August 15 – August 18
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Why This Conference Now?
You might have experienced the antisemitism raging on our campuses yourself.
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas has greatly exacerbated the situation. The melding of Jewish people and Israelis in the minds of pro-Palestinian activists and their sympathizers has resulted in Jewish people around the globe, especially on college campuses, becoming a lightning rod for the rage and antisemitic hatred of Jewish people by the protestors and their supporters.
This anti-Jewish activism has resulted in the vengeful targeting of Jewish students, their supporters, and students favorable to the modern State of Israel. Many students are cautious, fearful, and concerned about their freedom of expression in their public identification as Jewish or as friends of Israel and Jewish people around the world.
Sadly, many who wore yarmulkes and Jewish stars now think twice about wearing these symbols when in the public square. Some high school seniors are even rethinking where they are applying for college so they can go to schools deemed safe for Jewish students and their supporters.
Maybe you have suffered from antisemitic attacks on your campus. Do you find yourself limiting your ministry activities or pro-Israel efforts because of the current fierce opposition on campus? We need Holy Spirit-infused COURAGE and wisdom to stand for the Lord and His people on campus!
Is this Conference for You?
The COURAGE conference seeks to equip university and college students, both undergraduate and graduate, to stand in the face of antisemitism’s growing influence on campus.
The conference is open to all undergraduate or graduate students interested in:
- opposing antisemitism
- standing for Israel on campus
- showing solidarity with Jewish campus groups and Jewish friends
- bringing the gospel to Jewish people
It will be especially meaningful and purposeful to prepare for the upcoming semester!
Along with Bible teaching on how to handle persecution, there will be practical sessions on how to respond to opposition and maintain good security. We will discuss tips for approaching faculty and campus administration for support, integrating your faith in Jesus with your fight for Jewish people, and more. We also plan to provide opportunities for group prayer, discussion, networking, and the development of strategies for succeeding as courageous followers of Yeshua on campus. This conference is for you!
Cost
$50 (All on-site expenses will be covered for the conference. Aid for up to half your transportation costs is available if you cannot afford the funds and a parent, congregation, or church cannot help you.)
Contact/Questions: [email protected]
Featured Speakers and Artists
Mitch Glaser
Michael Rydelnik
FAQ
Where will we be staying?
We will be staying in downtown Chicago at Moody Bible Institute. The wonderful location will give you access to notable sites like the Magnificent Mile and Lakeshore along with opportunities to try delicious Chicago-style pizza and other cuisines near the campus. You will share a room with one roommate and share bathrooms with everyone on your floor. One floor will be for men, and one floor will be for women.
Moody Bible Institute is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free environment. The possession or use of tobacco in any form and the possession or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. The possession or use of illegal drugs in any form is prohibited and will involve local law enforcement officials when appropriate.
How should I dress?
Business casual during conference sessions; nicer attire for Friday Sabbath dinner.
DRESS: As a community of Christians from many different backgrounds around the world, encountering differences within our community (e.g., culture, age, gender, and personal preferences) is natural. Because of the diversity present at any time while on MBI’s campus, we must intentionally communicate our community values, both verbally and non-verbally.
Dress is an expression of our non-verbal communication. The purpose of the dress guidelines is to ensure we communicate by our dress the respect and dignity due each other.
Since we live in a community with differences in perspective regarding dress standards, we ask that MBI guests make wise and conscientious decisions about personal appearance while on Moody’s campus. Moody encourages students and guests in their clothing choices to exercise responsible freedom while representing themselves as image-bearers of God.
When should I arrive and depart?
Please arrive at Moody Bible Institute for check-in between 2 pm and 5 pm on Thursday, August 15. Dinner begins at 6 pm.
The conference is over after breakfast on Sunday, August 18, but we will have an optional tour of Chicago afterward.
If you arrive or depart outside of these hours, you are welcome to store your bags on campus.
Arrival in Chicago
We will not be picking up attendees from their arrival point. There are several ways to get from your arrival point to Moody’s campus, including public transportation, taxi, and teleport). Please research your preferred way to Moody.
Does the conference cover meals?
Yes, three meals a day, including a special Sabbath dinner. Please indicate if you have dietary choices (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, food allergies, etc.) so we can make sure there are adequate choices. We will not be rabbinically kosher, but there will NOT be pork or shellfish.
Can I stay longer in Chicago?
Of course, you can stay longer in Chicago, but you must secure your own housing.
Will there be free time?
Because of the nature of the conference, there will not be much free time. If you want time to explore the city, we suggest you arrive early on Thursday or stay longer on Sunday.
Safety in the city
If you plan to head out at night, please be mindful of where you are going and go out in groups of at least three. Moody has public safety staff patrolling the campus if you need any help.
MBI guidelines regarding safety and security:
SAFETY & SECURITY: All residents must carry their keys or fobs at all times. Personal valuables should not be left unattended at any time. Because of the location of the Institute, all conference attendees should exercise caution and dress modestly when off-campus. Keep to well-lit streets. Do not leave the campus area alone at night. Since there is the possibility of purse-snatching, please hang on to them and carry as little money as possible.
Application
After you submit the above application, please send the reference form (linked below) to one person. This person should be from your congregational/church leader or the campus director of your Christian or Messianic Jewish group.