What is is anyway? You have how many messages in one day? For how long? You mean, five days? Four preachers, plus music, for a whole week! Are you out of your mind?
These are valid questions for those who have never heard of or attended a Bible conference. As far as I know, those few who came to Colorado Springs and took a chance on the annual MEF Bible Conference those first years never regretted it.
Over the years, from the famous 14, who attended the first session, to the hundreds who now attend every year, we have come to realize we can pay attention to more than one sermon a sitting. In fact, Jill Briscoe said she has never seen an audience of believers listen so intently for a whole week. “Up north, they would have left you long ago,” she said.
In those early days, we were poorly financed (still are for that matter), known only to a few in the area as well as a few out-of-state, plus we were presenting a ministry that went beyond what most had ever experienced. Many times, I go back to that first conference when on Thursday evening, Ron Dunn said, “I guess this year is it for this huh?” My response was, “I’m looking for a fleece from God before I make that decision.”
I didn’t understand people not wanting to hear great gospel music or preaching, but I knew one thing—the conference was of God. I never doubted it then, I don’t doubt it now. The only thing I don’t know is when it will end.
The answer to my fleece came Friday evening after the last amen, and an attendance high of 32 faithful souls. A tall, well-groomed lady sought me out. With tears streaming down her face, she said, “If that’s the Gospel I’ve heard this week, I’ve never heard it before.” Immediately the Lord spoke to me: “Is she worth the $8,000 budget and all the hard work that went with it? Is her soul worth the time, effort and $5,000 shortfall you’ll have? Is she worth going to the bank to borrow money to be honorable in paying bills?” The answer: Yes, ten thousand times, yes!
And so it began, and continues as we celebrate our 25th year this June. If my memory is correct, we’ve raised enough money through offerings taken at each session to pay for the conference only two of the 24 years. Many ask why we don’t charge a fee like other conferences do. If we charged, someone would be left out. Many do not have the $100-350 it would take to finance such an endeavor. Some men even now won’t give their wives $20 to attend the annual seminar which precedes the conference. So, they and others are left to wonder what might have been had they been able to hear the great speakers and musicians. Our motto still stands: ”A price that keeps one person away is a price Music Evangelism will not pay.”
This year, the Lord brings us Erwin Lutzer, Ray Pritchard, Jeannette Clift George, Ian Leitch, Eric Alexander, Gracia Burnham and Mac Brunson to grace the platform. A host of musicians, considered by many as ‘talented’ in God’s work as any on this Earth, will present our Lord through music at each session.
After a long, hard day’s work cutting wood up in the mountains where we lived, I said many times to my neighbor, Harlan Harris, who preached at our first conference, “Harlan, that’s good wood.” He always responded, “You bet.”
After 25 years, is the conference still worth it? You bet! Is it still worth all the committee meetings, phone calls, worrying about advertising and getting the message out? You bet! Is it still worth coming up short financially, re-financing your home to pay bills? You bet! Is it still worth wondering if your energy level will keep you going in the face of adversity? You bet! Is it still worth presenting ministry free of charge so any economically can attend? You bet! You bet! You bet!
To you who got on the train a long time ago, and stayed for the ride, I, the staff and MEF directors say thank you. You help us believe in Heb. 6:10. “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
All of us at Music Evangelism say with Bill Borden, missionary to China, “No reserves, no retreat, no regrets!”
It is for us to distribute what He gives through you. He does the multiplying. Please give to the ministries of MEF as God leads you.
-- Jamall Badry 
