Conference Preparation Lasts Through the Night

On Tuesday April 15, Freshmen Megan Taylor and Michelle Welke worked in preparation for Missions Conference by placing signposts symbolizing the nations of the world around Biola's campus. Their set-up continued the rest of the day and late into the night.

Kelsey Heng

Missions Conference staff and volunteers worked into the early hours of Wednesday morning to prepare the Global Awareness exhibits.

Work began on the exhibits at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and was expected to conclude around 5 a.m. on Wednesday. Because classes take place until late in the evening, classrooms could not be cleaned out until the classes were completed. The last room wasn’t scheduled to be cleared out until 11o’clock Tuesday night.

This schedule combined with the attention to detail that goes into each room meant a long night for those involved.

The team that created Global Awareness was led by coordinators Kristen Davis and Eileen Evind. The team also included 12 staff members, two for each of the areas represented and approximately 50 volunteers.

“I’m going to be here all night,” Davis said with a smile as work got underway.

Even though working on one of the rooms is a lot of work, Jayne Meyncke, one of the staff members for the Netherlands room believes it is worth it.

“It’s good fun. It’s a lot of work but I’m glad I’m doing it,” she said as she helped carry tables and desks out of the classroom that would become the Netherlands room.

Planning began last September when the coordinators and staff members were selected. According to Meyncke work began two months ago.

Volunteers prepared by gathering supplies, clearing classrooms and hanging backdrops in the different rooms.

Areas represented at Global Awareness this year are India, New Orleans, Guatemala, Netherlands, Afghanistan, and Kenya. A prayer room will also be available to students.

Global Awareness will be open from 11-2p.m. Wednesday, 12-2p.m. on Thursday, and 12:30-3p.m. on Friday.