The opening Kick-off gathering of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's Urbana '03 was full of the Holy Spirit and some unexpected news. The event was held at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with the theme 'Your Kingdom Come, Your will Be Done" with the 20,000 in attendance.

The unfortunate news was about the evening's speaker and urbana fixture Doctor John Stott. Scott couldn't be present at the event because of his bad health condition. Stott had a minor stroke.

Alex Hill of Intervarsity Fellowship delivered the news to the students who gathered for the conference and told them Stott is expected to recover soon.

"Doctor Stott is 82 and a few days ago he suffered a minor stroke," says Alex Hill President of InterVarsity Christians Fellowship. "He's okay, but it's a real disappointment. He has spoken at Urbana more often. He's 82 years old and a real Lion of God."

On behalf of Stott, close associate Doctor Joshua Wathanga delivered Stott's message, who encouraged students to battle the prevailing culture of pluralism in order to win others to Christ. Today delegates will hear teaching on proclaiming Jesus across other cultures and faiths.

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