Singing at Urbana 18

It’s day two of #Urbana18 and there have been many fine moments already, but singing in a huge space with approximately 9,999 other people? That has to be one of the best parts of this student missions conference.

Photo from: https://ivcf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019-urbana.jpg

It’s day two of #Urbana18 and there have been many fine moments already, but singing in a huge space with approximately 9,999 other people? That has to be one of the best parts of this student missions conference.

I remember that feeling from Urbana ’93, the first and last time I was at this tri-annual gathering that brings students and leaders together from across North America and around the world. Back then, the music was a revelation. I had never before been immersed in contemporary Christian praise music like that, made especially beautiful with a global flavour, and all that richness while surrounded by so many others, singing the very same song. That feeling has not changed.

The music is as beautiful as the spirit of repentance that has defined the teaching from the main podium so far. This is a humble Urbana, aware of the mistakes earnest Christians have made in the world. Aware of the sin of caring for the need in other countries, and ignoring the problems in our own, but not apologetic for wanting to share God’s love. “The mission is God’s, not ours,” said Urbana director Ruth Hubbard. “God is a missionary God and he compels us to join him,” she said, before saying we must all repent for “the ungodly ways we have served God.” And then the music started up again.