{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://ifesworld.org/en/area/epsa/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "next_url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/area/epsa/feed/json/?paged=2", "home_page_url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/area/epsa/", "feed_url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/area/epsa/feed/json/", "language": "en-US", "title": "English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa Archives · IFES", "description": "A movement of students sharing and living out the good news of Jesus Christ. Locally. Nationally. Globally.", "icon": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ifeslogo.png", "items": [ { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=47747", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/everybody-grows/", "title": "Everybody Grows", "content_html": "
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It\u2019s a growing ministry. 

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FOCUS, the IFES movement in Uganda, now serves 132 Christian Union groups (CUs) across 100+ campuses. But, with just 11 full-time staff and limited resources to hire more, the task of supporting student leaders with personal presence felt insurmountable \u2013 until they revived the Short-Term Experience in Ministry (STEM) program. 

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This year, STEM has given seven graduates the opportunity to receive hands-on training while ministering among students. \u201cIt was an inevitable responsibility that we needed to pursue,\u201d says Patrick Barasa, FOCUS General Secretary. 

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Now, both students and staff are growing. 

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Students Mentored 

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The impact of the program is already evident. On campuses where STEM staff have been deployed, student ministry is thriving. At the Allied Institute of Health Sciences, Samuel, the CU Chair, sees the difference: 

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\u201cThanks to the expertise and mentorship of STEM staff, we\u2019ve been much more effective in planning and implementing our activities. As they\u2019ve walked alongside us, we\u2019ve developed as leaders \u2013 in knowledge and practical skills. And their active participation in outreach events has boosted our capacity to reach out to peers.\u201d  

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Such positive relationships are typical. The immediate staff presence on campus means that CU leaders can easily access FOCUS support and receive guidance on championing witness and discipleship in ways that are relevant for their situation. 

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Staff Mobilised 

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And it\u2019s not just the students that are benefiting \u2013 STEM staff are also experiencing personal and spiritual growth. Maureen Nabwire, serving in the Busoga region, notes:  

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\u201cOver the past few months, I\u2019ve been able to learn how to associate and communicate with people from different societies, how to relate to and engage with students. I\u2019ve realized that I can truly rely on God as my provider even through the challenges of mobilizing resources.\u201d 

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At the start of the year-long program, the carefully selected graduates are prepared for service with training on personal care and development as well as ministry skills, like how to faithfully handle Scripture and effectively engage in mission. This is supplemented by regular mentoring and care from senior staff and volunteers. 

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STEM staff have grown in other ways, too. Robert Wabulimbo, who\u2019s been serving Samuel\u2019s CU, adds: \u201cI\u2019ve learned to raise ministry funds and to be accountable for writing reports on finances and activities.\u201d 

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General Secretary Patrick concludes: 

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\u201cWith the growing number of CUs, this strategy not only gives us the best shot at effectively discipling students. It\u2019s also a way of nurturing graduates who will impact our churches and society.\u201d 

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Pray 

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If you\u2019d like to partner with the students and associates in Uganda who\u2019ll be giving to FOCUS, you can donate here. 

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The post Everybody Grows appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "It\u2019s a growing ministry. \n\n\n\nFOCUS, the IFES movement in Uganda, now serves 132 Christian Union groups (CUs) across 100+ campuses. But, with just 11 full-time staff and limited resources to hire more, the task of supporting student leaders with personal presence felt insurmountable \u2013 until they revived the Short-Term Experience in Ministry (STEM) program. \n\n\n\nThis year, STEM has given seven graduates the opportunity to receive hands-on training while ministering among students. \u201cIt was an inevitable responsibility that we needed to pursue,\u201d says Patrick Barasa, FOCUS General Secretary. \n\n\n\nNow, both students and staff are growing. \n\n\n\nStudents Mentored \n\n\n\nThe impact of the program is already evident. On campuses where STEM staff have been deployed, student ministry is thriving. At the Allied Institute of Health Sciences, Samuel, the CU Chair, sees the difference: \n\n\n\n\u201cThanks to the expertise and mentorship of STEM staff, we\u2019ve been much more effective in planning and implementing our activities. As they\u2019ve walked alongside us, we\u2019ve developed as leaders \u2013 in knowledge and practical skills. And their active participation in outreach events has boosted our capacity to reach out to peers.\u201d  \n\n\n\nSuch positive relationships are typical. The immediate staff presence on campus means that CU leaders can easily access FOCUS support and receive guidance on championing witness and discipleship in ways that are relevant for their situation. \n\n\n\nStaff Mobilised \n\n\n\nAnd it\u2019s not just the students that are benefiting \u2013 STEM staff are also experiencing personal and spiritual growth. Maureen Nabwire, serving in the Busoga region, notes:  \n\n\n\n\u201cOver the past few months, I\u2019ve been able to learn how to associate and communicate with people from different societies, how to relate to and engage with students. I\u2019ve realized that I can truly rely on God as my provider even through the challenges of mobilizing resources.\u201d \n\n\n\nAt the start of the year-long program, the carefully selected graduates are prepared for service with training on personal care and development as well as ministry skills, like how to faithfully handle Scripture and effectively engage in mission. This is supplemented by regular mentoring and care from senior staff and volunteers. \n\n\n\nSTEM staff have grown in other ways, too. Robert Wabulimbo, who\u2019s been serving Samuel\u2019s CU, adds: \u201cI\u2019ve learned to raise ministry funds and to be accountable for writing reports on finances and activities.\u201d \n\n\n\nGeneral Secretary Patrick concludes: \n\n\n\n\u201cWith the growing number of CUs, this strategy not only gives us the best shot at effectively discipling students. It\u2019s also a way of nurturing graduates who will impact our churches and society.\u201d \n\n\n\nPray \n\n\n\n\nGive thanks for this year\u2019s STEM program \u2013 \u201cthrough earnest prayer and strategic requests, God provided the resources necessary for the training and relaunch\u201d. Thank God for the growth that students, like Samuel, and staff, like Maureen and Robert, have experienced. \n\n\n\n\n\nPray that FOCUS will be able to realise its vision of having at least five STEM staff in each of its eight regions \u2013 and that this will foster further growth for students and graduates.  \n\n\n\n\n\nAsk the Lord to stir hearts on 1 September, when FOCUS invites students and associates to give at least 10,000 Ugandan shillings (around 3 US dollars) to support discipleship programs. And pray for a breakthrough with paperwork approvals and financial needs for a building project at the FOCUS office in Kampala. \n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to partner with the students and associates in Uganda who\u2019ll be giving to FOCUS, you can donate here. \nThe post Everybody Grows appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2025-08-19T00:12:19+01:00", "date_modified": "2025-08-21T10:25:24+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Tim.Boland", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/tim-boland/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/2021787e4b2a866a6efcc474e3c84514.jpg?ver=1760274904" } ], "author": { "name": "Tim.Boland", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/tim-boland/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/2021787e4b2a866a6efcc474e3c84514.jpg?ver=1760274904" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FOCUS-Uganda.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=45619", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/shaped-for-service/", "title": "Shaped for Service", "content_html": "
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Four years ago, he would not have thought it possible. 

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Landing was accepted to study at the University of The Gambia\u2019s School of Business and Public Administration in 2021. But, due to his family\u2019s financial constraints, he was unsure about enrolling. Landing was raised in a Christian home in this Muslim majority nation. But he admits that he was \u201cjust a churchgoer\u201d. 

