On the final day of the On Friday morning, to celebrate spiritual and national freedom, disciples attempted to set a world record for the largest stomp in an effort to raise awareness for the oppression of child homelessness. Afterwards, Nilson Ramirez of New York City preached about the gift of our connections as the family of God. The first century Christians modeled the most powerful social network - shining a light to the lonely - recognizing that, “Everyone wants to be part of a group that doesn’t want to be apart.” Nilson also shared how God has built the New York City Church of Christ campus ministry from 20 to 220 in the last several years.
After an array of practical, profound and powerful classes and a ministry mixer, the conference shifted to Busch Stadium for an unforgettable night! Vince Hawkins, evangelist in Columbia, Missouri, and conference director, threw out the first pitch while the ICMC Choir sang an amazing version of "God Bless America." Alex Rice, a lifetime Cardinals fan was privileged to join several other St. Louis disciples on the field. After the pitch the announcer called Alex’s name over the PA. She turned around to find her boyfriend Lex Campaldini getting down on one knee to propose to her. With many friends gathered from coast to coast in the stands, and the spirit of her late hero - father Dan Rice clearly felt in the stadium, she said “YES!” (Click here to see the proposal >) The Cardinals won the game in last second dramatics, fireworks ensued and a magical night ended perfectly!Saturday ushered in another day of equipping classes including a compelling women’s program and creative fireside chats for the men, hosted by members of the ICOC Campus Ministry Service Team. Afterwards the excitement continued with more classes and two One Year Challenge Mixers and a Mission Team Mixer. Students eager to answer God’s call to “GO” came in numbers to catch a vision for where He may be sending them! Truly the mission spirit is alive and growing in this new generation!
Saturday afternoon ended with Mark Kang’s sobering message from Acts 14:22, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” His appeal: Be willing to suffer for Christ so that his glory can be revealed. Do the hard work of walking closely with God. Three of the most memorable quotes were, “The extraordinary do the ordinary things extraordinarily well,” “Do the work today that others won’t so tomorrow you can do what others can’t,” and “greatness can come from anywhere.” That night, after a full day, somehow students found the zeal and energy for a Dance Extravaganza.John Lusk of Denver wrapped up the conference echoing the words of Paul - “Finish the Race!” The appeal was simple and yet gripping: “In order to finish the race, we need to get fit and not quit.” Sunday’s worship was moving from start to finish. The conference closed with a team led by Tim and Crystal Schmidt of St. Louis being sent out to strengthen the church in Northwest Arkansas and the announcement for the North American Christian Conference entitled “Reach,” which will be back in St Louis in 2016. The Gateway City Church, led by Jeff and Lori Mannel, were incredible organizers and hosts, encouraging us to bring as many as possible in 2016.
John Lusk ICMC Sunday from DTV on Vimeo.