![\"\"](\"https://ifesworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Prayer-Card-EN-South-Pacific-1-1024x576.png\")
\u201cI never realized that sex could be positively taught about from up front. I was always told that it was wrong, something to be ashamed of.\u201d
\nThis young woman was not alone. The other 150 students attending TSCF Papua New Guinea\u2019s Bible Summit in June also welcomed the opportunity to talk about intimate relationships and receive guidance from Scripture.
\nJuliette, a TSCF staff worker, notes:
\n\u201cIn Port Moresby (the capital), young people are strongly influenced by western cultural trends. This has forced some churches to address relationship issues. However, most of our students come from rural areas, where the only teaching they\u2019ve had is from \u2018personal development class\u2019.\u201d
\nSo, the team decided that this year\u2019s Summit should help students gain a biblical perspective and see Christ as Lord over sexuality and marriage.
\nOne third-year law student described the experience as \u201cdeeply eye-opening\u201d. He felt challenged about walking into a relationship and just \u201cwinging it\u201d. He wants to be more intentional.
\n\u201cThe summit made it clear that love is not about satisfying your desire, but about commitment, sacri\ufb01ce, and helping the other person grow closer to God. If I truly care about someone, I must help guard their heart, mind, and body from the damage of ungodly intimacy. That means setting clear boundaries and walking in accountability.\u201d
\nHe also left with a solid understanding of worth and integrity:
\n\u201cI\u2019ve come to recognise that my worth, security, and identity come from Christ alone, not from relationships, approval, sexual experience, or cultural expectations of \u2018being the man\u2019. I now see this not as a restriction but as freedom \u2013 a joyful, powerful way of living that honours God and protects what he values most: his image in me and others.\u201d
\nThe summit\u2019s teaching not only addressed how students approach relationships now. It also prepared them for marriage by helping them reassess cultural norms and expectations. Juliette explains:
\n\u201cIn this culture, so much is assumed rather than discussed. This means high levels of domestic violence continue, along with a poor understanding of family roles and responsibilities, including many \u2018absent fathers\u2019. And polygamy is widespread, generally accepted as a sign of male strength.\u201d
\nDavid Walter, IFES Regional Secretary for the South Pacific, points out how strategic this Summit has been:
\n\u201cIt\u2019s superb to see the national movement tackling something that\u2019s rarely talked about in the churches. Intimate partner violence, marriage breakdown, and sexual assault are widespread problems. So, exploring the biblical perspective like they did is also a great way of serving society.\u201d
\nThe post Difficult Topics, Direct Talk appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "\u201cI never realized that sex could be positively taught about from up front. I was always told that it was wrong, something to be ashamed of.\u201d \n\n\n\nThis young woman was not alone. The other 150 students attending TSCF Papua New Guinea\u2019s Bible Summit in June also welcomed the opportunity to talk about intimate relationships and receive guidance from Scripture. \n\n\n\nJuliette, a TSCF staff worker, notes: \n\n\n\n\u201cIn Port Moresby (the capital), young people are strongly influenced by western cultural trends. This has forced some churches to address relationship issues. However, most of our students come from rural areas, where the only teaching they\u2019ve had is from \u2018personal development class\u2019.\u201d \n\n\n\nSo, the team decided that this year\u2019s Summit should help students gain a biblical perspective and see Christ as Lord over sexuality and marriage. \n\n\n\nRestriction to Freedom \n\n\n\nOne third-year law student described the experience as \u201cdeeply eye-opening\u201d. He felt challenged about walking into a relationship and just \u201cwinging it\u201d. He wants to be more intentional. \n\n\n\n\u201cThe summit made it clear that love is not about satisfying your desire, but about commitment, sacri\ufb01ce, and helping the other person grow closer to God. If I truly care about someone, I must help guard their heart, mind, and body from the damage of ungodly intimacy. That means setting clear boundaries and walking in accountability.