The church is commanded to reach the nations with the message of the gospel (Mat. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). This is a command not just for today, but for all generations. If missions is to continue long term, we must be active in raising up the next generation of potential missionaries. Next winter, there will be two conferences challenging young adults to consider their part in reaching the nations:

Urbana: Urbana is near and dear to my heart. Not only did I personally attend Urbana in 1996-97, but decades earlier my grandpa and grandma (then in their 20’s) also attended. They would go on to serve as missionaries on two continents. Urbana has a multi-generational history of challenging young adults to enter the mission field. This year, Urbana will meet from December 28 -January 1 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Cross Con 26: Cross Con has grown in popularity to the point where they are now holding two conferences. Both will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in January. (The first running from January 1-3, and the second from January 5-7.) The mission of the conference is to call this generation to make their lives count by making Jesus’s name known.

Are there any young adults in your congregation that you think would make gifted missionaries? Encourage them to start the new year at Urbana, or Cross Con. If you are on a missions committee, consider dedicating funds to provide scholarships for the youth of your church. If you cannot think of someone from your church to send, please join us in prayer for these conferences. It is vitally important that we train up the next generation of missionaries to continue the work of taking the gospel to the nations.

Blessings,
Dave Bliss