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Yet, this year, he will not only graduate, but he will also enter the marketplace as a leader who is passionate about serving Christ. 

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Taking Shape 

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Landing\u2019s transformation began when the IFES national movement, FES-Gambia, offered him a year\u2019s scholarship. 

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\u201cIt wasn\u2019t just \u2018financial assistance\u2019 \u2013 it was a foundation. It meant I could pursue my dreams and focus on my studies without the worry and stress of finding funds. And FES exposed me to a deeper understanding of the gospel, which meant I found a personal connection with God.\u201d 

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Having become actively engaged in Bible studies, prayer meetings, and evangelism, Landing was offered opportunities to serve and lead. 

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Formed by Scripture 

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Last year, he attended training for staff and 16 student leaders from across the 11 campuses where FES ministers. A key component was hearing what God\u2019s Word had to say about leadership.  

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Julien Bisenty Mendy, FES General Secretary, notes that many in their context see leadership as a position rather than a responsibility, with accountability and integrity often lacking. He led a session in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. 

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\u201cI wanted them to re-evaluate their personal lives and see that leadership cannot be separated from a leader\u2019s lifestyle or conduct, from the state of their home, or the way they are perceived in the community.\u201d   

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Exploration of the text was followed by questions for personal reflection, like \u201cWhich of the attributes do you need to improve on?\u201d and \u201cWhat are unbelievers saying about your life?\u201d. Landing mentions its impact: 

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\u201cI learned that true leadership is about guiding others through actions, not just words. This passage inspired me to uphold honesty, patience, and accountability in my personal, academic, and professional life. Ultimately, leadership is a calling that requires humility, wisdom, and a commitment to serving others.\u201d   

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Fit for Service 

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In addition to guidance from Scripture, FES students receive training on leadership skills and benefit from one-to-one mentoring (Julien meets monthly with the president of each campus FES group). Students can also volunteer in the FES office, where Landing has been serving as Admin and Finance Officer. 

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\u201cThat role has equipped me with essential skills in administration, financial management, and teamwork. And I\u2019ve understood the value of responsibility, integrity, and servant leadership.\u201d   

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Today, four years on, Landing\u2019s future looks bright \u2013 as does the future of his country: 

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\u201cAs I continue my journey, I\u2019m committed to using the knowledge, skills, and faith I\u2019ve gained to serve and inspire others.\u201d 

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Pray 

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Help shape more servant-hearted leaders like Landing through Global Giving Day \u2013 The Work of His Hands. Find out more or give here. 

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Meet another leader from The Gambia who\u2019s been shaped by FES and IFES. Lawrence Gomez, IFES Associate Regional Secretary for English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa (EPSA), served in FES-Gambia, worked in the finance sector, and now oversees the western part of the IFES EPSA region. You can listen to him share his leadership journey in this Raising Godly Leaders webinar.\u202f

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The post Shaped for Service appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "Four years ago, he would not have thought it possible. \n\n\n\nLanding was accepted to study at the University of The Gambia\u2019s School of Business and Public Administration in 2021. But, due to his family\u2019s financial constraints, he was unsure about enrolling. Landing was raised in a Christian home in this Muslim majority nation. But he admits that he was \u201cjust a churchgoer\u201d. \n\n\n\nYet, this year, he will not only graduate, but he will also enter the marketplace as a leader who is passionate about serving Christ. \n\n\n\nTaking Shape \n\n\n\nLanding\u2019s transformation began when the IFES national movement, FES-Gambia, offered him a year\u2019s scholarship. \n\n\n\n\u201cIt wasn\u2019t just \u2018financial assistance\u2019 \u2013 it was a foundation. It meant I could pursue my dreams and focus on my studies without the worry and stress of finding funds. And FES exposed me to a deeper understanding of the gospel, which meant I found a personal connection with God.\u201d \n\n\n\nHaving become actively engaged in Bible studies, prayer meetings, and evangelism, Landing was offered opportunities to serve and lead. \n\n\n\nFormed by Scripture \n\n\n\nLast year, he attended training for staff and 16 student leaders from across the 11 campuses where FES ministers. A key component was hearing what God\u2019s Word had to say about leadership.  \n\n\n\nJulien Bisenty Mendy, FES General Secretary, notes that many in their context see leadership as a position rather than a responsibility, with accountability and integrity often lacking. He led a session in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. \n\n\n\n\u201cI wanted them to re-evaluate their personal lives and see that leadership cannot be separated from a leader\u2019s lifestyle or conduct, from the state of their home, or the way they are perceived in the community.\u201d   \n\n\n\nExploration of the text was followed by questions for personal reflection, like \u201cWhich of the attributes do you need to improve on?\u201d and \u201cWhat are unbelievers saying about your life?\u201d. Landing mentions its impact: \n\n\n\n\u201cI learned that true leadership is about guiding others through actions, not just words. This passage inspired me to uphold honesty, patience, and accountability in my personal, academic, and professional life. Ultimately, leadership is a calling that requires humility, wisdom, and a commitment to serving others.\u201d   \n\n\n\nFit for Service \n\n\n\nIn addition to guidance from Scripture, FES students receive training on leadership skills and benefit from one-to-one mentoring (Julien meets monthly with the president of each campus FES group). Students can also volunteer in the FES office, where Landing has been serving as Admin and Finance Officer. \n\n\n\n\u201cThat role has equipped me with essential skills in administration, financial management, and teamwork. And I\u2019ve understood the value of responsibility, integrity, and servant leadership.\u201d   \n\n\n\nToday, four years on, Landing\u2019s future looks bright \u2013 as does the future of his country: \n\n\n\n\u201cAs I continue my journey, I\u2019m committed to using the knowledge, skills, and faith I\u2019ve gained to serve and inspire others.\u201d \n\n\n\nPray \n\n\n\n\nGive thanks for Landing and FES-Gambia, for the way God has shaped him through the ministry. Pray for him and other FES student leaders \u2013 that the Spirit will continue to form Christ\u2019s character in them. \n\n\n\n\n\nPray for leadership initiatives across IFES \u2013 that good engagement with Scripture, practical training, and authentic mentoring will form leaders of integrity for campus, church, and society. \n\n\n\n\n\nAsk that many supporters, staff, and students will joyfully and generously participate in Global Giving Day on Wednesday (2 April) so that more leaders in every region may be shaped for service.        \n\n\n\n\nHelp shape more servant-hearted leaders like Landing through Global Giving Day \u2013 The Work of His Hands. Find out more or give here. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeet another leader from The Gambia who\u2019s been shaped by FES and IFES. Lawrence Gomez, IFES Associate Regional Secretary for English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa (EPSA), served in FES-Gambia, worked in the finance sector, and now oversees the western part of the IFES EPSA region. You can listen to him share his leadership journey in this Raising Godly Leaders webinar.\u202f\nThe post Shaped for Service appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2025-03-31T08:00:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-31T19:55:55+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Roja Jacob", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/roja-jacob/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/270fe6ae830fb4ad45dd518c8013666f.jpg?ver=1760274904" } ], "author": { "name": "Roja Jacob", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/roja-jacob/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/270fe6ae830fb4ad45dd518c8013666f.jpg?ver=1760274904" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Final-year-students-Conference-use-as-banner.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=42557", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/going-out-to-the-outcasts/", "title": "Going Out to the Outcasts", "content_html": "
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\u201cLet your love for God change the world, not the world change your love for God.\u201d 

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 For the EvaSUE group at Bahir Dar University in northwest Ethiopia, this is more than a rousing motto. Students, staff, and graduates in one of IFES\u2019s largest national movements are living it through their loving service to the city\u2019s outcasts. 

