April 2002 - Evangelicals Now - Christian Newspaper

From 400 students in a ballroom at Durham University to a lunch-hour presentation in a Further Education college in north London, students across the UK have been confronted with the gospel in this year's mission season.

The style of mission and individual events varied immensely, but each was organised by a group of dedicated students enthusiastic about evangelism.

In Liverpool, three Christian Unions launched their week with a ball at the Liverpool Adelphi Hotel. Over 290 students (mostly unbelievers) listened to a short talk explaining the need for students to seriously investigate the person of Christ.

Jumping at the chance

At Van Mildert's College, Durham, Olympic Gold medallist Jonathan Edwards had 150 students hanging on every word as he clearly explained the gospel, and what it means to be a Christian in the world of athletics. At the end of the meeting four students wanted to trust Christ.

On some campuses, a straight gospel presentation in a lecture theatre, accompanied by drama, testimonies, music or vox pops was the focus each evening; in others the CU met people where they are - with short talks in college/hall bars. International student teas, World View Surveys in cafeterias and manning stalls in the Students Union were all part of over two months of focused evangelism on campus. A missioner at Leicester University reflected: 'Though the core group of students actually involved in the planning can be quite small, it is great to see dedicated young people eagerly thinking out strategies to bring their friends to gospel events.'

Warwick University CU managed to get the front cover and a double page spread in the student magazine. Two articles inside gave a gospel presentation and details of the mission events. John Newton-Webb, mission co-ordinator, said: 'The gospel article caused quite a stir, which was very useful as publicity, and also because the student magazine is read by everyone on campus. Many who might not go to a meeting read about the gospel and I'm sure God has worked through that. It has also led to an on-going discussion in the letters page of the student paper, which is again a great opportunity to share the good news of Christ with many students here.'

The power of God

Although the CU members are encouraged to invite their friends, displaying posters and handing out flyers (leaflets) is key to reaching those who don't have any contact with Christians. One CU found this out: 'On the Tuesday a second year Ancient Civilisation student came along by himself to a lunchtime meeting. One of the missioners spoke to him at the end, and discovered he had simply come in because he'd been given a flyer. He'd never been to a Christian meeting in his life, but he ended up coming to every other event of the week. On Friday evening, he told the speaker that he had given his life to Christ. Such is the power of God - from an impersonal flyer, he brought someone home.'

Smaller CUs often needed to take a different, more creative approach. Bishop Grosseteste (Teacher Training) College, organised a 'Truman Show' event and a 'Grill a Christian'. Jonathan Clark, CU staff worker, reported: 'Around 20 non-Christians came to the first night, from a college of 900. Numbers doubled for the second evening, where students asked questions for two and a half hours. No conversions yet, but these are big encouraging steps for a small CU.'

Ongoing work

Mission season is over for another year, but evangelism on campus doesn't stop. In fact, Dave Gobbett, CU staff worker in Durham, reported that this year follow-up has been the most exciting part: 'Each week since the mission we've had 40-45 students at our "Explore" course. It's fantastic to look around the room and see tables of students, all with Mark's Gospel open, discussing Jesus, looking at the cross, and considering how it impacts their lives.'

Reflecting on the student missions this year, one missioner said: 'The evangelical scene has very few evangelistic missions these days; what is exciting is that CUs are still effectively reaching fellow students by a straightforward proclamation of the gospel. Many of the Christian students are quite young in their faith and are very appreciative of the prayer support of the wider Christian community.' www.thecumovement.org has more stories and reports of student missions from across the UK.

Good News stirs up students

UK-wide students have been confronted with the gospel

Jumping at the chance

The power of God

Ongoing work

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