Pastors, missionaries, and laymen from near and far gathered on
Northland’s campus for the annual Heart Conference, February 2–5, 2010. This
year’s theme was “Lord, teach us to PRAY: The forgotten side of the Great
Commission.”
The Lord worked in lives through the challenging messages and informative
workshops, which both guests and students attended. Joel Zaborowski, a
sophomore, recalls that God spoke to him through the music sung throughout the
week. “The music caused me to put my focus on God and not myself.” Freshman
Jenni Delorge testified to God’s working in her life, commenting, “God showed
me that it is not my life, but Christ’s. I am excited to get to know my God
better after this past week.”
The guests, enjoying
time away from their busy schedules, were a great blessing to the faculty and
students as they interacted and shared in the burden for this next generation
of young people. The workshop tracks addressed topics from preaching and
current issues to discipleship and counseling. Some of this year’s featured
speakers were David Atkinson, Gordon Dickson, David Doran, Don Forrester, Sam Horn, Joe Humrichous, and Les Ollila.
Dr. Matt Olson opened up the conference with a stirring message from
1 John 2. He challenged pastors and students alike to abide in Christ—the kind
of life characterized by a Life of Education, a Life of Exercise,
a Life of Expectation, and a Life of Evidence. Messages with the
theme of prayer followed throughout the rest of the week. Reflecting back on
the conference, Dr. Olson commented, “It seemed as though the Lord was doing
an unusual and deep work in all of us this year. We were at once laid low in
brokenness and encouraged all the same—then immediately engaged in spiritual
warfare!”
The pastors and guests also benefited from free time for relaxation
and fellowship, finding this time to be encouraging and rejuvenating. Dr. Olson
left the conference guests with this thought, “It is our prayer that you leave
with a renewed passion to spend time communing with Christ. We must have His
mind in order to carry out His work, the Great Commission.”