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Perceptions Challenged 

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On the outskirts of Bahir Dar live the Negede Selam, a predominantly Muslim people who are treated as outcasts by the Orthodox Amhara locals. In fact, they consider themselves cursed, destined to live in severe poverty. Although ostracised, they\u2019re called on to remove refuse, dispose of dead animals, and dredge up those who\u2019ve drowned in Lake Tana.  

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But Misgana* has been helping EvaSUE students to counter this prejudice and discrimination with Christ\u2019s love. Three years ago, he went to live and serve among the Negede Selam as part of a joint venture between EvaSUE, the Horn of Africa Evangelical Mission Engagers, and Servant Partners.  

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This year, Misgana has arranged for EvaSUE students to run weekly educational classes for the community\u2019s children. Melkamu, a graduate from the university, grew up not far from the Negede Selam and was thus deeply conscious of the stigma. He was so impressed by the outreach that he donated blackboards. 

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One Saturday, 45 student volunteers spent a day in the neighbourhood collecting rubbish and tidying up. Misgana notes:

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\u201cFor the people living here, it was amazing \u2013 they\u2019d never seen such care for their community. The willingness of the students really surprised them.\u201d    

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Indeed, beyond the actions, new relationships were forming.  

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Lives Changed 

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Through Misgana, EvaSUE students were also introduced to a bright but disabled boy called Michael. He\u2019d been taken to school every day by his brothers. But when Michael was accepted to study at Bahir Dar University, he didn\u2019t enrol, convinced that no-one there would help him. Misgana disagreed. He helped Michael acquire a new wheelchair and register at the university. Then, EvaSUE students enthusiastically signed up to take care of Michael. They even went to visit him and his family at weekends. Misgana witnessed the impact: 

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\u201cHis mother had never had much hope for Michael, but to see these university students come to their home, sit down with them, and share the little she had to serve, really moved her.\u201d   

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This world-changing love has not only affected the lives of the Negede Selam. One student leader describes a shift in his priorities: 

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\u201cBy getting to know the Negede Selam and experience their warm welcome, I\u2019ve seen an open door here. I was planning to get a well-paid job so that I could give money to help the poor, but now I see that it\u2019s much more important to share Jesus\u2019 love with them and tell them about him.\u201d   

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Pray 

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  • Praise God for the way EvaSUE students and graduates have been challenging perceptions and changing lives in Bahir Dar through the love of Christ.  
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  • Pray for Misgana and others who are living and serving among Ethiopia\u2019s urban poor through the Kingdom Transformer Worker joint project. Ask the Lord to strengthen them and deepen their connections with students in nearby EvaSUE fellowships. 
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*name changed to protect identity 

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The post Going Out to the Outcasts appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "\u201cLet your love for God change the world, not the world change your love for God.\u201d \n\n\n\n For the EvaSUE group at Bahir Dar University in northwest Ethiopia, this is more than a rousing motto. Students, staff, and graduates in one of IFES\u2019s largest national movements are living it through their loving service to the city\u2019s outcasts. \n\n\n\nPerceptions Challenged \n\n\n\nOn the outskirts of Bahir Dar live the Negede Selam, a predominantly Muslim people who are treated as outcasts by the Orthodox Amhara locals. In fact, they consider themselves cursed, destined to live in severe poverty. Although ostracised, they\u2019re called on to remove refuse, dispose of dead animals, and dredge up those who\u2019ve drowned in Lake Tana.  \n\n\n\nBut Misgana* has been helping EvaSUE students to counter this prejudice and discrimination with Christ\u2019s love. Three years ago, he went to live and serve among the Negede Selam as part of a joint venture between EvaSUE, the Horn of Africa Evangelical Mission Engagers, and Servant Partners.  \n\n\n\nThis year, Misgana has arranged for EvaSUE students to run weekly educational classes for the community\u2019s children. Melkamu, a graduate from the university, grew up not far from the Negede Selam and was thus deeply conscious of the stigma. He was so impressed by the outreach that he donated blackboards. \n\n\n\nOne Saturday, 45 student volunteers spent a day in the neighbourhood collecting rubbish and tidying up. Misgana notes: \n\n\n\n\u201cFor the people living here, it was amazing \u2013 they\u2019d never seen such care for their community. The willingness of the students really surprised them.\u201d    \n\n\n\nIndeed, beyond the actions, new relationships were forming.  \n\n\n\nLives Changed \n\n\n\nThrough Misgana, EvaSUE students were also introduced to a bright but disabled boy called Michael. He\u2019d been taken to school every day by his brothers. But when Michael was accepted to study at Bahir Dar University, he didn\u2019t enrol, convinced that no-one there would help him. Misgana disagreed. He helped Michael acquire a new wheelchair and register at the university. Then, EvaSUE students enthusiastically signed up to take care of Michael. They even went to visit him and his family at weekends. Misgana witnessed the impact: \n\n\n\n\u201cHis mother had never had much hope for Michael, but to see these university students come to their home, sit down with them, and share the little she had to serve, really moved her.\u201d   \n\n\n\nThis world-changing love has not only affected the lives of the Negede Selam. One student leader describes a shift in his priorities: \n\n\n\n\u201cBy getting to know the Negede Selam and experience their warm welcome, I\u2019ve seen an open door here. I was planning to get a well-paid job so that I could give money to help the poor, but now I see that it\u2019s much more important to share Jesus\u2019 love with them and tell them about him.\u201d   \n\n\n\nPray \n\n\n\n\n\n\nPraise God for the way EvaSUE students and graduates have been challenging perceptions and changing lives in Bahir Dar through the love of Christ.  \n\n\n\n\n\nPray for Misgana and others who are living and serving among Ethiopia\u2019s urban poor through the Kingdom Transformer Worker joint project. Ask the Lord to strengthen them and deepen their connections with students in nearby EvaSUE fellowships. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGive thanks that despite a struggling economy, and ongoing conflicts and drought in some areas, EvaSUE ministry continues to grow, serving over 50,000 students. Pray that ongoing local and regional training will raise godly student leaders with a heart for the poor. \n\n\n\n\n*name changed to protect identity \n\n\n\n\nThe post Going Out to the Outcasts appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2024-10-01T05:33:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2024-10-01T14:48:30+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" } ], "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/photo_2024-08-17_14-18-291.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=34933", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/raising-an-upright-generation/", "title": "Raising an Upright Generation", "content_html": "
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Ellen Napala has a vision. And, as General Secretary of the Student Christian Organisation of Malawi (SCOM), the IFES national movement, she also has many responsibilities. But she keeps the purpose for them all in clear sight. \u201cI want everyone to feel the presence of God\u2019s children, to see their light\u201d, she says.  

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The need for this presence and light is great \u2013 socially and morally. 

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Although great strides have been made in tackling the country\u2019s AIDS epidemic, HIV rates remain among the highest in the world. With the effects of global heating (e.g. cyclones), COVID-19, and pervasive social inequalities, students need a faith that will minister to these social realities \u2013 on campus and beyond.  

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This conviction has been threaded through Ellen\u2019s 20 years of ministry in SCOM. As staff, she headed up SCOM\u2019s Social Development Department, particularly their engagement with HIV programs. In fact, when later asked to become General Secretary, she was somewhat reluctant, worried that this new role would take her away from grassroots interactions that empowered students and communities for holistic transformation.  

