(USA) Midwest and Missouri Valley Chapters Unite in Prayer, Vision, and Ministry Strategy for Fall 2026
- Jul 27, 2026
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By Pastor Bob Henkins, IIT UBF
The Midwest and Missouri Valley UBF Fall Ministry Planning Meeting was held on July 17–18 at the IIT UBF Bible House in Chicago. The purpose of the gathering was to bring Midwest and Missouri Valley UBF chapters together in person to build community, enjoy fellowship, thank God for His work during the past ministry year, and prayerfully prepare for the upcoming school year.
A total of 55 coworkers representing 20 UBF chapters and fellowships gathered on a Friday evening with thankful hearts to celebrate God's faithfulness throughout the 2025–2026 school year. The meeting opened with a delicious dinner and warm fellowship, followed by a message from Pastor Bob Henkins (IIT UBF) based on Philippians 1:3–6, reminding everyone to give thanks for God's work in each ministry and to remain confident that He who began a good work will continue it to completion.
Following the message, Lydia S. from the UIC Ministry in Chicago presented a Year in Review, highlighting God's work throughout the region. Participants gathered in small discussion groups, where each chapter shared prayer topics and highlights from the past year. They reflected on God’s blessings, challenges, and lessons while looking ahead to His vision for Fall 2027 ministry.
Saturday morning began with breakfast followed by a variety of fellowship activities. Participants enjoyed basketball, golf, pickleball, tennis, an IIT campus walk, and a walk along the Lake Michigan 31st Street Harbor, strengthening friendships and encouraging one another outside the meeting room.
After lunch, the afternoon session opened with a message from Curtis R. (Indianapolis UBF) based on Luke 9 and Proverbs 16:3, encouraging everyone to commit their plans to the Lord and trust Him as He sends them out to establish the work of the coming ministry year.
Dr. John L. from Central Illinois UBF then presented their fall ministry plan, providing ideas and encouragement for campus outreach.
The afternoon continued with a Midwest Region Encounter 2026 Retreat Presentation for college students and Q&A with Little Sarah (UIC, Chicago), followed by fruitful discussions regarding a possible 2027 Summer Bible Conference and future regional planning meetings. Participants were also encouraged by Missionary John P.’s Ukraine mission report and by Missionary Daniel Yang’s Rwanda report, reminding everyone that God continues to work not only on college campuses throughout North America but also among the nations.
The meeting concluded with discussions about future mission trips and summer ministry opportunities. Before departing, everyone joined together in prayer, especially for the young leaders whom God is raising up to shepherd the next generation of students and coworkers. Participants then received boxed dinners before returning home.
Throughout the weekend, there was a joyful spirit of thanksgiving, unity, and expectation for what God will do in the coming school year. The messages, testimonies, fellowship, and prayer strengthened the partnership among the Midwest and Missouri Valley chapters and renewed everyone's commitment to campus mission.
We thank God for His abundant grace throughout the meeting and count it a privilege to have welcomed so many of God's precious servants to the IIT UBF Bible House. We pray that the Lord will bless every plan committed to Him and bear much fruit through each chapter during the upcoming Fall 2027 ministry season.
