Why I Was in Minnesota

But seriously, folks...

I actually went to Minnesota to attend the fifth annual Desiring God conference. This year's topic was endurance and perseverance in the faith, and each of the speakers was worth the price of admission.

You want perseverance? Try being a single woman in the mid-twentieth century, working as a medical missionary to the people of Africa, only to be kidnapped, beaten, raped and held captive for five months by Congolese rebels. Dr. Helen Roseveare -- who never married, by the way -- is in her eighties now, and still active in speaking, writing, and mentoring young women in her native England. What an incredible experience it was to hear her speak about the foundations of joy and hope, without a trace of bitterness or anger about the trials she's endured throughout her many decades of ministry. She radiates joy.

Why is perseverance important? So many people with an alleged assurance of their own salvation completely drop off the spiritual map, either by succumbing to discouragement in hard times or by leaning a bit too heavily (and selfishly) on the doctrine of grace and "freedom in Christ." Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason has an excellent, brief article on this subject that's worth your time.

Want in on what I heard and saw at the conference? All the sessions are now available online for free.