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Sadly, due to funding shortfalls, some social action programs have ceased, but during her time in leadership the social development work has remained central. At the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, SCOM \u2013 with support from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland \u2013 is currently providing meals and accommodation for 21 less privileged students who would otherwise have to fend for themselves. And in February, two SCOM graduates donated 600 pine trees, subsequently planted by students at secondary schools \u2013 \u201ca beautiful act of stewardship that spreads God\u2019s love and nurtures the earth he has entrusted to us\u201d. 

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The moral need is also pressing. The ungodly behaviour of many professing Christians has undermined the witness of SCOM and the church in Malawi. So, Ellen\u2019s hopes for revival stretch beyond students making a declaration of faith in Jesus \u2013 she wants to see SCOM students and graduates leading lives dedicated to him, full of godliness, bright with holiness. This is why SCOM’s ministry focus for the year is \u201cRaising an Upright Generation\u201d. Under this theme, Ellen and IFES regional staff led sessions on academic excellence, sex, and relationships across five educational venues in Ntchisi earlier this month. Through these and similar visits, students have not only been turning to Christ but also committing themselves to sexual purity. 

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This is a life-changing and society-changing vision.  

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Will you pray for Ellen and the staff and students in SCOM as they seek to raise an upright generation that demonstrates godly action and models Christlike behaviour? 

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The post Raising an Upright Generation appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "Ellen Napala has a vision. And, as General Secretary of the Student Christian Organisation of Malawi (SCOM), the IFES national movement, she also has many responsibilities. But she keeps the purpose for them all in clear sight. \u201cI want everyone to feel the presence of God\u2019s children, to see their light\u201d, she says.  \n\n\n\nThe need for this presence and light is great \u2013 socially and morally. \n\n\n\nAlthough great strides have been made in tackling the country\u2019s AIDS epidemic, HIV rates remain among the highest in the world. With the effects of global heating (e.g. cyclones), COVID-19, and pervasive social inequalities, students need a faith that will minister to these social realities \u2013 on campus and beyond.  \n\n\n\nThis conviction has been threaded through Ellen\u2019s 20 years of ministry in SCOM. As staff, she headed up SCOM\u2019s Social Development Department, particularly their engagement with HIV programs. In fact, when later asked to become General Secretary, she was somewhat reluctant, worried that this new role would take her away from grassroots interactions that empowered students and communities for holistic transformation.  \n\n\n\nSadly, due to funding shortfalls, some social action programs have ceased, but during her time in leadership the social development work has remained central. At the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, SCOM \u2013 with support from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland \u2013 is currently providing meals and accommodation for 21 less privileged students who would otherwise have to fend for themselves. And in February, two SCOM graduates donated 600 pine trees, subsequently planted by students at secondary schools \u2013 \u201ca beautiful act of stewardship that spreads God\u2019s love and nurtures the earth he has entrusted to us\u201d. \n\n\n\nThe moral need is also pressing. The ungodly behaviour of many professing Christians has undermined the witness of SCOM and the church in Malawi. So, Ellen\u2019s hopes for revival stretch beyond students making a declaration of faith in Jesus \u2013 she wants to see SCOM students and graduates leading lives dedicated to him, full of godliness, bright with holiness. This is why SCOM’s ministry focus for the year is \u201cRaising an Upright Generation\u201d. Under this theme, Ellen and IFES regional staff led sessions on academic excellence, sex, and relationships across five educational venues in Ntchisi earlier this month. Through these and similar visits, students have not only been turning to Christ but also committing themselves to sexual purity. \n\n\n\nThis is a life-changing and society-changing vision.  \n\n\n\nWill you pray for Ellen and the staff and students in SCOM as they seek to raise an upright generation that demonstrates godly action and models Christlike behaviour? \n\n\n\n\nGive thanks for Ellen and her clear vision \u2013 and for the ways that SCOM has been engaging with social issues, climate change, and Christian integrity. The General Secretary role, however, can be physically demanding and emotionally draining; ask the Lord to give Ellen fresh strength and special grace.  \n\n\n\nSince SCOM groups across the country tend to be quite independent, the staff team are seeking to develop a stronger sense of solidarity and common vision, as well as a deeper connection with IFES. Pray that more students like Lakina, who attended World Assembly last year (see here), will reap the benefits of wider fellowship. \n\n\n\nPray that God will provide for SCOM as they work on mobilising resources. Since the pandemic, they have had to reduce the staff team from 17 to 11. Ask that God will meet personnel needs and supply the funds for social action programs, allowing more of God\u2019s presence and light to be felt. \n\nThe post Raising an Upright Generation appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2024-03-19T03:49:00+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-09-13T12:47:52+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" } ], "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SCOM-delegates-at-WA23.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=29519", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/god-opens-the-door/", "title": "God Opens the Door", "content_html": "
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\u201cIt\u2019s an answer to prayer \u2013 God has opened the door!\u201d

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Lawrence Gomez was talking about Cape Verde (Cabo Verde). As IFES West Africa Associate regional secretary and pioneering lead in English- and Portuguese Speaking Africa (EPSA), he visited the island nation with EPSA Regional Secretary Zelalem Abebe last year. Years ago, attempts were made to start student ministry on Cape Verde, but they came to nothing. Then, after years of prayer, a door opened \u2013 and has continued to open ever wider.

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In a scouting visit in July 2022, Lawrence and Zelalem shared the vision for campus ministry with students and church leaders, and connections quickly developed. The door was starting to open. A key contact they met was Isabel Ines, a lecturer at Universidade de Cabo Verde, who had encountered IFES ministry 25 years ago in Brazil as a student in ABUB (Alian\u00e7a B\u00edblica Universit\u00e1ria do Brasil). With her positive IFES experiences and good standing in a local Nazarene church, she was able to credibly advocate for the ministry with various church pastors.

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So, when the IFES EPSA team returned in November, they were able to identify potential board members and conduct preliminary governance training with them. In some contexts, church leaders can be cautious about IFES ministry, fearful that it may take youth away from the local church. Not in Cape Verde; God was further opening the door with Emanuel Monteiro, pastor of the Baptist Church in the capital Praia. He provided his office for meetings, agreed to become a board member, and has been helping with the paperwork for registering a national student movement.

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The churches\u2019 support also helped to identify the first staff worker: Berenice. A recent graduate, she was recommended to Lawrence by Pastor Emanuele. The IFES team were impressed with her heart for student ministry \u2013 and her ability to speak English, Portuguese, and French, which will give her good access to the university\u2019s 1,000+ students.

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And the students? They can\u2019t wait. Lawrence recently received a WhatsApp message from one of the students they met in recent months: \u201cWhen are you guys coming?\u201d.

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As if all this were not enough, the university administration has also shown positivity towards campus ministry. Lawrence says that Christian students living in university dormitories can feel isolated on Sundays with no shuttle bus to reach the city for church. To address this, the administration is happy for an auditorium to be used for fellowship each weekend.

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Truly, God has swung the door wide open in Cape Verde by providing supportive churches, enthusiastic students, high calibre staff, and an amenable university administration. Let us pray that God\u2019s blessing will now flow through this open door.

