The Torrey Memorial Bible Conference turns 77 this year and our theme hascentury-old roots at Biola. Over 100 years ago, Lyman Stewart and othersbroke ground for the Biola Institute in downtown L.A., saying, "Let it be ourhope and prayer that from this place shall radiate streams of influence, whichwill be a great blessing not only to the multitudes around us, but also to thedarkest places of the earth." The vision of Stewart and others was ultimately toequip God's people to proclaim the good news and make disciples in a rapidlychanging world. The Panama Canal was about to connect the Atlantic Oceanto the Pacific and a giant aqueduct would supply the new city with water.Crowds would be coming to the Pacific Rim city of Los Angeles, and thosecrowds would need the gospel.

This conference has the same vision that R.A. Torrey had in 1911--to providebiblical training in heart and mind for the proclamation of the gospel. Theworld is still changing, but the Good News has not. Our prayer during thistime is that we would grasp more deeply this Good News in our own lives, andexplore how we might compassionately, creatively and courageously bless theworld with it, making God known in word and deed.