Authentic worship, fellowship and discipleship melded at the International Mission Board’s REV7:9 event in Conway, Arkansas, on Oct. 14. Young adults from the surrounding area gathered at Second Baptist Church to join a community seeking God’s vision laid out in Revelation 7:9.
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the lamb.” (Rev. 7:9)
Young adults learned firsthand about the world’s greatest problem of spiritual lostness, often illustrated as “darkness.” Keynote speaker Jay Sanders, Baptist Collegiate Ministry director at the University of Southern Florida, challenged students to “be the light” by living a life that serves Christ alone and makes Him known. The entire event — whether worshiping in song or working in a breakout session — gave students a chance to experience what it means to be part of a “great multitude” standing before the throne.
Young adults prayed and worshiped together. They were challenged to ensure every nation and individuals from all tribes will be represented at the throne of God. The one-day event brought together 18–25-year-olds from the surrounding area.
Matthew Hall, BCM director at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (second from left), and Sanders (third from left) engaged with students in Arkansas. Sanders encouraged students to serve Christ in all they do from the main stage, then made personal and authentic connections with them throughout the day.
Janna Smith, IMB student strategist for the Americas, led a class entitled “The Missionary Task” as one of the many breakout sessions offered. In this class, young adults used real excerpts of missions studies to determine which tasks were being employed by the missionaries within the stories. The exercise showed the missionary task is ongoing.
Students took meticulous notes during the REV7:9 breakout sessions. The Oct. 14 missions event not only challenged students to grow in their faith but gave practical advice on how to reach a world lost without Christ.
Students mapped out what parts of the missionary task were used in a real-life case study about missions. The case studies were used to explain the six missionary tasks (Entry, Evangelism, Disciple Making, Church Formation, Leadership Development, and Exit and Partnership) that the IMB abides by for all who serve — whether as long-term or short-term missionaries.
Left: Steve Ellis, right, executive pastor for church planting and missions at First Baptist Church in Rogers, Arkansas, spoke with students during lunch. He shared stories from his past as an IMB missionary and encouraged the young adults to seek God. Right: Steve Lasiter, children and outreach pastor at Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Conway, Arkansas, taught a breakout session on the “Theology of Missions.” Lasiter used examples from his own time as an IMB missionary.
Janna Smith, IMB missionary to the Americas, far right, led a panel discussion with three recent student missionaries who spent time serving during the summer or last semester. She helped them unpack what it looks like to be called into and serve on the mission field. The goal was honest and authentic dialogue about their experiences to help others prepare for serving.
Skye Reedy and her band led the roomful of young adults in worship. The veteran musicians spent the entire REV7:9 event encouraging this next generation of believers to worship and listen to God’s call on their hearts.
It’s not too late to sign up for the next REV7:9 event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Nov. 11. Chip Luter will be the featured speaker with Skye Reedy leading worship again. Register.
The work of the IMB is made possible through generous giving to the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.