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Pray with us for student ministry in Cape Verde:

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The post God Opens the Door appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "\u201cIt\u2019s an answer to prayer \u2013 God has opened the door!\u201d\n\n\n\nLawrence Gomez was talking about Cape Verde (Cabo Verde). As IFES West Africa Associate regional secretary and pioneering lead in English- and Portuguese Speaking Africa (EPSA), he visited the island nation with EPSA Regional Secretary Zelalem Abebe last year. Years ago, attempts were made to start student ministry on Cape Verde, but they came to nothing. Then, after years of prayer, a door opened \u2013 and has continued to open ever wider.\n\n\n\nIn a scouting visit in July 2022, Lawrence and Zelalem shared the vision for campus ministry with students and church leaders, and connections quickly developed. The door was starting to open. A key contact they met was Isabel Ines, a lecturer at Universidade de Cabo Verde, who had encountered IFES ministry 25 years ago in Brazil as a student in ABUB (Alian\u00e7a B\u00edblica Universit\u00e1ria do Brasil). With her positive IFES experiences and good standing in a local Nazarene church, she was able to credibly advocate for the ministry with various church pastors.\n\n\n\nSo, when the IFES EPSA team returned in November, they were able to identify potential board members and conduct preliminary governance training with them. In some contexts, church leaders can be cautious about IFES ministry, fearful that it may take youth away from the local church. Not in Cape Verde; God was further opening the door with Emanuel Monteiro, pastor of the Baptist Church in the capital Praia. He provided his office for meetings, agreed to become a board member, and has been helping with the paperwork for registering a national student movement.\n\n\n\nThe churches\u2019 support also helped to identify the first staff worker: Berenice. A recent graduate, she was recommended to Lawrence by Pastor Emanuele. The IFES team were impressed with her heart for student ministry \u2013 and her ability to speak English, Portuguese, and French, which will give her good access to the university\u2019s 1,000+ students.\n\n\n\nAnd the students? They can\u2019t wait. Lawrence recently received a WhatsApp message from one of the students they met in recent months: \u201cWhen are you guys coming?\u201d.\n\n\n\nAs if all this were not enough, the university administration has also shown positivity towards campus ministry. Lawrence says that Christian students living in university dormitories can feel isolated on Sundays with no shuttle bus to reach the city for church. To address this, the administration is happy for an auditorium to be used for fellowship each weekend.\n\n\n\nTruly, God has swung the door wide open in Cape Verde by providing supportive churches, enthusiastic students, high calibre staff, and an amenable university administration. Let us pray that God\u2019s blessing will now flow through this open door.\n\n\n\nPray with us for student ministry in Cape Verde:\n\n\n\n\nPraise God for all the positive developments of this past year and give thanks that the newly formed board had its first meeting in July. Pray that the strong links with churches will continue.\n\n\n\nPray for Lawrence and Berenice as they seek to train students in leading inductive Bible studies in October. Pray especially that God will guide and equip Bernice in her new role.\n\n\n\nPray for God to keep opening doors for pioneering work in EPSA \u2013 especially for S\u00e3o Tom\u00e9 and Pr\u00edncipe, where there are similar opportunities and openings.\n\nThe post God Opens the Door appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2023-10-03T04:34:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2024-04-15T16:03:24+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Tim.Boland", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/tim-boland/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/2021787e4b2a866a6efcc474e3c84514.jpg?ver=1760274904" } ], "author": { "name": "Tim.Boland", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/tim-boland/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/2021787e4b2a866a6efcc474e3c84514.jpg?ver=1760274904" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_6748-1-scaled.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=27360", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/god-answers-prayers-for-renewal/", "title": "God answers prayers for renewal", "content_html": "
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\u201cRenew\u201d was our theme for World Student Day last October, when we asked that God would bring fresh life to student ministry around the fellowship. One place we are seeing those prayers answered is in South Africa, where efforts to rebuild Christian student groups that died out during the pandemic have yielded signs of life and growth in the last few months. 

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\u201cThe revival of student ministry in many universities and schools is going well,\u201d shares Motseki Sosibo, National Director of Students’ Christian Organisation (SCO), the IFES national movement in South Africa. \u201cSeeing the hunger of students to know and follow Jesus Christ is an encouragement. We continue to see God\u2019s faithfulness.\u201d 

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The ministry at the University of Johannesburg was hit hard by the pandemic: all the SCO groups closed. Restarting them was complicated by the fact that to be registered with the university, student organizations must recruit a minimum number of participants, often 150 \u2013 200 students. Praise God that in February, SCO ran a recruitment drive and signed up enough students to become officially registered.  

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\u201cThis is a tremendous blessing as it will enable the Christian Union to have access to more university resources as they seek to spread the gospel on campus,\u201d says Motseki. In a second recruitment drive, which took place on 27 May, SCO was able to re-introduce their ministry to more students and share the gospel with those who hadn\u2019t heard about Jesus.  

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At another university, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), the Christian student group has been steadily growing in numbers. But campus life was disrupted in May when student protests, which were initially peaceful, ended in violent clashes with the police. All campuses were closed, and students were sent home \u2013 they were only allowed to return to campus on 5 June. \u201cPlease pray for peace to prevail on all CPUT campuses,\u201d asks Motseki.  

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He says that South African campus ministry is complex with lots of opportunities and challenges.  

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\u201cIn general, students are open to hearing the gospel. The reception on most campuses is warm and welcoming. But the atmosphere on some campuses can also be very political. One of SCO\u2019s aims is to empower students to be salt and light and bring a Christian voice into student politics. We need prayer in this space so that we can help Christian students bring meaning, hope, and a positive impact in the student politics arena.\u201d 

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Another challenge that the movement faces is lack of staff. There are only six staff members for a ministry that spans South Africa\u2019s university and colleges and some high schools. But SCO has responded creatively and strategically, investing in student leaders, and starting a one-year staff internship program to provide an on-ramp for prospective staff members.  

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The two current interns, Thapelo and Sam, saw several fruitful ministry developments in April. Thapelo worked with the Tshwane University of Technology (Mbombela branch) to host their first outreach event since COVID-19. The students in attendance responded to the gospel with open hearts and the venue was completely filled. Meanwhile, Sam and students at Walter Sisulu University hosted an evangelistic event that saw more than 20 students come to Christ.  

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Please pray with us for students in South Africa: 

