1,500 students from over 150 campus ministries began the 2008 International Cam;pus Ministry Conference Thursday night at the Maravich Arena in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The revival among campus ministries of the International Churches of Christ could not be ignored as the loud, joyful groups of students of all cultures and races filled the arena with praises to God and hugs for each other.

Vince Hawkins, evangelist for the Columbia Church of Christ in Missouri, was the appropriate keynote speaker for the occasion. Having grown up in New Orleans, Vince was devastated as he saw Hurricane Katrina destroy the home and neighborhood where he grew up. Fortunately his parents were spared and were present to hear him speak at this great occasion.

As the theme message for the conference, Vince spoke on "Rebuild the City" from Nehemiah exhorting the campus disciples to visualize the city, weep over the city and rebuild the city. He shared openly about how his own life was broken with sin when he was a tailback on the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team years ago. He also powerfully challenged students to help rebuild the lives of others with the power of the gospel.

Mike Taliaferro, ICMC Director, hosted the evening and noted the revival in our campus ministries has officially arrived. Mike revived the ICMC in 2005 with 400 students at the conference in San Antonio. Since then successive conferences have continued to build in Los Angeles then Boston and now Louisiana. Today we continually hear of campus ministries around the US that are steadily growing and bringing more people to Christ.

A very unique aspect of this year's conference is the HOPE worldwide service project on July 4 in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans.

To thank the disciples for their service in advance, Raymond Jetson, CEO of Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, noted that too many people who use the name Christian did more talking than doing. Noting that he had been with the Katrina relief effort since the day before the hurricane hit land, Jetson said, "For me, seeing that you have come here to serve is the brightest moment in my life since Katrina."

Antonio Boyd, HOPE worldwide Vice President of US Programs, noted that the governor's office told him the ICMC volunteer effort is the largest single campus volunteer effort ever in the history of the Katrina relief efforts.

Consequently, Mayor Ray Nagin, a senator, congresswoman and many other officials have committed to be at the volunteer effort to thank the students. Look for reports on local and national news on July 4th.

Truly these 1,500 students are about Jesus' ministry: seeking, saving and serving.