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Missions Conference 2024

Unhindered

Cost and Admission

This event is free to attend.


What is Missions Conference?

Biola’s annual Missions Conference is currently the largest student-led Missions Conference in the world. This year, Biola will host its 94th Missions Conference. Every year since the foundation of this mobilizing movement, Biola’s Missions Conference has sought to educate, equip and inspire students to embrace their role in the completion of the Great Commission.

We transmit this vision to the student body during the three-day conference. Classes are canceled, which allows the entire student body to concentrate more fully on receiving or remembering their role in the completion of the Great Commission. We attempt to accomplish this vision through the utilization of speakers, bands, worship, cultural events, global awareness and other activities to bring the nations to Biola’s campus and ignite students’ hearts for the glory of God.

2024 Conference Theme:
UNHINDERED


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Note: Sessions viewed online will not be given chapel credit.


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2024 Conference Theme: UNHINDERED

Theme Verse: Psalm 73:26-28

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” - Psalm 73:26-28

Psalm 73 captures a believer’s honest response to a corrupted world. As believers, we can often be covetous of the world's lifestyle because we are lacking an eternal perspective of life and doubt God’s goodness and justice. This psalm is a reminder that though we fail repeatedly, it is the nearness of God that fuels us to proclaim the good news without hindrance. Whether the age of the psalmist, the days of the Early Church, or our present world, the source of strength and the reality of the unhindered Gospel remains the same.

Director's Note

Getting to direct this conference and lead our incredible staff has been the biggest blessing. Seeing the Lord stretch our understanding of what is possible through Him is both humbling and exciting.

We invite you to lean into the conference and actively engage in the sessions, events, and spaces that have been prepared for you. This conference is by students, for students and we hope it feels that way. It is our prayer that this conference will be a time of renewal and growth for us all. We hope that this conference will empower you to go as a disciple of Jesus and make disciples for His kingdom. We are expectant of the wonderful things God has in store for this year!

Schedule

Students will have to obtain 5 total conference credits. All credits over 5 will become chapel credits. All bolded events are worth 1 credit unless otherwise noted. Livestream will be available, but cannot be used for credit. Please reach out to chapel.accountability@biola.edu with any questions.

Chapel Accountability will be uploading conference credits at the end of each session. Please check your MyAccount daily to be sure you have received credit for sessions you have attended. Any missing credits must be reported to Chapel Accountability before the end of Missions Conference to be eligible to be corrected.

 

Wednesday, March 20

Time Sessions Location
9:30–11 a.m. Session 1 — An Unhindered Heart to See
Speaker: Bobby Parks
Gym and Overflow
2–3:30 p.m. Session 2 — Standing Between the Living and the Dead
Speaker: Bill Wilson
Gym and Overflow
4–5 p.m. Breakout Seminar A For locations, see Breakout Tab
7–8:30 p.m. Session 3 — An Unhindered "Yes"
Speaker: Sarah Breuel
Extended Worship
Gym and Overflow

Time Event Location
11 a.m.-2 a.m.SUB WorshipStudent Union Building
11 a.m.-5 p.m.Global AwarenessKim Dining Room in Caf
11 a.m.–1 p.m.Moments on MetzgerMetzger Lawn
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Missionary Organization Fair Lot F
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Missionary Bingo Lot F
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Experience the Unhindered Fluor Fountain
5-6 p.m.Ice Cream with MissionariesFireplace Pavilion
24/7Prayer RoomsRose Prayer Chapel & Talbot Prayer Chapel
24/7Acts 1:8 Prayer WalkLibrary Walkway

 *Closed for main sessions

Thursday, March 21

Time Sessions Location
9:30–11 a.m. Session 4 — Called by God — On Mission on Your Home Turf
Speaker: Jonné and Kiki
Gym and Overflow
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Breakout Seminar B For locations, see Breakout Tab
2-3:30 p.m. Session 5 — A Journey Towards the Eternal Perspective
Speaker: Anne Zaki
Gym and Overflow
4-5 p.m. Breakout Seminar C For locations, see Breakout Tab
7-9 p.m.Session 6 — Unhindered through the Threshold  *2 credits*
Speaker: Bobby Parks
Gym
9-10 p.m.Extended WorshipGym

Time Event Location
6:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.Sunrise WorshipMetzger Lawn
9:30-11 a.m.Colson Award PresentationChase Gym during Session 4
11 a.m.-2 a.m.SUB WorshipStudent Union Building
11 a.m.-5 p.m.MarketplaceFluor Fountain Gazebo
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Global Awareness Kim Dining Room in Caf
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Missionary Fair Lot F
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Missionary BingoLot F
11 a.m.-5 p.m.Experience the UnhinderedFluor Fountain
12 p.m.-1:45 p.m. South Africa Spotlight Fireplace Pavilion
5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Bracelet Making Fireplace Pavilion
9:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.Basecamp WorshipFireplace Pavilion
24/7Prayer RoomsRose Prayer Chapel & Talbot Prayer Chapel
24/7Acts 1:8 Prayer WalkLibrary Walkway

 *Closed for main sessions

 

Friday, March 22

Time Event Location
9:30–11 a.m. Session 7 — Unhindered
Speaker: Anne Zaki
Gym

Breakout Sessions



Session A — Wednesday at 4-5 p.m.