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The post God answers prayers for renewal appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "\u201cRenew\u201d was our theme for World Student Day last October, when we asked that God would bring fresh life to student ministry around the fellowship. One place we are seeing those prayers answered is in South Africa, where efforts to rebuild Christian student groups that died out during the pandemic have yielded signs of life and growth in the last few months. \n\n\n\n\u201cThe revival of student ministry in many universities and schools is going well,\u201d shares Motseki Sosibo, National Director of Students’ Christian Organisation (SCO), the IFES national movement in South Africa. \u201cSeeing the hunger of students to know and follow Jesus Christ is an encouragement. We continue to see God\u2019s faithfulness.\u201d \n\n\n\nThe ministry at the University of Johannesburg was hit hard by the pandemic: all the SCO groups closed. Restarting them was complicated by the fact that to be registered with the university, student organizations must recruit a minimum number of participants, often 150 \u2013 200 students. Praise God that in February, SCO ran a recruitment drive and signed up enough students to become officially registered.  \n\n\n\n\u201cThis is a tremendous blessing as it will enable the Christian Union to have access to more university resources as they seek to spread the gospel on campus,\u201d says Motseki. In a second recruitment drive, which took place on 27 May, SCO was able to re-introduce their ministry to more students and share the gospel with those who hadn\u2019t heard about Jesus.  \n\n\n\nAt another university, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), the Christian student group has been steadily growing in numbers. But campus life was disrupted in May when student protests, which were initially peaceful, ended in violent clashes with the police. All campuses were closed, and students were sent home \u2013 they were only allowed to return to campus on 5 June. \u201cPlease pray for peace to prevail on all CPUT campuses,\u201d asks Motseki.  \n\n\n\nHe says that South African campus ministry is complex with lots of opportunities and challenges.  \n\n\n\n\u201cIn general, students are open to hearing the gospel. The reception on most campuses is warm and welcoming. But the atmosphere on some campuses can also be very political. One of SCO\u2019s aims is to empower students to be salt and light and bring a Christian voice into student politics. We need prayer in this space so that we can help Christian students bring meaning, hope, and a positive impact in the student politics arena.\u201d \n\n\n\nAnother challenge that the movement faces is lack of staff. There are only six staff members for a ministry that spans South Africa\u2019s university and colleges and some high schools. But SCO has responded creatively and strategically, investing in student leaders, and starting a one-year staff internship program to provide an on-ramp for prospective staff members.  \n\n\n\nThe two current interns, Thapelo and Sam, saw several fruitful ministry developments in April. Thapelo worked with the Tshwane University of Technology (Mbombela branch) to host their first outreach event since COVID-19. The students in attendance responded to the gospel with open hearts and the venue was completely filled. Meanwhile, Sam and students at Walter Sisulu University hosted an evangelistic event that saw more than 20 students come to Christ.  \n\n\n\nPlease pray with us for students in South Africa: \n\n\n\nThank God for the student groups that have been revived and for the positive response to outreach efforts. Pray for the staff internship program, for program funding and for more graduates to get involved.  Pray for the National Conference, being held from 30 September – 3 October: for the logistics and finances of the conference, for transformation in the lives of attendees, and that God would provide for students as they fundraise for the conference fee and transport costs. Pray for the fundraising efforts of SCO delegates attending IFES World Assembly in August, especially that student delegates would raise the full funds needed for their flights and registration fee. \nThe post God answers prayers for renewal appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2023-06-13T06:39:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-13T11:22:02+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" } ], "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/students-at-Gauteng-Leadership-Camp.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=20306", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/fiery-trials-and-powerful-priorities/", "title": "Fiery trials and powerful priorities", "content_html": "
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As you may have seen on social media, early September brought an unexpected catastrophe for ZAFES, the IFES national movement in Zambia. Their national office burnt down. However, ZAFES are continuing their ministry despite this setback. And as the English and Portuguese-speaking Africa (EPSA) Regional Secretary Zelalem Abebe confirms, in the last year the movement has made \u201camazing progress, in many aspects\u201d. In this Prayerline, let\u2019s thank God for how he has blessed ZAFES in 2022, and stand with them in prayer that God would continue to bring beauty, even out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

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The progress made by ZAFES has been fueled by a clear emphasis on the crucial importance of studying God\u2019s Word. At Kitwe Education College on the Copperbelt Province in the north of Zambia, ZAFES recently pioneered the Bible Exposition Self-Training Program, which prepares students to study the Bible and write study guides. As student Patricia says, \u201cthis program has impacted me in so many ways, in helping me find meaning in Scripture.\u201d

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For Christians across Zambia, far beyond university campuses, ZAFES may be best known for the Daily Nuggets. They have been producing this Bible reading devotional guide over the last four years, and it has become an essential tool for Christians in Zambia, even beyond ZAFES students, staff, graduates, and associates.

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Besides the study of Scripture, establishing fellowship and partnerships with other believers has also been a key ministry priority. Approaching churches to make them aware of ZAFES has prompted 16 churches to pledge various kinds of support for the movement, thus providing new facilities and helping ZAFES become more financially stable. The movement is also mobilizing their graduates, who are responding enthusiastically; as a result, nine new associates\u2019 branches were established across the country in the last year.

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Pray for ZAFES and students in Zambia:

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Thank you for the support you show to ZAFES with your prayers. We\u2019re also thankful for the financial support of those who have given to the movement in response to the fire. If you feel led to help in this way also, you can do so here.

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The post Fiery trials and powerful priorities appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "As you may have seen on social media, early September brought an unexpected catastrophe for ZAFES, the IFES national movement in Zambia. Their national office burnt down. However, ZAFES are continuing their ministry despite this setback. And as the English and Portuguese-speaking Africa (EPSA) Regional Secretary Zelalem Abebe confirms, in the last year the movement has made \u201camazing progress, in many aspects\u201d. In this Prayerline, let\u2019s thank God for how he has blessed ZAFES in 2022, and stand with them in prayer that God would continue to bring beauty, even out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3).\n\n\n\nThe progress made by ZAFES has been fueled by a clear emphasis on the crucial importance of studying God\u2019s Word. At Kitwe Education College on the Copperbelt Province in the north of Zambia, ZAFES recently pioneered the Bible Exposition Self-Training Program, which prepares students to study the Bible and write study guides. As student Patricia says, \u201cthis program has impacted me in so many ways, in helping me find meaning in Scripture.\u201d\n\n\n\nFor Christians across Zambia, far beyond university campuses, ZAFES may be best known for the Daily Nuggets. They have been producing this Bible reading devotional guide over the last four years, and it has become an essential tool for Christians in Zambia, even beyond ZAFES students, staff, graduates, and associates.\n\n\n\nBesides the study of Scripture, establishing fellowship and partnerships with other believers has also been a key ministry priority. Approaching churches to make them aware of ZAFES has prompted 16 churches to pledge various kinds of support for the movement, thus providing new facilities and helping ZAFES become more financially stable. The movement is also mobilizing their graduates, who are responding enthusiastically; as a result, nine new associates\u2019 branches were established across the country in the last year.\n\n\n\nPray for ZAFES and students in Zambia:\n\n\n\nThank God for this progress, which has allowed ZAFES to flourish despite the challenges they have faced.Thank God for the blessing and joy of new and renewed partnerships with churches and associates.Please pray for a way forward after the destruction of the office, as well as the offices of five other organizations. \u201cPray for grace\u201d, asks Barnabas, ZAFES National Director, \u201cthat we will continue to look to God and trust him even more. But pray that this setback will not affect campus ministry.\u201d Pray for wisdom and unity, and that through all these things God will continue to call students in Zambia who don\u2019t yet know him.Pray for the staff to be strengthened during this period and for a breakthrough in their stipend which has not been regular for some months.\n\n\n\nThank you for the support you show to ZAFES with your prayers. We\u2019re also thankful for the financial support of those who have given to the movement in response to the fire. If you feel led to help in this way also, you can do so here.\nThe post Fiery trials and powerful priorities appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2022-10-25T06:48:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2022-10-25T08:57:08+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" } ], "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-20200505-WA0072.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=18654", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/peacemakers-in-ethnic-civil-conflict/", "title": "Peacemakers in ethnic civil conflict", "content_html": "
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\u2018Bloodshed is nothing new for South Sudan\u2019.

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Denis locates current ethnic division within the young country\u2019s past. \u2018For 22 years before independence, a brutal civil war raged in Sudan between the government in the predominantly Muslim north and rebels from the south, where people are mostly Christian.\u2019 Now, Isaac says he \u2018personally terms ethnic conflict as political wrangling used to divide and conquer, splitting the nation\u2019.

