January 2009

Christmas Conference

Life has a way of passing us by without allowing us to take stock of who we are and where we are going. This is no less true of college students. The difference for them is the rapid pace of change in their lives and the importance of the decisions they make on a regular basis  -  determining the course of their lives.

Conferences are intended to allow a person to get away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on what is most important—our relationship with God. Christmas Conference is one of the best things Campus Crusade for Christ does to help students take stock of their lives and consider greater commitment to the cause of Christ.

Whether through quality speakers, seminars, times of worship, a day of outreach, times as a campus or unorganized times interacting with others, God uses this conference to help students draw closer to him and make decisions to be involved in building his Kingdom.

Conference Stats

¨ Students attended: 1,850 from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois

¨ Campuses represented: 92

¨ Students from our campuses: 80

¨ Community Outreach:

à Spoke with 3,117

à Shared the gospel with 1,479

à Decisions for Christ 175

Randy Singer, a successful lawyer, award-winning novelist, and a pastor in Virginia Beach.  Singer offered a healthy perspective on what it means to truly follow God saying, “The only thing that can change your life is having a high, exalted view of Jesus Christ.”

On the third day of the conference, the students had the opportunity to take a step of faith by going into different parts of Indianapolis to deliver boxes of food and to share the gospel with low-income families, women in prison, and others living in the inner city. People across Indianapolis heard the good news about God’s love!

There is something very special about worshiping God through music with 1800 people! One of my highlights every year is the time of worship at the conference that follows the start of the New Year.

It was also fun for me to live with students this year, though it meant not getting as much sleep! Hopefully in a couple years Shelly and the kids will be able to join me for the week.

Kids' Column

We had a good Christmas and I was glad to not be sick like Lauren and I were on Thanksgiving. Papa helped me make a car for the AWANA Grand Prix race at the end of the month. Mommy knit us all sweaters. Mine is in the picture of us on the stairs. How did she know I like sweaters? I wear them a lot!

Andrew and Lauren work on their cars for the AWANA Grand Prix

My AWANA car is pink with glitter on it. It should definitely win! I will be so busy with crafts now. I got a sewing machine and a knitting loom for Christmas. And I can teach Lindsey how to make potholders on a loom since she has one just like mine.

I am 5! I got to celebrate my birthday 3 times—once with my cousin in Columbus. You can see my sweater that Mommy knit me in these pictures. Also, one of my favorite gifts—a dog, of course. If you come to see us Lauren and I will make sure you see our princess room—it is really pretty.

No more diapers! I am wearing my Lightning McQueen underwear and now I can play in the play area at Ikea! Mommy and Daddy are excited to not have to buy diapers any more, too! We are getting more snow this weekend and I am excited about playing outside—we can slide down our deck steps.

Caleb

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