\u201d \n\n\n\nHe also left with a solid understanding of worth and integrity: \n\n\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve come to recognise that my worth, security, and identity come from Christ alone, not from relationships, approval, sexual experience, or cultural expectations of \u2018being the man\u2019. I now see this not as a restriction but as freedom \u2013 a joyful, powerful way of living that honours God and protects what he values most: his image in me and others.\u201d \n\n\n\nSilence to Service \n\n\n\nThe summit\u2019s teaching not only addressed how students approach relationships now. It also prepared them for marriage by helping them reassess cultural norms and expectations. Juliette explains: \n\n\n\n\u201cIn this culture, so much is assumed rather than discussed. This means high levels of domestic violence continue, along with a poor understanding of family roles and responsibilities, including many \u2018absent fathers\u2019. And polygamy is widespread, generally accepted as a sign of male strength.\u201d \n\n\n\nDavid Walter, IFES Regional Secretary for the South Pacific, points out how strategic this Summit has been: \n\n\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s superb to see the national movement tackling something that\u2019s rarely talked about in the churches. Intimate partner violence, marriage breakdown, and sexual assault are widespread problems. So, exploring the biblical perspective like they did is also a great way of serving society.\u201d \n\n\n\nPray \n\n\n\n\nGive thanks for the vision to discuss such difficult topics at Summit, for the engagement with Scripture, and for the positive impact on participants. Pray that students will continue to bring cultural norms before the light of God\u2019s Word and choose to honour him.\u202f \n\n\n\n\n\nAs the one male TSCF staff worker (apart from the General Secretary) departs to further his studies, ask the Lord to stir young men to join the sta\ufb00 team. Currently, five young female staff support student leaders across different campuses.\u202f \n\n\n\n\n\nStudents and staff from TSCF will soon travel to the Solomon Islands for the South Paci\ufb01c Regional Conference (11-14 September). Pray that the teaching and cross-cultural fellowship will strengthen student witness in each movement \u2013 and ask that those without local IFES ministry will be inspired to start it. \n\nThe post Difficult Topics, Direct Talk appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2025-08-05T16:43:22+01:00", "date_modified": "2025-08-07T10:48:01+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/PNG-fun.png" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=45372", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/dining-with-jesus/", "title": "Dining with Jesus", "content_html": "Initiating conversations about faith can feel daunting and awkward, particularly in secular societies. But Christian Union (CU) students at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, have found a natural way to introduce the gospel. They invite others to dinner, to hang out \u2013 and to meet Jesus.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s made it so easy to expose my friends to God and his love,\u201d says second-year student Robyn.
\nA couple of years ago, the CU, part of TSCF, the IFES movement in New Zealand, recognised the difficulty of inviting peers to weekly Bible studies \u2013 especially because the group had been meeting in student houses or TSCF staff homes since the 2011 earthquake and COVID-19.
\nSo, they booked a communal space on campus for every Wednesday evening, cooked a simple meal, gathered to eat it, and then spent time in Scripture. They invited friends, contacts, and anyone who was still studying in the space when the meal was served. At one point last year, around 70 students were attending.
\nTrinity shares how simple and effective it\u2019s been:
\n\u201cI just invite people to get a free meal, to relax, and chat with some really friendly people. I tell them that after the meal there will be a Bible study but that there\u2019s no pressure to stay. It gets people through the door \u2013 which isn\u2019t easy when some think that Christianity is distasteful! Then, I let God and time do the rest.\u201d
\nNon-Christians are often surprised by the generosity. (Each CU small group takes a turn to sacrificially serve by buying and cooking the food.) Positive conversations arise over dinner, and, after a few weeks, many newcomers decide to stay on and learn about Jesus in the Gospels.
\nSome have already responded in faith \u2013 last year, a friend that Robyn had invited became a Christian. Others are still considering. Yet all have appreciated the friendship and the space to find out about Christ. Three interested master\u2019s students from China have now graduated but remain in touch with the group.