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But FOCUS, the IFES national movement in South Sudan, are working to speak into the nation\u2019s problems. Isaac and Denis are \u2018peace actors\u2019 in the Acts 4 initiative, FOCUS\u2019s awareness campaign about the impact of hate. An ethnically-based civil war has continued in some form since 2013. As Denis explains, \u2018ethnic hate speech is rising among students across the country, and students are significant because they are influential in their communities.\u2019 But the gospel is the foundation for FOCUS to be peacemakers. They held a three-month program of workshops for 45 student leaders, from different campuses and ethnic backgrounds, chosen to be \u2018peace actors\u2019. They also distributed anti-hate campaign posters in public places and campuses, and were even invited to speak on the radio. Finally, FOCUS invited 350 students to honest discussions in which many recognised that their hatred towards other ethnic groups originated in family attitudes, learnt at an early age.

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Isaac and Denis are both students in Jonglei state, which was the epicenter of violence in 2013. Their studies continue to be severely impacted by violence in the town surrounding their university. Isaac explains that \u2018students forget intellectual reasoning and argue that conflict will benefit their own tribe. FOCUS brought us out from this way of thinking and helped us realise what our leaders really need to focus on. I am so fortunate to be able to contribute constructively towards transforming South Sudan. This Act 4 peace initiative has changed my entire life from the perspective of this ethnic conflict and communal violence.\u2019

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Denis shares his experience of going to university in such a dangerous place:

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\u2018It was so difficult for my parents to let me go to Jonglei state. It was really a challenge for me to integrate with local communities from a different region, not knowing the local language. While this had a real impact on my faith, it was the first step in my life towards advocating for peace. My parents started to change their attitude toward other ethnic groups after this, too.

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\u2018The Acts 4 initiative encourages me to stand firm in my faith despite the challenges. Before becoming a peace actor, I was negative about other ethnic groups. But I learnt to embrace diversity and inclusiveness. Through this small initiative there was a great impact on our university. I want to thank God for the great work he is doing in different nations across the globe, and particularly in South Sudan for raising people who have the heart to work for his kingdom and for peace.\u2019

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It doesn’t stop here. FOCUS South Sudan are beginning a partnership with another IFES movement,  FOCUS Kenya. FOCUS Kenya National Director Simon Kande explains that they are planning to fund a South Sudanese staff member, and, if possible, send FOCUS Kenya staff to South Sudan. They are interested in helping FOCUS South Sudan in their peacebuilding work, too. A group of FOCUS Kenya graduates are working for community development and ethnic conflict resolution in NGOs and agencies in South Sudan. FOCUS Kenya plans to bring them together as an Associate branch \u2013 ready to serve the movement in South Sudan, and further the cause of gospel peace in the country.

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Pray for Denis, Isaac and FOCUS South Sudan:

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If you want to find out more or get in contact with FOCUS South Sudan, you can email them at focusssu@gmail.com. You can give to the movement here.

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The post Peacemakers in ethnic civil conflict appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "\u2018Bloodshed is nothing new for South Sudan\u2019.\n\n\n\nDenis locates current ethnic division within the young country\u2019s past. \u2018For 22 years before independence, a brutal civil war raged in Sudan between the government in the predominantly Muslim north and rebels from the south, where people are mostly Christian.\u2019 Now, Isaac says he \u2018personally terms ethnic conflict as political wrangling used to divide and conquer, splitting the nation\u2019.\n\n\n\nBut FOCUS, the IFES national movement in South Sudan, are working to speak into the nation\u2019s problems. Isaac and Denis are \u2018peace actors\u2019 in the Acts 4 initiative, FOCUS\u2019s awareness campaign about the impact of hate. An ethnically-based civil war has continued in some form since 2013. As Denis explains, \u2018ethnic hate speech is rising among students across the country, and students are significant because they are influential in their communities.\u2019 But the gospel is the foundation for FOCUS to be peacemakers. They held a three-month program of workshops for 45 student leaders, from different campuses and ethnic backgrounds, chosen to be \u2018peace actors\u2019. They also distributed anti-hate campaign posters in public places and campuses, and were even invited to speak on the radio. Finally, FOCUS invited 350 students to honest discussions in which many recognised that their hatred towards other ethnic groups originated in family attitudes, learnt at an early age.\n\n\n\nIsaac and Denis are both students in Jonglei state, which was the epicenter of violence in 2013. Their studies continue to be severely impacted by violence in the town surrounding their university. Isaac explains that \u2018students forget intellectual reasoning and argue that conflict will benefit their own tribe. FOCUS brought us out from this way of thinking and helped us realise what our leaders really need to focus on. I am so fortunate to be able to contribute constructively towards transforming South Sudan. This Act 4 peace initiative has changed my entire life from the perspective of this ethnic conflict and communal violence.\u2019\n\n\n\nDenis shares his experience of going to university in such a dangerous place:\n\n\n\n\u2018It was so difficult for my parents to let me go to Jonglei state. It was really a challenge for me to integrate with local communities from a different region, not knowing the local language. While this had a real impact on my faith, it was the first step in my life towards advocating for peace. My parents started to change their attitude toward other ethnic groups after this, too.\n\n\n\n\u2018The Acts 4 initiative encourages me to stand firm in my faith despite the challenges. Before becoming a peace actor, I was negative about other ethnic groups. But I learnt to embrace diversity and inclusiveness. Through this small initiative there was a great impact on our university. I want to thank God for the great work he is doing in different nations across the globe, and particularly in South Sudan for raising people who have the heart to work for his kingdom and for peace.\u2019\n\n\n\nIt doesn’t stop here. FOCUS South Sudan are beginning a partnership with another IFES movement,  FOCUS Kenya. FOCUS Kenya National Director Simon Kande explains that they are planning to fund a South Sudanese staff member, and, if possible, send FOCUS Kenya staff to South Sudan. They are interested in helping FOCUS South Sudan in their peacebuilding work, too. A group of FOCUS Kenya graduates are working for community development and ethnic conflict resolution in NGOs and agencies in South Sudan. FOCUS Kenya plans to bring them together as an Associate branch \u2013 ready to serve the movement in South Sudan, and further the cause of gospel peace in the country.\n\n\n\nPray for Denis, Isaac and FOCUS South Sudan:\n\n\n\nDenis and Isaac both ask that Prayerline readers continue to pray for peace, healing and reconciliation in South Sudan, that the country\u2019s leaders would embrace diversity, and that God would give them strength as they work for transformation.Isaac asks that we pray for the impact of climate change in South Sudan, which currently ranks in the top ten most vulnerable countries. \u2018I really urge you of good faith to continue your support, spiritually, mentally and financially to relieve our beloved country from this critical situation.\u2019Pray for the gospel work of FOCUS, that students would be the Lord\u2019s agents, that God would provide, and his kingdom will come. Pray that the planned partnerships with FOCUS Kenya would go ahead.\n\n\n\nIf you want to find out more or get in contact with FOCUS South Sudan, you can email them at focusssu@gmail.com. You can give to the movement here.\nThe post Peacemakers in ethnic civil conflict appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2022-04-12T09:01:04+01:00", "date_modified": "2024-08-13T15:12:46+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Tim.Boland", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/tim-boland/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/2021787e4b2a866a6efcc474e3c84514.jpg?ver=1760274904" } ], "author": { "name": "Tim.Boland", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/tim-boland/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/2021787e4b2a866a6efcc474e3c84514.jpg?ver=1760274904" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/South-Sudan-4.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=16550", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/that-the-world-may-know/", "title": "That the world may know", "content_html": "
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Inspiring students to love missions is\u00a0just the beginning. After that it\u2019s a matter of watching them\u00a0use their passions and gifts to take charge. Commission,\u00a0organized\u00a0by FOCUS Kenya,\u00a0aims to be that catalyst.\u00a0It is a missions conference designed to help students, graduates, and churches\u00a0discover the mission of God and their responsibility in it.\u00a0This conference has been\u00a0a formative time for many students:\u00a0

