From Nov. 5–6, Moody Bible Institute – Spokane held its annual Missions Conference, giving students the opportunity to explore how they can use their training for the cause of Christ in world missions. More than 600 people, including general public guests who were invited, were in attendance over the two days.
2012 Missions Conference Photos
"It was so exciting to see larger groups from the general public, such as youth groups from local churches," said Wendy Liddell, assistant dean of academics for MBI – Spokane. "The atmosphere during the conference was vitalizing."
This year's theme—"Out of Darkness"—was chosen by the Missions Conference Cabinet. This 15-member leadership team was made up of 15 students from across Moody's various academic programs who have made a commitment to world missions. The theme was based upon the apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:4-6. "Our goal was to focus on Christ's work in the world, His work in others and His desire for us to work with Him," stressed Liddell who was the faculty advisor for the Missions Conference Cabinet.
Four plenary sessions were led by Dr. Timothy Sisk, chair and professor of world mission and evangelism at Moody Bible Institute. "I spoke at the MBI – Spokane Missions Conference seven years ago and it was exhilarating to return for the 2012 Missions Conference," said Dr. Sisk. "The numerical growth of the student body in Spokane and the organization of the conference by the student committee contributed to the excitement generated to take Jesus into the darkest places of this world."
Forty-six seminar sessions addressed a variety of issues related to world missions such as church planting, poverty, short-term mission trips, aviation and ministering to various ethnic groups and sub-cultures. Also, more than 38 mission agencies were on campus, the most ever for Spokane's conference.
Unique to this year's conference was a time of prayer after Tuesday's final plenary session. Groups gathered together in the auditorium and prayed for the persecuted church around the world. The conference concluded with a challenge to the student body to reflect upon what God was speaking to their heart those two days and to evaluate what that meant regarding future decisions.
The 2013 Missions Conference in Spokane is schedule to take place Nov. 11–12.