Urbana ’03 will focus on Muslim evangelism — get ready.

USA (MNN) — Urbana ’03 is just a few months away. Registration for the event is more than half full and officials are excited about the response. The Director of Urbana, a ministry of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship , Jim Tebbe says young people are excited about outreach. He says, “Young people today have the desire to commit themselves to something that’s greater than themselves and they’re looking for the call of God on their lives.”

Tebbe says the theme for this year’s Urbana is, ‘Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done.’ He says events in the world have helped them take stock in what they’re spending their lives for. Tibbe says short term missions will be encouraged, “The approach has been to encourage students to take incramental steps toward missions. If you haven’t taken a short-term missions trip, take a short-term trip.” He says many missionaries who are currently on the field have taken multiple short-term trips.

One other area that Urbana will address is Islam. Tebbe says, “I’m very concerned about attitudes. What is our Christian attitude toward people of other faiths, particularly the Muslim world.” He says, “We’re not able to influence people we don’t like. We want to encourage students to reach out to those who are Muslims.”

Urbana ’03 begins December 28th and you can register on-line at http://www.urbana.org by October 31st for early registration discount.