Monthly column on student work

Literally millions of students in this country are being neglected in gospel work. Further Education (FE) Colleges have for too long been the forgotten frontier of student ministry. Many Christians hardly know these students exist, or are oblivious to the spiritual needs of the colleges on their doorsteps.

The facts speak for themselves: in the last academic year 2.35 million students were enrolled at FE colleges in England alone. Yet there are only 139 Christian Unions that UCCF know of, most of which have 2-5 members. Admittedly, many areas of Christian ministry are desperately lacking in resources, but at present there are only a handful of workers dedicated to FE colleges. As Steph Bushell, a student at Merton College, south London said recently: 'FE colleges are full of lost people as well'.

Toni Coulton, co-ordinator of UCCF's work in FE Colleges, is keen for the church to catch the vision for FE - to see the wealth of opportunities, to pray, and to support Christian students who long to share the gospel in their college. Working with her are four others. They try to assist as many groups as possible and help start new groups, but with limited time and resources the focus is on working closely with a small number of institutions. 'Regular work with certain CUs highlights the fact that, given a bit more support, FE CUs can thrive', says Toni. 'It also makes us long to see the others supported in the same way.'

The scale of the task may be both daunting and heart-breaking, so students and staff need to be clear that God works in the small things as well: 'I think our culture conditions us to expect to see big results and big numbers but we don't see that at all in FE. But we do see God working in small ways and that God is glorified in those things as well.'

The work is often tough. Colleges don't have societies like universities do, so staff aren't used to students wanting to book rooms and organise events. Each college may have multiple campuses and varying timetables, so regular meetings can prove difficult to organise. Many CUs would welcome visiting speakers, but find it hard to find people willing and able to speak to small lunch-time groups. Steph asks for prayer that 'the leaders in FE colleges will be passionate about the lost students around them, and to keep on keeping on, even when it feels like nothing is happening - to trust God that something is happening.'

Often there is so much effort involved in just meeting up, that the students have little idea of where to go from there. On a positive note, support is, on the whole, most welcome: 'The students are always glad to see you - they are so pleased that someone is interested in them', says Tinyan Ogiemudia, FE staff worker, London.

Please pray that God will place courageous Christian students in FE colleges, and supply the support that is to help them grow in Christ and share him with others.

www.thecumovement.org/smallcus 'News' page has stories from the FE world including a mini-mission tour in three colleges this term and the story of how two students organised an evangelistic Carol Service in their college... and saw 100 non-Christians turn up!

To receive regular information on FE student work or to find out more about being involved, please contact UCCF: 0116 204 7698 or email tcoulton@uccf.org.uk

The forgotten students

Emma Carswell