In early January, over 10,000 students gathered together in Louisville, Kentucky, for a time of equipping and connection at CROSS CON24. This event offered an excellent opportunity for Horizons staff to engage students from across the United States. Students gathered together for worship and teaching, as well as engagement with mission and ministry organizations!  

At Horizons, we enjoy connecting with people, discussing ministry and missions, and equipping people for service on the mission field. During the conference, we shared our vision for field ministry in the United States and abroad with many motivated students. As these students visited our stand, we provided them with brochures, postcards, and literature to inspire them to step out into missions.

Our international team also engaged many attendees in conversations about reaching international students with the gospel, involvement in refugee and immigrant ministry in their hometowns, and presenting the gospel to their Muslim neighbors. 

Witnessing thousands of students eager to enter the mission field was encouraging. Horizons’ President, Georges Houssney, shared his enthusiasm:

“I was encouraged by their young age and apparent commitment to the Lord. I feel good about the contacts we made and hope we will see some of them partner with Horizons in the future.“

Many students who visited the Horizons’ stand spent a considerable amount of time in conversations with staff members. They were eager to learn how they could make a difference for the Kingdom both locally and globally. Mark Harkness, who serves in international student ministry in Albany, New York, was encouraged by the students’ passion at CROSS:

“It was awesome to spend three days with over 10,000 Gen Z students. It was very encouraging to see these young people seeking to know more about missions. Horizons was unique among the mission organizations in attendance in offering both local and global ministry opportunities.“

Following the conference, Horizons followed up with more than thirty students eager to apply their skills and talents on the mission field. We connected with some of these students on Zoom calls, where we shared more about ministry opportunities with Horizons. 

We pray that the seeds planted at CROSS will bear much fruit for the Kingdom. If you are looking to learn more about reaching international students, refugees, and immigrants in the United States, then start a conversation.