Sonburst is InterVarsity’s annual state-wide student conference in Florida. It is a chance for students to challenge their faith and become equipped to build the Kingdom of God on their campus. This year, they were excited for their biggest yet. Over 600 student and staff from around the state gathered together for three days of worship, teaching and prayer for change on their campuses. They were able to celebrate the diversity of students. It was also a chance to build community with students who are working towards the same mission on campus.
One student spoke of arriving at Sonburst feeling very alone, but throughout his time surrounded by other students, he developed relationships with people who felt the same way. He knew he was leaving the conference, not alone, but as part of a larger community. Another student spoke of recently beginning to follow Jesus, but she felt she was missing a personal worship experience like other people she had seen. One night in worship she began to lift her hands and finally felt free to experience worship in ways she had only seen others experience it.
Another student spoke of things her eyes had been opened to over the time at the conference. She spoke of a recognition of God's heart for the poor and the injustices that are happening all over the world.
The simple fact is lives were changed. Students walked into the conference in many different situations, but left as a community of students working to see the Kingdom of God on their campus and in their world.
