Impact 2010: THE COME BACK – A Recap of My (Online) Experience Part 1
The room was dim and abuzz with excited energy and all around hearts were open to hear the word of God, to grow in His truth and experience Him in a new way. The speakers, music artists and others who took the stage imparted spiritual teachings and words of wisdom blended with humor and personable honesty to those in the audience. Even from my seat before my laptop at home I feel like I was there (or at least really wanted to be there) and could tell that Impact 2010: THE COME BACK was a conference not to miss…
I first heard about the Impact Movement, (a ministry that brings the truth of the Gospel to college campuses across the country), and its conferences from friends at my college and church that attended previous conferences. I’d listen to their stories and look longingly at their Facebook pictures with them laughing and fellowshipping with other college students and young adults and think to myself – ‘man, I wanna go too!’
I’m in grad school now and unfortunately still haven’t made my way to an Impact conference. Thankfully though this year the conference offered a live broadcast stream for the first time, thanks to a sponsor. “Attending” the conference from home was still interactive with the Facebook feed and chat features provided, but watching I could tell the physical experience would have been even better. I thought I’d share some of the highlights from watching the last few days of the conference to spread the word about this literally impact-full ministry…
Each morning of the conference began with a backstage welcome with web hosts Rebecca Gilmer (wife of Impact’s President Charles Gilmer) and Kenny Roberts, some opening introductions with the conference’s emcees Sho Baraka and Francine Saunders, then a powerful worship experience with the Impact Movement’s music team. Wednesday morning’s worship was followed by a session on Impact 
Opportunities by Rasool Berry, the director of Impact Music. He talked about the importance of true worship, and giving our talents and time in service as we follow God. Impact volunteers and those involved with summer missions also talked about their experiences and how being involved with the ministry has changed and challenged them.
After the message the attendees were able to attend break out seminars that weren’t broadcast online (the previous days’ sessions were with Priscilla Shirer and Kirk Franklin) but the online viewers did get exclusive looks behind the scenes at interviews with Impact’s staff, volunteers, the speakers, artists and the attendees. It was cool to get a “one on one” and hear more personally who the people are behind the movement and the stories of new and past attendees who shared their testimonies.
When the broadcast was back on in the evening Pastor Matthew Watts brought the Word in the book of Nehemiah tying the message to the theme of the conference. Then online viewers got the pleasant surprise (especially after having to miss the Trip Lee and Sho Baraka concert the previous night) when Mali Music took the stage and brought the worship. He opened his heart in between songs like a favorite “Yahweh,” and I’m sure even the other watchers at home were up on their feet praising God as the Holy Spirit moved.
My short recap here does not do the total Impact 2010 Conference justice, it is something you have to be there to see and be a part of. Even though I could only be there in heart, I’ll be making it my goal to attend a future conference to have the experience first hand. All I know is that I was truly blessed and I’m glad that Impact has made its COME BACK; you should check it out for yourself – click here and then go to the broadcast and the Archives tab to access the replay of the conference for 30 days after the conference ends. The other great news is that the conferences will now be annual, so there are now more opportunities to attend.
Below, watch videos of attendees who talk about why they decided to go to Impact 2010. Were you at Impact or got to view from afar? Feel free to share your experience below…
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[…] This is a continuation of the previous post about the Impact Movement’s conference for college and high school students. Click here for Part 1 of the Recap […]