\nOn campus, a new academic year has just begun. Out of the 35-40 people who\u2019ve come to the first meals and studies, about a quarter are not yet Christians. Clearly, this offer of hospitality and friendship has revolutionized the CU\u2019s outreach. One of the leaders explains its success:
\n\u201cStudents are often a bit afraid of \u2018doing evangelism\u2019 on campus, but we encourage them to see that helping people meet Jesus isn\u2019t scary, especially when we can do it together and just be ourselves.\u201d
\nThe post Dining with Jesus appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "Initiating conversations about faith can feel daunting and awkward, particularly in secular societies. But Christian Union (CU) students at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, have found a natural way to introduce the gospel. They invite others to dinner, to hang out \u2013 and to meet Jesus. \n\n\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s made it so easy to expose my friends to God and his love,\u201d says second-year student Robyn. \n\n\n\nFree Food, No Pressure \n\n\n\nA couple of years ago, the CU, part of TSCF, the IFES movement in New Zealand, recognised the difficulty of inviting peers to weekly Bible studies \u2013 especially because the group had been meeting in student houses or TSCF staff homes since the 2011 earthquake and COVID-19. \n\n\n\nSo, they booked a communal space on campus for every Wednesday evening, cooked a simple meal, gathered to eat it, and then spent time in Scripture. They invited friends, contacts, and anyone who was still studying in the space when the meal was served. At one point last year, around 70 students were attending. \n\n\n\nTrinity shares how simple and effective it\u2019s been: \n\n\n\n\u201cI just invite people to get a free meal, to relax, and chat with some really friendly people. I tell them that after the meal there will be a Bible study but that there\u2019s no pressure to stay. It gets people through the door \u2013 which isn\u2019t easy when some think that Christianity is distasteful! Then, I let God and time do the rest.\u201d \n\n\n\nA Taste of Jesus \n\n\n\nNon-Christians are often surprised by the generosity. (Each CU small group takes a turn to sacrificially serve by buying and cooking the food.) Positive conversations arise over dinner, and, after a few weeks, many newcomers decide to stay on and learn about Jesus in the Gospels. \n\n\n\nSome have already responded in faith \u2013 last year, a friend that Robyn had invited became a Christian. Others are still considering. Yet all have appreciated the friendship and the space to find out about Christ. Three interested master\u2019s students from China have now graduated but remain in touch with the group. \n\n\n\nOn campus, a new academic year has just begun. Out of the 35-40 people who\u2019ve come to the first meals and studies, about a quarter are not yet Christians. Clearly, this offer of hospitality and friendship has revolutionized the CU\u2019s outreach. One of the leaders explains its success: \n\n\n\n\u201cStudents are often a bit afraid of \u2018doing evangelism\u2019 on campus, but we encourage them to see that helping people meet Jesus isn\u2019t scary, especially when we can do it together and just be ourselves.\u201d \n\n\n\nPray \n\n\n\n\nPraise God for the way this approach has energised Christian students in their witness and introduced non-Christians to Christ. Pray that CUs across TSCF New Zealand will be innovative and courageous in their outreach. \n\n\n\n\n\nThis year, the Canterbury CU has been given a meeting space that\u2019s less central on campus. Pray that this will not deter newcomers and that the group will continue to grow. \n\n\n\n\n\nThis semester\u2019s meals will be followed by a series called Encountering Jesus, covering topics like \u2018What\u2019s our greatest need?\u2019, \u2018Does Jesus love everyone?\u2019, and \u2018What does Jesus want from us?\u2019. Pray that the 8-10 interested students will indeed encounter Jesus and \u201ctaste and see that the Lord is good\u201d. \n\nThe post Dining with Jesus appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2025-03-18T08:00:00+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-03-18T10:22:06+00:00", "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/Robyn-quote-in-centre-looking-at-camera-scaled.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=38815", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/less-is-more-ifes-prayerline/", "title": "Less is more?\u00a0", "content_html": "Do less?
