Monday, 05 February 2007

• Veritas Forum 2007

  What is the Veritas Forum?

  It's a dialogue of hope for our messed-up world.
  On Tuesday (2/6) night, it's a conversation of hope between an NYU professor of journalism, a Ugandan pastor, and a California writer...of hope that reconciliation is possible amidst violence and racism.
  On Wednesday (2/7) night, it's a conversation of hope between an NYU professor in transitional justice and an advisor to the National Endowment of the Arts...of hope that art can and should play a role in healing people after tragedies.
  And on Thursday (2/8) night, it's a conversation of hope between an NYU professor of public service and the head of a Christian human rights organization....of hope that relief will be brought to those who suffer around our world.

  But what is the Veritas Forum?

  I Kings 18.  It's this chance for God to show that hope for our world is useless aside from Him.  It's an event that tries to engage NYU students...students who care about our world and who really really want to make a difference and who just don't know how.  And they're trying this and they're trying that, and nothing seems to work.  And then Veritas comes.
  And so we're standing here at this altar.  "We" being Christian fellowships across NYU, finally united in one heart and vision.  "This altar" being something that we've poured water over countless times: making mistakes, not having rooms, budget issues, weak publicity, etc.  Yet God says it doesn't matter.
  And so we pray the prayer of Elijah: Let it be known this day that You are God, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.  Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.

  You know what happens?  The fire of the Lord falls and burns up all the offering, all the wood, all the water, everything.  And the people see it, and they fall on their faces, and they say...
  The Lord.  He is God.  The Lord, He IS GOD!

  -------

  That's what Veritas Forum is.  and it's been amazing to see miracle after miracle happen in the last few weeks.  And it's been amazing to cling to the promises of I Chronicles 7:14-15.
  So what can you do?

  Prayer:  You're all busy.  I know this.  But so many Christians are praying across NYU for this, and I want you to be part of this prayer.  Praise God that we have gotten rooms for the event, even at the last minute.   Praise God that our budget needs have been met, even through law school funding!  Pray that God would fill the rooms and redeem all of our efforts.  That the dialogue between the speakers would be frank and earnest, without alienating non-Christians.  That the forums would be welcoming and open for honest reflection on global issues.  That He be glorified.

  Thanks.

  Currently Reading Encounter God in the City: Onramps to Personal And Community Transformation By Randy White see related

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