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\u201cI began missions after my experience at the Commission conference. I have been doing door to door evangelism to my fellow students on campus and the neighboring community. Ten people have so far made commitments to follow Christ.\u201d 

Ilenji, student 
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\u201cCommission conference changed my life, and I really thank God. I was able to discover my God-given gift. It\u2019s also during the conference I purposed to support missions financially.\u201d

Brian, student 
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\u201cSince Commission, I have been sharing God\u2019s word with my course mates, one of whom joined my Bible study group.\u201d 

Abigail, student 
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The eleventh Commission conference will take place this year from 30 October to 14 November. More than 5,000 delegates from Kenya and beyond will gather to discuss lifestyle evangelism, integral missions, and how to support mission work through their prayers and finances. Out of this conference will come robust evangelism initiatives organized by students to target campus communities after the conference. In past conferences God has also called some delegates to pray for, support, or to serve among specific unreached people groups.  

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Organizers expect this year will continue a powerful legacy of students experiencing God\u2019s heart for missions. With the event primarily being online this year there is the opportunity for more people from outside of Kenya to participate. Want to join in? Find out more.  

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Would you pray with us for this event?  

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The post That the world may know appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "Inspiring students to love missions is\u00a0just the beginning. After that it\u2019s a matter of watching them\u00a0use their passions and gifts to take charge. Commission,\u00a0organized\u00a0by FOCUS Kenya,\u00a0aims to be that catalyst.\u00a0It is a missions conference designed to help students, graduates, and churches\u00a0discover the mission of God and their responsibility in it.\u00a0This conference has been\u00a0a formative time for many students:\u00a0\n\n\n\n\u201cI began missions after my experience at the Commission conference. I have been doing door to door evangelism to my fellow students on campus and the neighboring community. Ten people have so far made commitments to follow Christ.\u201d Ilenji, student \n\n\n\n\u201cCommission conference changed my life, and I really thank God. I was able to discover my God-given gift. It\u2019s also during the conference I purposed to support missions financially.\u201dBrian, student \n\n\n\n\u201cSince Commission, I have been sharing God\u2019s word with my course mates, one of whom joined my Bible study group.\u201d Abigail, student \n\n\n\nThe eleventh Commission conference will take place this year from 30 October to 14 November. More than 5,000 delegates from Kenya and beyond will gather to discuss lifestyle evangelism, integral missions, and how to support mission work through their prayers and finances. Out of this conference will come robust evangelism initiatives organized by students to target campus communities after the conference. In past conferences God has also called some delegates to pray for, support, or to serve among specific unreached people groups.  \n\n\n\nOrganizers expect this year will continue a powerful legacy of students experiencing God\u2019s heart for missions. With the event primarily being online this year there is the opportunity for more people from outside of Kenya to participate. Want to join in? Find out more.  \n\n\n\nWould you pray with us for this event?  \n\n\n\nPray that God would raise many delegates to carry the burden of reaching others with the gospel. Pray for grace, strength, and wisdom for the planning team. Pray that the voice of God will be clear to every speaker as they prepare to share in the conference. Ask God to provide resources, materials, and equipment to make this conference a success.  \nThe post That the world may know appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2021-09-21T06:19:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-28T09:40:13+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" } ], "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/210920-Kenya.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=15043", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/managing-talents/", "title": "Managing talents", "content_html": "
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How will you make your talent count?  

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This is the question that participants are being asked during the most recent training from the IFES Governance Development ministry, called the Matt.25 eForum. The program references the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, where an employer leaves bags of gold with his three employees and asks them to manage his assets while he is away.  

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Though IFES board members are not given bags of gold to manage, they have been allocated great responsibility in caring for the organization of their IFES movement. How they handle this responsibility counts greatly. As the parable goes in vs 21, when all is said and done, the hope is that they will hear God say, \u201cWell done, good and faithful… board member.\u201d 

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Most recently leaders in EPSA have been challenged by this thinking through the eForum. After more than a year of intense ministry change due to the pandemic, the eForum is helping them strategically re-imagine how they can adapt to challenging times. Participants were asked to consider topics like creating a culture of evaluation, caring for their General Secretary, and revising their vision, mission, and core values to fit the changing needs of their ministry. They were also given elements of refresher governance training like \u201cTen Top Tips for an Effective Board.\u201d  

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The hope is that this eForum will encourage them to press into creating and sustaining healthy governance structures, despite recent challenges.  

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This week, let\u2019s pray for leaders in EPSA and around the world who are seeking God\u2019s wisdom in caring for the responsibilities he has entrusted them.  

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Want to know more about Governance Development programs from IFES? Read here.  

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The post Managing talents appeared first on IFES.

\n", "content_text": "How will you make your talent count?  \n\n\n\nThis is the question that participants are being asked during the most recent training from the IFES Governance Development ministry, called the Matt.25 eForum. The program references the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, where an employer leaves bags of gold with his three employees and asks them to manage his assets while he is away.  \n\n\n\nThough IFES board members are not given bags of gold to manage, they have been allocated great responsibility in caring for the organization of their IFES movement. How they handle this responsibility counts greatly. As the parable goes in vs 21, when all is said and done, the hope is that they will hear God say, \u201cWell done, good and faithful… board member.\u201d \n\n\n\nMost recently leaders in EPSA have been challenged by this thinking through the eForum. After more than a year of intense ministry change due to the pandemic, the eForum is helping them strategically re-imagine how they can adapt to challenging times. Participants were asked to consider topics like creating a culture of evaluation, caring for their General Secretary, and revising their vision, mission, and core values to fit the changing needs of their ministry. They were also given elements of refresher governance training like \u201cTen Top Tips for an Effective Board.\u201d  \n\n\n\nThe hope is that this eForum will encourage them to press into creating and sustaining healthy governance structures, despite recent challenges.  \n\n\n\nThis week, let\u2019s pray for leaders in EPSA and around the world who are seeking God\u2019s wisdom in caring for the responsibilities he has entrusted them.  \n\n\n\nPray for board members in EPSA who have just completed this eForum. Pray that God would give them the discernment to implement the wisdom they have learned in effective ways.  Pray for board members around the world as they shoulder great responsibility in leading ministry. Pray that God gives them the strength to honor and sustain this weighty responsibility to grow the \u201cassets\u201d they have been given.  \n\n\n\nPraise God for the organizers involved in Governance Development programs such as the Matt.25 eForum. Ask for more leadership to become involved with these important resources. \n\n\n\nWant to know more about Governance Development programs from IFES? Read here.  \nThe post Managing talents appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2021-04-13T06:44:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2021-04-12T16:51:24+01:00", "authors": [ { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" } ], "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/3021a3e3433971d777b4933267a9b6db.jpg?ver=1760286604" }, "image": "https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/jehyun-sung-6U5AEmQIajg-unsplash-scaled.jpg" } ] }