I was privileged to help represent CAM International at my first ever Urbana. I was the token Canadian on our team of 11.

I was hoping to meet, befriend and encourage missions-minded students from all over North America. I had no idea how - or if - God would use me. Why would students want to talk to a 41 year old woman?

I quickly realized my Urbana contribution wouldn't be about what I could do. It would be more about who I am in Christ, and how God could use me for his purposes.

Urbana began in 1946, with 575 missions-minded students gathering in Toronto. From 1948 on, it was held every three years in Illinois. It has become so popular that this year's 21st Urbana was moved to a larger facility in St. Louis, Missouri.

Sponsored by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Urbana's mission is to cultivate in every student generation a love for God and his purposes.

I was delighted - and daunted - to learn that 72 percent of registered students surveyed said the reason they were coming to Urbana 06 was to seek God's will for their lives.

Each afternoon, thousands of them would enter the Global Connexions hall to peruse the booths, hoping to discover their part in global mission. Our team prayed God would use us to bless them - and he allowed us to connect with well over 100 students every day. No wonder I returned to Canada tired!

We listened to their stories, built up their faith and answered their questions. Sometimes we prayed with them about their goals or concerns. They learned how God was using CAM to share Christ with unreached people.

We also had fun together. The students shared their thoughts on our blackboard. And we frequently encouraged them to "Go away!" - on a short term mission trip, that is.

The 2,200 Canadians present set a record for attendance; but it was their faith that inspired me. Their significant level of commitment to the Lord, at their young age, was impressive. Many seemed to know God was calling them to the mission field, but needed direction.

Sisters Heather and Sara Douglas, from Brantford, Ontario, burst energetically into the CAM booth. "We just know that missions is in our future!" said one of them.

Surprised to meet an exhibitor from close to home, they engaged me in lively conversation. They are already veterans of the short-term mission experience, both locally and overseas - having been raised in a Christian family which strongly believes in helping people.

They happily gave up some of their Christmas holidays to come to Urbana, seek God's will and learn more about missions. Although neither attends a Bible college or Christian university - unlike many Urbana participants -Êtheir passion for Jesus was evident.

Other students haven't had such uplifting journeys - as the Lord often showed me by sending me students with a deep need to talk.

One girl with a desire to minister to Mexican kids has parents who do not believe in short-term mission trips - even though they are Christians. Another young lady's mother, who is not a believer, opposes her decision for Christ - and won't discuss it. The teary girl implored me: "Please pray that I can share the gospel with my mother someday."

So many students shared their burdens and dreams with me. I was truly inspired.

Our Lord is a missionary God. This gathering of nearly 25,000 people humbled me. InterVarsity produces this huge event to transform students. But I can now see how the Lord used Urbana to transform me.

Jennifer Pringle works as a part time missionary with CAM International.

caminternational.org.

Mission Fields Spring 2007