The Great Misallocation: The Global Missions Crisis

  • Speaker: Hope Loomis
  • Location: BUSN 109
  • Description: There is a great misallocation of missionaries and resources preventing the body of Christ from fulfilling The Great Commission. Unpack how Christians can avoid this imbalance while ensuring that all nations have an opportunity to know Jesus.

 

Local Church and Discipleship Panel

  • Speaker: Local Church Pastors
  • Location: Mayers Auditorium
  • Description: Join the conversation of how living unhindered can transform the way we engage with our local communities and beyond.

 

Strategies to Reach the Harvest Fields of the Marketplace & Public Schools

  • Speaker: Bobby Parks
  • Location: Calvary Chapel
  • Description: If you have a passion to reach others outside of the four walls of the church and want to learn strategies for reaching others in the densest harvest fields in the US; the marketplace and public schools, come hear practical approaches of pre-evangelism, evangelism, and discipleship strategies bearing fruit.

 

The Forgotten Church

  • Speaker: Anne Zaki
  • Location: Chase Gym
  • Description: The Bible emerged from the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture. However, as we navigate the landscape of today's Middle East, where does the church find itself? Journey with us to learn about the presence and mission of the church in the Middle East.

 

Reaching Asian Megacities

  • Speaker: Missionary Couple
  • Location: Andrew’s Banquet Room
  • Description: Working professionals in the megacities of Asia are among the most unreached people on the planet - often less than 1% Christian. How can we help reach these busy urban professionals? Come hear how God used one missionary family to tackle this daunting challenge and change the lives of hundreds of urban professionals and their families.

 

Armenia's Spiritual Odyssey: Embracing the Holy Spirit in the Face of Persecution

  • Speaker: Dr. Simonian and Dr. Kherlopian
  • Location: Crowell Music Hall
  • Description: Explore Armenia's historical significance as the first Christian nation and its enduring faith despite persecution and tremendous loss. Discover insights as to how the Holy Spirit is moving in spite of this pain, raising up this generation to be a light in the darkness, even to those causing them harm.

     



Session B — Thursday at 12-1 p.m.

Every Tongue, Tribe, and Nation: Unreached people groups and the linguistic thread of scripture

  • Speaker: Dr. Ed Stetzer
  • Location: Chase Gym
  • Description: From Babel to Pentecost to the throne room in Revelation, there is a clear desire that God be worshiped in the languages of every nation. Dr. Stetzer explains why, and what that means for God’s global mission.

 

Creative Commissioning

  • Speaker: Creatives Panel
  • Location: Mayers Auditorium
  • Description: How are creatives in various industries integrating their faith into the world of art? Hear how these panelists incorporate the Gospel in their spheres of influence and how they have responded to the Great Commission.

 

“What Do You See?”

  • Speakers: Bill Wilson
  • Location: Crowell Music Hall
  • Description: In a world brimming with challenges, from social injustices to spiritual poverty, it is easy to become complacent in our comfortable routines. However, the call to missions beckons us to open our eyes, to truly see the pressing needs around us, and to respond with action.

 

Seeing God's Light in Unexpected Places

  • Speaker: Susan Lim
  • Location: Calvary Chapel
  • Description: After being raised with a Buddhist background, Dr. Lim turned to Christ. Join us to hear her powerful story, illustrating how her transformation profoundly affected her family. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel on those closest to us.

 

The Final Frontier: The Bibleless

  • Speaker: James Kim
  • Location: Andrew’s Banquet Room
  • Description: Today, thousands of hidden churches across the world persevere under intense persecution and poverty. Their only hope is to stand firm on the Word of God... if it ever comes. Come and see how the Church plays a role in this responsibility.

 



Session C — Thursday at 4-5 p.m.

Spiritual Hygiene & Hearing from God

  • Speaker: Kiki and Jonné
  • Location: Crowell Music Hall
  • Description: Practical equipping for an upgraded prayer life where your identity is rooted in what God says about you, and freedom is found through intentional times of inner healing.

