THe Challenge of Urbana and New Years cheer- Jacqueline Mok

​Urbana 2015 Reflection - Jacqueline
 
As I reflect on Urbana 2015, I am very thankful that so many Redeemer people attended – we were challenged in our faith, and we also walked together as brothers and sisters, wrestling with a number of issues.
 
One topic discussed was Black Lives Matter. As speakers spoke about the racial tensions and the fact that we need to advocate for each other, I was reminded of the struggles that my friends face, the incidents that happened right here in NYC, and the BLM protests on weekends. The call was for us to pray for our country and this issue.
 
Another topic was the Persecuted Church, referring to our brothers and sisters in countries where Christians are persecuted. The number one request is for prayer to keep them strong. Oftentimes, I easily ignore these issues, but now I feel convicted not to turn away, but to read or watch these stores in order to become more aware and pray for them.
 
David Platt humbled us when he spoke of not manufacturing a heart for missions but missing a heart for Jesus. He also called out that perhaps a number of leaders among us could fall into that category. He also emphasized the necessity of missions both globally and locally. This time I feel convicted to explore short term global missions, because we are all called to missions. God commanded us to go, to the ends of the earth to reach the unreached. So whether I currently feel “called” or not, I need to obey and just go. God will take care of the rest.
 
During one of the roommate huddles, one person shared that being a Christian at work requires making a daily struggle to choose the right decision over and over (e.g. think temptations, gossip, etc.). The easy way out and quitting, is not the right way. This resonated with me because it is very hard to be caring and loving at work, when everyone is trying to get ahead. Sometimes I want to quit altogether and do something else (wouldn’t that be amazing!?!), but then I am reminded that God has placed me here for a reason, and that I should stick with it and be faithful where I am. 
 
Urbana definitely challenged me, and I am excited for what God has in store for 2016.