Monthly column on student work

The faded glory of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool was the setting for four days of impassioned debate at the National Union of Students (NUS) annual conference this spring.

Emotions were highly charged, opinions freely shared, ideas debated and speeches heckled. In an environment that encourages debate and freedom of speech, it is one of the few places where the Christian Union movement invites as much interest and opportunities as other student societies. This year they operated alongside such groups as the Union of Jewish Students, the Cuban Solidarity Campaign and the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, all keen to engage with the 1,200 or so delegates.

Gareth Davies, UCCF South East Team Leader, with national ministry responsibilities for Christians involved in student politics said: 'Our presence at the conference has a two-fold aim. The first is to make the most of a unique opportunity to talk with students about the good news of Jesus Christ. The second is to make contact with Christians involved in student politics and look for ways to support and encourage them.'

Intro to conversations

This year, three UCCF staff, along with Christian students, mingled with delegates, using the World View Survey and a Beliefs Questionnaire as a lead into gospel conversations. Dennis Ahenkorah has leadership roles in both the Students Union and the Christian Union at the College of North East London. Reflecting on the conference he said: 'You meet loads of people who think they know what they believe, but really are very confused. It makes a good platform for evangelism.'

Good conversations were had with students of different faiths, sexual orientations, and political factions. Several hundred copies of 'The Bigger Issue' tract were given out, in addition to copies of Mark's and John's Gospels. Please pray that students who have been confronted with the claims of Christ, will keep and read the literature and begin to investigate the Christian faith further.

As well as evangelism, the UCCF team used the CU movement stand as a base for making contact with Christians involved in student politics. Midway through the conference they met with these students to pray and share their individual needs and burdens. Like the mix of delegates at the conference, roughly two-thirds of the Christians were from Further Education Colleges. Al MacInnes, CU staff worker in Plymouth said: 'It was exciting to see these young people, some of them still teenagers, with a heart for the thousands of lost students in their college. They see their involvement in the Students Union as an integral part of their Christian witness, and we want to support them in this.'

Practical benefits

The involvement of Christians in student politics can benefit Christian Unions in a very practical way. The CU at North East London College received money from the Students Union to pay for their week at Forum, the CU leaders training conference, because of Dennis's input on the Executive Committee. Many of the positions, particularly sabbatical posts in larger institutions, attract a great deal of attention on campus. Where Christians throw themselves into the life and workings of student politics and are unashamed about their allegiance to Christ and association with the Christian Union, it can have a significant impact.

UCCF are hoping to bring together a small group of students who are involved in NUS leadership to think through how they can better support Christians in student politics and make the most of the wealth of opportunities for Christian witness. Look out for an update on this area of ministry at our website: www.uccf.org.uk

Emma Carswell

© Evangelicals Now - May 2003
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