Mary’s first Jubilee conference

If you follow me on Facebook, you are probably aware that Jubilee 2016 was the 40th Jubilee conference. When I did the math, I realized it was my 32nd. And it was my cousin Mary’s first.

Mary’s daughter Miranda attended Jubilee a few years ago, after she participated in the CCO’s Ocean City Beach Project. Miranda and I were both excited for her mom to experience the conference—plus, I got to hang out for a long weekend with one of my favorite people!

Here’s what Mary had to say about her first Jubilee experience:

One thing that strikes me as I look back is the quality, the variety, the depth of the teaching. And yet it wasn’t inaccessible. I’ve heard many sermons and lessons over the years and found the Jubilee teachings engaging and edifying. But I also feel like a new Christian wouldn’t feel lost.

Part of that is the effectiveness of the “creation, fall, redemption, restoration” narrative of the biblical story. I feel like too we often get stuck and focus on the fall and our wretchedness and maybe don’t fully explore the joy of redemption and restoration. Jubilee didn’t do that. It told the whole story.

And THOSE STUDENTS! I’m still marveling at the questions I heard the kids in that room ask. The students were so eloquently and thoughtfully grappling with what it means to be a Christian in a way that is evident in every aspect of life.

Did I make it clear when I was there how IMPRESSED I am at how CCO THINKS about its ministry? About truly preparing students for Christian living in the real world? Not just in general terms, but so specifically. It fills my heart with joy that THIS is the organization that I entrusted my daughter to for a summer.

“Transforming college students to transform the world” is a bold claim to make. From what I saw at Jubilee, it’s clear that the CCO is justified in making that claim.

Have I mentioned how grateful I am that I was able to share this important part of my world with my cousin/friend? If you want to join me for Jubilee 2017—February 19-21—please know that you are welcome! Just ask Mary—Jubilee isn’t just for college students.

Thank you for making it possible for me to continue to serve God by serving college students through the CCO. Happy Easter!

Amy Maczuzak
Senior Editor
March 2016