During the five days, we all were challenged in ways we never expected. Experiencing the wonderful diversity of the body of Christ through new friendships and multilingual worship was just one of the many highlights of the week.

“You Have a Calling” was the conference theme, and those four words resonated deeply among all students. Each morning, we started bright and early with an in-depth Bible study of the book of Ephesians. Then we traveled to the Edward Jones Dome for a time of teaching and worship. Throughout the day, speakers focused on everything from answering “Yes” to whatever God wants of you to loving the poor and sick in the world.

During the afternoons, we could explore a variety of topics through seminars, as well as visit with 270 mission agency representatives. Night sessions, like those in the morning, were another awesome time of energetic worship and learning. Many speakers focused on the importance and interdependence of the body of Christ. As a sign of that interdependence, we ate porridge to remember the hungry and spent time praying, praising God, sharing in communion and listening for the voice of God.

Through Urbana 2006, God moved in powerful and breathtaking ways in many lives. On behalf of all the NWC students who attended, thank you, Northwestern, for enabling this opportunity to explore vocation through mission.