20 UBF Chapters Across the Midwest and Missouri Valley Gathered Together for Their First Staff Meeting 2026
The Midwest and Missouri Valley UBF Fall Ministry Planning Meeting was held on July 17–18 at the IIT UBF Bible House in Chicago. Fifty-five coworkers representing twenty UBF chapters and fellowships gathered to thank God for His work during the 2025–2026 school year, strengthen regional fellowship, and prayerfully prepare for the upcoming ministry season. Pastor Bob Henkins of IIT UBF opened the meeting with a message from Philippians 1:3–6, encouraging coworkers to give thanks for God’s work and trust that He will faithfully complete what He has begun. Missionary Lydia Shin of UIC then presented a regional Year in Review, followed by small-group discussions in which chapters shared blessings, challenges, lessons, and prayer topics.
On Saturday, participants enjoyed breakfast and fellowship through basketball, golf, pickleball, tennis, campus walks, and a walk along the Lake Michigan harbor. The afternoon session began with a message from Curtis Rodriguez of Indianapolis UBF based on Luke 9 and Proverbs 16:3, encouraging everyone to commit their plans to the Lord and trust Him to establish the work of the coming year. Dr. John Lee of Central Illinois UBF shared their fall ministry plan, and the chapters discussed their own visions and goals for campus outreach, learning from one another and strengthening their shared commitment to student ministry.
The meeting also included an Encounter 2026 Retreat presentation, discussion of a possible 2027 Summer Bible Conference, future regional meetings, mission trips, and summer ministry opportunities. Reports from Ukraine and Rwanda reminded participants that God continues to work both on campuses in North America and among the nations. The gathering concluded with united prayer, especially for young leaders being raised to shepherd the next generation. We thank God for the spirit of unity, thanksgiving, and renewed dedication throughout the meeting, and pray that He will bless every plan committed to Him and bear abundant fruit through each chapter.