 

Revival In Our Generation? Conversation about Asbury, Biola, and Europe

  • Speaker: Sarah Breuel
  • Location: Calvary Chapel
  • Description: Join us as we talk about the biblical basis for revival, history of revivals, and what God has done in Asbury. What is He doing in our generation in the US, Europe, and beyond?

 

Yes, Elon, you are missing something

  • Speakers: Kayla Spand
  • Location: Chase Gym
  • Description: “What's the point of sign language in a video if you have subtitles? More importantly, what's the point of translating the Bible into signed languages?” An introduction to special considerations and challenges in translating the Bible into the 400+ signed languages worldwide.

 

Global Missions And The Impact Of A Wholistic Gospel On Poverty

  • Speaker: Mike Bell
  • Location: BUSN 109
  • Description: Explore and dig deeper into the causes and cures of poverty, what “community development” is and why it plays an important part of Gospel informed global missions activity.

 

A Million Views Per Day: What Could Your Artistic Talents Render?

  • Speaker: Joseph Hanford
  • Location: Andrew’s Banquet Room
  • Description: The production of the new animated Jesus Film is a new way for Christians in film to develop ministry in their fields. Learn how artistic believers are producing this motion picture and how we can use our artistic talents for all kinds of ministry.

 

The Case of Mistaken Identity

  • Speaker: The Chens
  • Location: Mayers Auditorium
  • Description: If we listen to the quiet voice of God, we can discover that each of us are more deeply loved than we could ever imagine, which is easy to forget. This is our truest identity, and the place from which we are destined to live a life in belonging, community, and on mission for God.

 


Speakers

 

Bobby Parks

Bobby Parks

Bobby Parks serves as a marketplace ministry missionary locally and globally as the Chief Ministry Officer for the Household Group based out of DFW, TX. He founded Varsity Leadership Academy and More Than a Game, ministries reaching youth with the Gospel through leadership values and building Hope Fields for at-risk and refugee youth. Bobby formerly served as the Director of Missions and Outreach at Oral Roberts University where he met his wife, Brooke who served with the Voice of the Martyrs. He and Brooke continue to be a voice serving persecuted Christians worldwide. Bobby has mobilized and trained over 5,000 believers on mission trips and outreaches that he has led and directed around the world in over 40 nations. Bobby is involved in several ministries, but he most enjoys his role as father to their three children, Everett, Audri, & Zander.



Bill Wilson

Bill Wilson

Bill Wilson established Metro World Child in 1980 in what was one of New York City’s roughest neighborhoods, known for gang violence and poverty. Dr. Bill has been beaten, stabbed, and shot in the face and the back. Despite being told that these tough areas could not be reached, he persevered through extreme difficulty and refused to give up on the children growing up in this environment. Dr. Bill’s innovative outreach programs have since spread globally. This ensures that as many children as possible come under the sound of the Gospel and experience the love of Christ as he did. What started in a small building on a corner in Brooklyn has now grown into an international ministry that reaches over 200,000 children weekly.



Sarah Breuel

Sarah Breuel

Sarah Breuel is the founder and director of Revive Europe. Originally from Brazil and currently living in Rome, Sarah has worked for IFES for 17 years in four national movements (Brazil, Canada, Norway, and Italy) and the European region for 6 years as evangelism training Coordinator for IFES Europe. Included in Christianity Today’s “33 under 33” list of leaders to watch, Sarah served as chair of the Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering 2016. She has a business degree, MDiv from Regent College, and serves globally in the Lausanne Board of Directors. Sarah is married to René. They have planted a vibrant church in Rome and have two boys: Pietro and Matteo.



Christelle Kiki

Christelle (Kiki)

Christelle was born and raised in Lebanon. She is married and lives with her husband, and 3 year old boy Mark, in the mountains outside of Beirut. She received her Master’s in Astrophysics as well as a Master’s in Biblical Counseling. She started with NEO 11 years ago as a volunteer, helping with ministry among refugees in Beirut. Christelle began as full-time staff with NEO 8 years ago and was trained to become a trainer. She facilitates trainings in 8 different countries on Discovery Bible Studies (DBS), servant leadership, inner healing prayer, trauma healing, and the power of prayer as well as oversees 13 Bible studies a week.



Jonné Rasmussen

Jonné Rasmussen

Jonné was born and raised in Orange County. She attended Biola University and majored in nursing. She currently resides in San Juan Capistrano and has been married to Ryan for nearly 20 years. Together, they have two children: Ryder and Tatum. She has practiced as a Labor and Delivery Nurse since graduating Biola in 2002 and currently serves on the Novo Board. Her passions include caring for new mothers and loving on newborns, engaging in women's ministry, traveling, prayer walking, and facilitating discipleship.



