On January 26, Turn Your Campus 2013 took place at Biola University, where more than 1600 attendees (1100 students and 500 adults, teachers, volunteers and staff) gathered together to experience the event. Biola University partnered with Christian Educators Association Institute, National Network of Youth Ministries, Student Venture/Temecula Urban Youth Workers International, Xtreme Missions and Youth for Christ to put on this annual event.

The purpose behind this movement is for young people to learn to live like Jesus and love on their campuses. The main sessions were held in Chase gymnasium at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  In between the main sessions the students were able to choose from over 30 seminars held throughout campus. Two lunch times were available to the students, volunteers and staff in Biola’s Cafe. There were also a few seminar tracks available for teachers and youth workers that were tailored to their lives and ministries.  

The event theme — Your Presence Matters — was seen during the day through artwork, guest speakers and within the classes.  Brandon Beukelman, an artist and youth pastor from Cypress, California created an 8’*14’ wooden focal piece, spray painted with the theme. Youth were invited to put their painted handprints on the board throughout the day and at the end of the event it was an artistic representation of each student’s presence on their campus.

Popular Hip Hop artist and speaker Propaganda brought the message, sharing from Isaiah and Daniel.  He challenged and empowered youth with the idea that the Holy Spirit in a young person on their campus brings the kingdom to their campus. He shared from Isaiah 6:8, "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Propaganda explained that believers should have a missiological mindset.  As he moved on to the second session, he explained that just as Daniel understood the righteousness of God, he also understood the culture that he had been placed in within the Diaspora. He didn’t run and hide from culture, he sought God and engaged with the Babylonian culture around him. Daniel’s lifestyle was one of seeking God, living upright and working with a standard of excellence.  The Babylonians noticed and God was praised because of Daniel’s life.  Propaganda explained to the students that just as Daniel lived righteously in an unrighteous culture their presence matters in their culture on their campuses as well.  The movement doesn’t end with TYC 2013, these students had seeds planted that will grow to fruition and help bring revival in schools.

Trusting that next year on Jan 25, 2014 Turn Your Campus 2014 will be a gathering known for students giving testimony of what God is doing in their schools through them.  For more information please go to the Turn Your Campus website.