“We’re back!” is the phrase derived from this year’s International Campus Ministry Conference (ICMC). And though I am unsure of whether “we” returned before, during or after ICMC, the phrase does hold true. Its truth is one of utmost importance to the will of God within our campus ministries.

A fear that many have after participating in a conference of this magnitude is that of a “mountain-top experience” that dies after a week or two once everyone returns home. I believe ‘hype’ can be the worst enemy of a conference and yet, without those emotional highs, it is not really a conference of impact. Nevertheless, ‘hype’ did not rule this year’s international campus ministry conference.

We could not be “back” merely on hype or emotional highs. We are back because disciples - the men and women of God - have gained convictions about their walks with Him and where those walks should lead. The week after a conference can be very telling of the men and women who attended it. Here in Gainesville, we had a campus-led service following the conference, and the convictions of the brothers and sisters could not have been more sincere.

Guadalupe, a newly baptized campus student in our Gainesville Campus, after being convicted to give more and do more, decided to take the “one-year challenge,” by committing all of her free time to the advancement of the kingdom and striving to meet any need that surfaces. Joey Trainer, a brother in the Gainesville campus ministry, after receiving a promotion in his job, decided to turn it down. When his boss asked him why, his response was, “Because I need to give more time to my ministry.”

Hype doesn’t bring about sacrifice, convictions do. And although the first week does tell a lot about one’s convictions after a conference, the upcoming fall will truly be the test for the insurmountable faith that has been building in the brothers and sisters that attended the ICMC.

I cannot voice where all 56 Gainesville students will be a month from today regarding their convictions, but I can tell you that as long as one of them is on this campus, the Gainesville ministry will be one of pure convictions and high standards. The Gainesville campus ministry will be outward-focused, charging against the enemy with all of the strength the Lord provides.

We’re back! And we’re moving forward, taking all those who were unable to attend the conference with us. Gainesville WILL know what hit it, because God will be at the center of it all.

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See the new ICOC campus website: www.hereamisendme.net