Anne Zaki

Anne Zaki

Anne Zaki, born in Cairo, Egypt, developed a global perspective on life and faith after attending an international school in Canada at the age of 16. After 13 years of experience serving churches and institutions in the U.S. and Canada, she returned to Egypt with her family in 2011 to teach. Anne holds a master’s in social psychology from the American University in Cairo, and an MDiv from Calvin Theological Seminary. She is currently pursuing a PhD in preaching and actively speaks at global gatherings such as Missio Nexus and the Lausanne Movement’s Younger Leaders Gathering. Her areas of interest include travel, learning about the different cultural influences on the church worldwide, preaching renewal, creating new ministries, mentoring youth, administration, poetry and music. She is a mother of four sons: Jonathan, Sebastian, Emmanuel and Alexander.




Worship Band


Sanctified Vessels


Sanctified Vessels

We were vessels created to breathe, sing, and worship the creator. In our flesh, we sinned, ran, and hid. We became lost, broken, and without a home. But even so, by His grace, we were found and chosen. We became vessels sanctified by the blood of the one who held no sin… and in His love we sing, worship, dance and breathe. We are Sanctified Vessels. Our desire is that wherever we go, whatever we do, we'd be able to cultivate a culture of worship that would usher in the presence of God to the people around us.


Events

Prayer Chapels

  • Times: 24hrs Wednesday and Thursday
  • Location: Talbot “Jonah” Chapel: personal or introspective prayer, Rose Prayer Chapel: global and corporate prayer
  • Description: Come stop by any of these prayer chapels for a space to process with the Lord or to pray for the nations!

 

Acts 1:8 Prayer Walk

  • Times: 24hrs Wednesday and Thursday
  • Location: Library Walkway
  • Description: The Acts 1:8 Prayer Walk is an interactive prayer walk. There will be signs explaining what it is and prayer prompts hung in the trees!

 

SUB Worship

  • Times: 3/20 Wednesday and 3/21 Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Location: Student Union Building
  • Description: Join us for a time of corporate worship and prayer! This space is designed to be a set apart place to encounter God’s presence and process conference outside of the main sessions. Worship will be led by fellow Biola students!

     

Global Awareness

  • Time: 3/20 Wednesday and 3/21 Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Kim's Dining Room
  • Description: Global Awareness is an interactive experience highlighting John 1:5, how God continues to work despite times of darkness. The rooms include the Persecuted church in China, historically Christian regions in Europe and Latin America, how God works amidst suffering in war-torn areas and the role of prayer, as well as testimonies from different MKs and TCKs on Biola’s campus.

 

Missionary Organization Fair

  • Speaker: 3/20 Wednesday and 3/21 Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Lot F by Fluor Fountain
  • Description: This event is a highlight of Missions Conference. Missions Organizations from around the world, focusing on both local and global missions, have come to Biola to share what they do and how you can get involved.

 

Moments on Metzger

  • Times: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Location: Missionary Fair Booth
  • Description: Join us to play board games and soccer with missionaries!

 

Experience the Unhindered

  • Time: 3/20 Wednesday and 3/21 Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Fluor Gazebo
  • Description: A 5 minute, 3D sound experience transporting you to an unhindered moment of Paul’s life in 1st century Rome. Come experience the unhindered.

 

Missionary Bingo

  • Time: 3/20 Wednesday and 3/21 Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 pm
  • Location: Missionary Fair in Lot F
  • Description: Come play a game of bingo for the chance to win merchandise from a Missions Organization!

 

Colson Award Presentation

  • Time: 3/21 Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Location: Chase Gym during Session 4
  • Description: Andy Bales recently retired from his nearly twenty-year service as President and CEO of Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. Since its establishment in 1891, URM has been the vital center of hope for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness on the streets of Skid Row. His deep commitment to the homeless community and his courage to hold his convictions under opposition has been recognized locally and nationally, and Biola University is pleased to honor him as the tenth recipient of the Charles W. Colson Conviction and Courage Award.

 

Marketplace

  • Time: 3/20 Wednesday and 3/21 Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Fluor Gazebo
  • Description: Here you can purchase merchandise at Fluor Fountain!

 

South Africa Spotlight

  • Time: 3/21 Thursday, 12 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
  • Location: Fireplace Pavilion
  • Description: Come experience a glimpse of South African culture! There will be snacks, music, and activities.

 

Sunrise Worship

  • Time: 3/21 Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
  • Location: Metzger Lawn
  • Description: This will be a time of worship, coffee, and muffins.

 

Basecamp Worship

  • Time: 3/21 Thursday, 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Location: Fireplace Pavilion
  • Description: Join us for a time of worship, prayer, and reflection after Thursday’s evening session! We will have cookies and hot cocoa!