Urbana 2012

Heather Pentecost

1. What specific commitment did you make? Be specific. For example, "I will follow Jesus
more" is not specific. Instead, "I plan to share the gospel with my roommate within the next
month," is specific.
In planning for my future, I will include jobs I previously hadnt considered, whether full-time
missionary, administrator for missions organizations, etc. I realized the importance of missions,
and of the supporting roles. I also will commit myself to learning how to share the Gospel, and to
memorizing scripture.
2. Who will keep you accountable to completing this commitment? What is this person's name?
When will you tell him/her?
My friend Ingrid from Wheaton will be my support system - her family has been involved in
missions, and she is very insightful and supportive, and will be able to help me think about how
to respond to Gods calling. I will talk to her back at school next week about my experiences at
Urbana.
3. Did you gain any new understanding or experience of God? Please describe.
I realized that I am willing, and excited, to go wherever God has for me, but that I need to be
here for now to prepare for whichever field I am in. I loved experiencing the diversity of Gods
kingdom, and really felt the Holy Spirits presence in our group meetings, especially in the Black
Campus ethnic lounge.
4. Are you different now because of Urbana? How?
Urbana definitely did its job in making me think about missions and serving God both locally
and abroad. I feel more globally aware, or at least more curious about the globe.
5. What questions are you asking God or others now because of Urbana?
Primarily, just what God would have for me in the future. I am more curious about what the
Bible says about the poor, as well as what organizations are out there to help provide
opportunities for jobs and education.
6. Are you interested in recruiting for Urbana 15 with video testimonies, inviting your church,
etc.?
Sure! I would love to help others have a greater grasp of what they are signing up for, and what
to look forward to.
7. What would you like to say to those who supported you?

I am so grateful for the support of my family, and the Lake Ave church members who have been
praying for our group, and who contributed financially. I, of course, want to say thank you for
the prayers and the financial support, but even more, for the examples that my family friends
have set in following through on their own Urbana experiences. They have worked as full-time
missionaries, secretaries, directors, and more, and now have supported me on my Urbana trip and
in deciding what the future holds for me.
8. How can we continue to pray for you?
For now, I need to determine what my major will be that will best help prepare me for whatever
job I end up in. I would love prayer for this decision, and for perseverance in the subsequent
classes. Also, this summer, I am going to Amsterdam with Wheatons Youth Hostel Ministry to
evangelize with Europes traveling community. I am nervous about the interactions and sharing
the Gospel for one of the first times. Prayer in preparation and the actual trip are much
appreciated!