Challenged to live by a different set of values
Becky Horton shares impressions from the 2016 CMF Student Conference.
And then I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9)
We had a lovely foretaste of this as the 2016 CMF Student Conference got underway. We began by singing 'No-one like Jesus' in four different languages. What a way to get us looking forward to that great day when people from all nations and languages stand before the throne of our saviour and redeemer!
This year's conference attracted a record 450 attendees from across the country. In fact from all over the world: UK of course, but as well Spain, Latvia, Brazil (just to name a few countries our delegates came from).
We heard a series of three talks delivered by Tim Chester on the book of Revelation and everyone could choose three seminars. Saturday afternoon was free to do activities; including a walk, outdoor games, and a Jungle Speed tournament. You may have come by yourself but no one ever felt left out. It was easy to speak to new people in seminars and at coffee time.
We met in groups with the medical schools geographically closest to us to reflect on what we had learnt and to plan future events. We ended with a final conference address and sharing the Lord's Supper.
From Revelation we were challenged to live by a different set of values from the people around us. We were encouraged massively that, even when it feels like we are losing battles, we can know that it has already been won by Christ.
In the regional sessions it was really helpful to take some time out to reflect. I can't speak for everyone but my head was feeling quite full - but what a joy to get alongside the others in our region. Be excited about joint events coming up soon.
So what were the highlights? The best bit about the conference was getting to know so many other Christian medical students. I was encouraged to live more wholeheartedly for Christ, both at medical school and in my future career.
Overall, loads of fun; and we have left with 'Do not weep. Behold' (Revelation 5:5) stamped more firmly onto our hearts.
Becky Horton is CMF Student Link for Norwich.
National Conference 2016 beckons
Unmissable! A word to sum up prospects for the 2016 CMF National Conference. We are in for a rich feast. Make sure you register today.
Professor Don Carson, a world leader among New Testament scholars and teachers, opens up Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. The social context in Corinth posed many of the same challenges that Christians face today. A pluralistic world: one God or many? A licentious world: how to stay upright and pure in a world of rampant sexual licence? A church marred by internal squabbles: how to find true unity in the body of Christ? How can our Christian witness grow and flourish when we're surrounded by all these issues? Paul, who helped found the Corinthian church, reminds his readers of the need to hold onto the essentials of faith; 'matters of first importance'.
Professor Andrew Tomkins gives the 2016 Rendle Short Lecture where the theme is 'Tackling global health equalities'. This will be our CEO Peter Saunders' 25th consecutive CMF 'national'. He joined CMF a quarter of a century ago as Head of Student Ministries. He looks forward to greeting old friends and making new ones.
Finance update
As this issue of CMF News went to press the CMF annual accounts for 2015 were awaiting audit. I can say with confidence, however, that our 'bottom line' will be a lot better than budget. I am expecting a deficit for the year of about £30,000. This is thanks to the continuing generosity of members making donations and paying subscriptions, and our continuing tight grip on costs.
The board of trustees has a target of bringing CMF back to break even by 2018 and the result from 2015 shows we are well on the way to achieving that.
Graham Sopp, CMF Head of Operations.
