The Third Degree

Evangelism was obviously top of the agenda of Christian Unions last term: over 50 mission weeks took place across the country, tens of thousands of copies of John's Gospel were given out, many students put their trust in Christ, and enquirer courses were well attended.

A month or so later, has evangelism slowed down? Have students done their bit, storing up their evangelistic zeal for next year's drive?

The way that Christian Union members around the country have opted to spend their Easter break suggests this is definitely not the case.

At the National Union of Students (NUS) annual national Conference in Blackpool, the Christian Union movement stand focused on the life gospel project. Copies of the life John's Gospel, life tracts, and postcards advertising the www.life-online.org evangelistic website were given out to delegates. In this environment that promotes debate, free speech and a diversity of ideas and backgrounds, the CU movement team were once again encouraged by the willingness to talk and engage with the Christian message. It was really encouraging to meet students from colleges and universities around the country who recognised the life publicity and gospels. We had students coming up to the stand saying 'life - we have that at ... I've got one of those books in my room at college' or 'they had a week of life events at our university - I went to some of them... gave me lots to think about'. Evidently, the life gospel project really has made an impact, and we had a lot of conversations following up on this.

For the first time, the Christian Union movement hosted a fringe meeting. Ram Gidoomal, London Mayoral Candidate 2004 for the Christian People's Alliance, spoke on 'Do all religions lead to ... intolerance?' A hot topic in the NUS environment, this event led to positive conversations about the exclusive claims of Jesus. Please pray that the follow-up from life in universities and colleges, and then at the NUS conference will continue into next term and beyond.

Word Alive

Word Alive again attracted almost 2,000 students, most of whom were Christians, but initial reports from the conference in Skegness show that this too is proving to be a key opportunity for evangelism. Each year, a 'Just Looking' group meets each day for those who are still exploring the Christian faith. By Day Three, some students in this group had become Christians. Reports were also coming in that some students in 'Impact Groups' (small groups that meet each day for fellowship, prayer and Bible study) had made a commitment during the week. Please pray for these students who 'have passed from death to life', that they will continue in their faith and be well grounded as they return to their place of study.

As Word Alive draws to an end, 50 students from this country are due to be on a coach, with Relay workers and UCCF staff, travelling for 28 hours across Eu-rope to the IFES 'Get Connected' Conference in Gyor, Hungary. Over 2,000 students from countries in Europe and Eurasia will be spending the Easter week together, learning from each other, studying the Bible, praising God and being equipped to share the good news of Jesus with others. Evangelism is the theme of the week, with training from mission practitioners across the continent. Please pray for the delegates from CUs in the UK, that they will come back with renewed enthusiasm, vision and creative ideas for evangelism in their college or university.

Pray on

As you read this, most students will be heading back to their place of study for the summer term. Please take a minute to praise God for, and bring before him, those who have been touched by the gospel over the Easter break. We can also thank God for the Christian students who have been faithful and bold in their witness to Christ, and ask that they will continue to be encouraged, and persevere in evangelism.

Emma Balch

© Evangelicals Now - May 2004
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