The Third Degree | Jonathan Carswell

John Wesley arrived in Newcastle upon Tyne on May 28 1742. He noted the following in his daily journal: 'We came to Newcastle about six, and after short refreshment, walked into town. I was surprised; so much drunkenness, cursing and swearing (even from the mouths of little children), do I never remember to have seen and heard before in so small a compass of time. Surely this place is ripe for Him who came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.'

250 years after Wesley arrived in the North East, it is fair to say that little has changed, perhaps it is even worse. Visit any of the university campuses, not just at the weekend, and hundreds of students will be consuming copious amounts of alcohol, having numerous sexual relationships, but having little or no regard for their Creator. However, surely we must respond, not with condemnation, but like Wesley did, with the attitude that these people are 'ripe for him'.

Praise God therefore for the university CUs in that region who are responding as Wesley did, and doing so practically by planning specific weeks of mission.

Challenging them to believe

This year sees Durham Inter-Collegiate Christian Union's (DICCU) triennial two-week mission, under the title of 'Believe'. Their three-term strategy is to: a) introduce people to the person of Jesus; b) clearly present the gospel to them and challenge them to believe; c) disciple new Christians.

Their year of evangelism was kicked off in freshers' week when Daff Merion-Jones from Exeter brilliantly explained the gospel to over 300 students at a ceilidh in the Union. Please pray for Andy, who trusted Christ, and 20 others who then signed up for further information. As EN goes to print, they will be hosting their student carol service in Durham Cathedral. Last year 3,000 students were there and it is an excellent opportunity to witness on a wide scale.

Sowing seeds

'Believe' is all about sowing seed - anywhere and everywhere; from small conversations in the cafeteria to main meetings with special guests telling their story of how faith in Christ changed them. Roger Carswell, who is speaking at Stockton and Newcastle's missions as well, will be in Durham to 'round off' each night with a clear presentation of the gospel. Please pray for him and the numerous Assistant Missioners helping out.

Christianity Explored

The day after the mission finishes, DICCU will be hosting three 'Christianity Explored' courses. They are blessed with strong support from the local churches and it is hoped that 200 students will complete the course. The danger for CUs is to see evangelism as a week-long venture, after which everything goes back to 'normal'. Please pray for continuing evangelism through this excellent course.

'Believe' is obviously only one of many missions in the coming months - please do be praying for each one. The university 'fields' are indeed white for harvest.

For a full list of the university missions across the country please contact Lindsay at: lh@uccf.org.uk