Vision Conference
Despite the national airline meltdown right before Vision22, over 1,000 attendees from 78 nations made it to the conference. God worked miracles to get staff and students there!
Zack did videography and Annalei assisted him with admin/production tasks. This was a great learning experience for her. Zack and his team captured six amazing stories of God’s work in the lives of international students. We will feature these stories in future newsletters.
I (Naomi) coordinated prayer for the Children of Abraham (COA) Track, which hosts students from the Middle East. Through the Covid pandemic and zoom prayer calls, the Lord has grown my skills in leading prayer. I felt like I was in my ministry niche this year at Vision22, and I just loved it. A COA staff member wrote, “Naomi, thank you for your diligence to get us all praying even more! Jesus is so pleased with this and His Kingdom is advancing even more mightily!”
Miah was a “gofer” for the COA Track. She also prayed with me and other Bridges staff during the discussion groups times. One evening she was invited to join a discussion group. The next morning, Miah had gone to a different session. “Mike” (a Middle Eastern Christian student) said to me, “Where is your daughter? We need her in our group! She is so wise.”
Meeting Jesus
It is typical for the COA Track to not see any decisions for Christ at Vision, but sometimes a week or two after students will accept Christ. We prayed that God would bring COA students to Christ during Vision22, and He answered by bringing an astounding six precious ones into His kingdom!
“Lisa” had a dream about Jesus before coming to Vision. She was moved to tears when she heard that God was her Heavenly Father. She came to Christ and was already sharing her testimony with others!
“Sammy” was miraculously healed of a severe headache and high blood pressure after his group leader prayed for him. He was able to stay for the morning session, which covered the power of the Holy Spirit and how to receive Christ. After the session Sammy accepted Christ! Reflecting on the conference, he said, “I accepted Jesus with my heart and my mind. The Holy Spirit lives in me, and I already feel more peace and love for others.”
I spoke with Sammy’s fiancée, “Margaret,” that evening. She understood that Jesus is God but did not understand that He died on the cross for our sins. I was able to use the God Tools app and share the gospel with her in her heart language. Her heart was open and ready, and the prayed to receive Christ with me. It was such a joy!
Another gal “Jessica” also came to Christ and so did a married couple “Rodger” and “Penelope.” God was so faithful to answer our prayers for these students!
Quotes from COA Students:
“I came thinking Jesus was just a prophet, but now I know that everything He said about Himself is 100% true!”
“We didn’t know that Jesus is God!” – “All my life I have been thinking about purpose of life and what happens after death.” – “In my country someone could be killed for this decision so it’s not something I can decide quickly.”
“I feel weary in having to pray every day and wear this covering.”
VISION STATS
42% of students who attended were not Christians
1699 spiritual conversations took place
827 gospel presentations
20 students (including 6 from COA) placed their faith in Jesus!
PRAISE REPORTS
God was so faithful to get over 1,000 people to Vision22
Lisa, Sammy, Margaret, Jessica, Roger, and Penelope all came to Christ during the conference!
259 Christian students signed the Kingdom pledge to go, do, save, and give whatever the Lord calls them to.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Spiritual protection and growth for the new believers.
That all students who attended Vision would take the next step spiritually.
For those who are still seekers, that God would give them Spirit-led discussions with Bridges staff and volunteers on their campuses.