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Monthly column on student workNew for SeptemberIt's been a scorcher of a summer. As I write, temperatures are climbing towards a record 100 degrees. So as Britain basked in the hottest summer and students dispersed to go on mission teams, family holidays, or to earn some cash, what have I been up to? Did I stop work in the absence of any student activity on campus? Have I spent the summer months topping up my tan and perfecting my barbecuing techniques? I may have been tempted to, but instead a sweltering office in Victoria has been my home. But I'm not complaining, because I was given the exciting task of working with a team of students and UCCF staff around the country to prepare three new projects for launch in September. Allow me to introduce you to: 'Fresh', 'Life' and 'The Blurb'. FreshHow many young people do you know who will soon be heading off to university or college for the first time? What words of wisdom would you like to pass on to them? What are your hopes and fears for them as they start student life? How are you going to prepare them for this new experience? Fresh is a pack for new students which can help. With bright visuals (with a certain lemon theme running throughout) and a very practical, biblical focus, most students will find it quickly accessible. The aim is to help them think through the key issues they will face as a Christian at college. In a series of fold-out cards 'Fresh' encourages them to see the Bible as living and active, and to involve God in all their decisions. The short studies focus on Colossians, particularly on what it has to say and how it can be applied to student life. They look at issues such as money, study, relationships, perseverance, evangelism and the Christian community. To order copies of 'Fresh' (at £1 each), email info@uccf.org.uk or call the UCCF office on 0116 255 1700. Life250,000 specially designed copies of John's Gospel will shortly be running off the printing press and winging their way to Christian Unions around the country. Yes, UCCF are launching the next 'Gospel Project'. This time taking the title and theme of 'Life', the aim is to reach as many students as possible with the good news of Jesus through an invitation to read and hear the message of John's Gospel and respond. In addition to the Gospel itself, UCCF are providing CU leaders with resources, training, graphics and publicity material to help them plan, pray and bring the whole CU on board for reaching their college or university. A new tract on the theme of life, and postcards advertising a specially designed, and fully interactive, evangelistic website (www.life-online.org) will also be available. The aim is to produce 400,000 copies of the Gospel in total for the coming year, and for this to be possible, further funds need to be raised. We are grateful to many readers of EN who support UCCF in various ways, and give generously to our work. However, if you would like to make a donation towards the Life project, please contact Alan Hewerdine at the UCCF office. To order a Life information pack - for your personal use or for your church, please email your address details and request to: life@uccf.org.uk. The BlurbThe Big Issue-style vendors are due to be appearing in CUs around the country next term. But the magazine they'll be selling is something quite different. It's The Blurb, a new magazine for Christian students. Extensive research among Christian students and graduates over the last year highlighted a need - and a desire - for a magazine that raises issues relevant to student culture and encourages Christian students to make God their number one priority at university or college. A resource that is aimed at all Christian students, not just those who are in CU leadership, or who go to Christian conferences or go on mission teams during their holidays. Most of the contributors are Christian students or recent graduates, with features including a collage style guide to surviving as a fresher; a review and lifestyle section (secular books, film, music, art plus fashion, food and travel features); a Bible outline from Acts 17; student news and testimony and much more! The magazine is packed with insights, ideas and issues, but in the style of the glossy magazines. The Blurb will be sold to students by student 'vendors' from CUs. It is also available for churches or other student groups to buy direct. For more information on how to order The Blurb, please email: theblurb@uccf.org.uk Please pray that each of these resources will have a significant impact on the thousands of student 'missionaries' in our colleges and universities ù and that as they stand for - and share ù Christ with other students that many this year will 'believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing in him they will have life.' Emma Balch© Evangelicals Now - September 2003 |