Special newsletter from our national office:
MOON-WALKER URGES STUDENTS TO SEARCH FOR THEIR ‘DESTINY’
International students from 64 nations pursue a quest for life’s purpose at “Vision 2016.”
By Bill Horlacher
Though focused on an incredible destination, he was clueless about his destiny.
When General Charles Duke blasted off from Kennedy Space Center in 1972, he was en route to becoming one of only 12 men ever to walk on the moon. But he lacked inner truth and peace. Not until 1978, when he placed his faith in Jesus, did he find his ultimate purpose.
“I now know my final destiny,” said Duke as he spoke during the opening session of Vision 2016. “I know where I’m headed; I know I’m on the right road. I’m the only one here who walked on the moon…but we can walk with Jesus together.”
This appeal resonated among Duke’s international listeners—because of his professional credibility and his passionate love for the Lord. Said a Chinese PhD student from Penn State, “He’s an astronaut and scientist, but he has a strong faith in God. That impressed me. I’m not sure how far I will go in relationship with God, but I’m exploring.”
Duke’s message not only sparked the opening night of Vision 2016–held in Daytona Beach, Florida from December 28 to January 1—but it also gave liftoff to the conference theme of “Destiny.” And that theme proved relevant in discussions with students from many cultures. Said a South Asian man, “That’s always been the theme for my life, wanting to find my destiny.”
In order to communicate their theme, conference planners utilized a variety of approaches. Videos and live testimonies gave “Destiny” a human touch while dramatic Bible presentations gave a sweeping overview of God’s plan.
And then it was up to the conference’s six tracks to apply the theme to different audiences. “Ambassadors” and “Partners” focused on the differing ministry goals of their all-Christian participants. South Asian, Chinese and “Children of Abraham” tracks adapted the theme to varying cultures. “Multi-Nations” sought to help students from many countries unite around a search for ultimate purpose.Compelling applications of “Destiny” included these:
- Dave Michaelian, a South Asian track staff member, offered a strong challenge regarding life’s purpose. Noting that many cultures use tombstones to mark burial locations, he referred to the dash that appears between the date of a person’s birth and the date of death. Said Michaelian, “Who will shape your destiny? How are you going to invest your ‘dash’?”
- The Chinese track adapted the popular board game called “Life” and applied it to the theme. Individuals competed for “success,” but many were frustrated by game cards that forced them to consider life’s realities. Although some enjoyed make-believe experiences of getting married or having children, others were sent to jail or even to a fictitious cemetery.
Christian students heard a special challenge on the morning of December 31, and for many, it proved more thrilling than the celebrations that night. Said one Bridges veteran, “I’ve been to all 25 of our annual conferences, and I can’t remember a single meeting more meaningful than this.”
The heart of this “Kingdom Vision” event was a challenge by Bridges’ co-field director Chris Sneller to put the kingdom of God first. Sneller taught from Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure and quoted from missionary heroes William Carey and Jim Elliot. He closed with these questions: “Do you treasure anything more than the kingdom of God? What causes you to devalue the infinite worth of God’s kingdom and the supremacy of Jesus? Would you surrender yourself to the work of his kingdom?”
NOTES, QUOTES, & ANECDOTES
Vision 2016 brought together students from 64 nations. This remarkable mixing of cultures coincided with an important spiritual development—individuals drawing closer to God
–Ayla Norris, student staff member “I learned that no matter how sinful you are, you can always turn to Jesus and believe on Him. I also learned why Jesus died on the cross.”
– Male student from an Arab nation Vision’s South Asian track drew 83 participants, an all-time high. “This generation is more open than their parents,” says a Bridges leader. “If you compare our opportunity to share the gospel (with South Asians) with boogie boarding, the wave is coming in, and it’s time to start paddling!”
“To have all these students from all over the world in this one place, I could stay here forever.”
– Male student from Africa
“Vision 2016 opened my eyes about my relationship with Jesus and my responsibility to express the Kingdom of God wherever I go.”
– Noadia Rodrigues, visiting faculty member from Brazil
“It (the conference) helped me to understand what Jesus did through miracles to prove that he is Messiah.”
– Male student from Iran
Because of the rich spiritual environment at Vision, amazing breakthroughs are possible. Iris Wang, a Chinese student on a campus in Indianapolis, arrived at Vision 2015 with confusion and doubts about Jesus. Staff member Chuck Goertzen talked with her there and he remembers that “she thought that Jesus was a myth, just like Santa Claus.” But with an open heart, Iris soaked up apologetics and Bible truth throughout the 2015 gathering in Austin. Then, on New Year’s Eve, the Lord opened her eyes to faith and she asked Jesus to come into her heart. With a year of spiritual growth under her belt, she arrived happily at Vision 2016, having helped staff members Mike and Rachel Frost bring a delegation of 14 students from their campus in Indy.
Notes and Numbers
A quick summary of results from Vision 2016
ATTENDANCE:
NATIONALITIES:
GOSPEL RESPONSES:
FUTURE SERVICE:
