September UFM 2023

ISBC Reports & Reflections

Our September United Friday Meeting (UFM) took place on Friday, September 8th at the church sanctuary. There were reports shared on ISBC, Vision Camp, and the Missionary Shepard Conference. As well as a reflection and overview of the CBF & HBF ministry during ISBC, and results from the altar call.

Overview of reports shared at UFM:

Vision Camp: John L shared how throughout and to the end they witnessed God pouring out his grace on the Vision Camp with deep testimony sharing, daily bread each morning, and fellowship through fun activities. One prayer topic they have is for the young leaders of Vision Camp to fully realize and return to God’s vision for their lives.

The Missionary Shephard Conference: Written by Dr. Mark Y. and presented by P. Mark V, The Missionary Shepard Conference took place right before the ISBC. They studied the book of Revelation to realize God is the sovereign ruler of all things and to realize his plan for all things.

2023 ISBC Survey: Presented by Elder Joe G. ISBC 2023 had about 22% more newcomers compared to ISBC 2018. There were 2,263 in-person attendees and 1,229 online in total 3,492 participants. Through preparing for this conference God answered many prayers. God Provided new volunteers from and around North America. They expected around 1500 to attend, but God sent more than 2200 in person and another 1200 online.

Childcare Programs at ISBC: Tim M. shared how God greatly blessed the childcare programs at ISBC. They had some difficulties at the beginning where there was not going to be a childcare program, but then they decided to do a parent-run Vacation Bible School (VBS) program. This turned out to be rich in bible studies, music activities, and games, where both the children and parents had a great experience! Overall they had 53 teachers to take care of 60 kids across 11 sessions. The parents dedicated their time to preparing material treating all the children as their own.

HBF Minsitry at ISBC: Steven L. reflected on Chicago HBF hosting the HBF program at ISBC. One of their main prayer topics was to have many volunteers serve the HBF program. They were moved by God’s answered prayers and the high school students wholeheartedly served the program. 24 HBF students volunteered to be GBS leaders and 26 people volunteered to serve as HBF leaders. God fruitfully blessed their program and they had a great outcome where many students enjoyed praise, worship, and fun activities.

Report on Housing & Interest Groups: P. Kevin A. shared briefly how there were many participants in the interest groups this year. There were 27 groups/topics, 5 being in Korean and 3 for women only. The Interest Groups appeared to have overall positive feedback, they were a great way to meet other people at the conference and have deeper discussions over current events in the church and ministry.

Altar Call: P. Mark shared a brief report on the Altar call at ISBC. They were pleased to see that many people came to the altar call. 19 People came to receive Christ for the first time, as well there were many people who committed to be a missionary overseas. May God bless those who decided to follow God’s calling in their lives.