. My old roommate Claudia and current roommate Jeanette, both of whom were also at the conference and in my Urbana small group, would hold me accountable to this commitment. While I did not yet know where God was calling me, I wanted to experience medical missions in a global and/or cross-cultural setting.

My Decision Card

Thank you for your prayers before, while, and after I attended the Urbana conference. The Holy Spirit was working on so many people’s hearts, and I am testament to that. God began a great work in me through the conference and I am excited that I am able to partner with you in this. Please let me know if you would like to hear more about Urbana. I am always happy to share more!