\r\nIt might have seemed like strange advice to a team of only three staff. Especially when their movement, the Solomon Islands Universities’ Christian Fellowship (SIUCF), started just eight years ago, and faced a full shut down during the 2020 pandemic. But \u201cless\u201d is what David Walter, IFES Regional Secretary for the South Pacific, was suggesting.\u00a0
\r\nWell, not less overall. He was advocating for less of a hands-on approach to ministry. David explains:\u00a0
\r\nAs Edward (SIUCF General Secretary) and recently-appointed staff workers, Rose and Amelia, adopted this approach, they soon noticed its impact: the ministry expanded. Now, SIUCF has a presence at the University of the South Pacific (Honiara campus) and on each of the National University\u2019s three campuses, with some having Bible study groups in several dorms.\u00a0\u00a0
\r\nBut less of one ministry skill required more of another. The team recognised that its new focus called for greater understanding of leadership. So, at the start of the year, they reached out to David.\u00a0
\r\nOver several weeks, David led in-depth training via Zoom:
\r\nTogether, they discovered how servant leadership involves a godly confidence, faithful flexibility, and teamwork that equips and entrusts.\u00a0
\r\n\u201cThis training helped us understand why and how we should lead,\u201d Rose shares. \u201cI\u2019ve been influenced and challenged \u2013 especially by the idea that confidence in ministry comes from imitating the servant heart of Jesus and not from hearing the affirmation and acclaim of others.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\r\nFive years ago, we shared in Prayerline how Amelia got involved in SIUCF as a student. At the time, we asked \u201cthat God will raise new young leaders to serve God through SIUCF\u201d. How encouraging that Amelia is an answer to that prayer and that she\u2019s grown through this training. In her words:\u00a0\u00a0
\r\n\u201cThe dynamics of student ministry are very different from how I\u2019m used to serving within our church youth fellowship. These sessions have equipped us with tools and insights that will grow SIUCF ministry by training other students to be leaders and disciple-makers.\u201d\u00a0
\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cThis training helped us understand why and how we should lead,…I\u2019ve been influenced and challenged \u2013 especially by the idea that confidence in ministry comes from imitating the servant heart of Jesus and not from hearing the affirmation and acclaim of others.\u201d\u00a0
\r\n
So, as Amelia, Rose, and Edward grow in leadership, learning to do \u201cless\u201d, let\u2019s pray that God, working through students, will do \u201cimmeasurably more than all we ask or imagine\u201d (Ephesians 3:20).\u00a0
\r\nThe post Less is more?\u00a0 appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "Do less?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt might have seemed like strange advice to a team of only three staff. Especially when their movement, the Solomon Islands Universities’ Christian Fellowship (SIUCF), started just eight years ago, and faced a full shut down during the 2020 pandemic. But \u201cless\u201d is what David Walter, IFES Regional Secretary for the South Pacific, was suggesting.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMore Mentoring\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWell, not less overall. He was advocating for less of a hands-on approach to ministry. David explains:\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019d been encouraging them not just to minister to the students but also with and through the students. I explained that this involves moving beyond teaching to training up \u2013 that it\u2019s about entrusting the students with ministry, guiding and mentoring, rather than taking the lead themselves.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs Edward (SIUCF General Secretary) and recently-appointed staff workers, Rose and Amelia, adopted this approach, they soon noticed its impact: the ministry expanded. Now, SIUCF has a presence at the University of the South Pacific (Honiara campus) and on each of the National University\u2019s three campuses, with some having Bible study groups in several dorms.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTraining Trainers\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut less of one ministry skill required more of another. The team recognised that its new focus called for greater understanding of leadership. So, at the start of the year, they reached out to David.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOver several weeks, David led in-depth training via Zoom:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cI wanted this to be more than just \u2018how-to\u2019 leadership tips. So, we dug into leadership themes in the Bible and explored practical, culturally appropriate ways to apply them.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTogether, they discovered how servant leadership involves a godly confidence, faithful flexibility, and teamwork that equips and entrusts.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGood Growth\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cThis training helped us understand why and how we should lead,\u201d Rose shares. \u201cI\u2019ve been influenced and challenged \u2013 especially by the idea that confidence in ministry comes from imitating the servant heart of Jesus and not from hearing the affirmation and acclaim of others.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFive years ago, we shared in Prayerline how Amelia got involved in SIUCF as a student. At the time, we asked \u201cthat God will raise new young leaders to serve God through SIUCF\u201d. How encouraging that Amelia is an answer to that prayer and that she\u2019s grown through this training. In her words:\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cThe dynamics of student ministry are very different from how I\u2019m used to serving within our church youth fellowship. These sessions have equipped us with tools and insights that will grow SIUCF ministry by training other students to be leaders and disciple-makers.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cThis training helped us understand why and how we should lead,…I\u2019ve been influenced and challenged \u2013 especially by the idea that confidence in ministry comes from imitating the servant heart of Jesus and not from hearing the affirmation and acclaim of others.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPray\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSo, as Amelia, Rose, and Edward grow in leadership, learning to do \u201cless\u201d, let\u2019s pray that God, working through students, will do \u201cimmeasurably more than all we ask or imagine\u201d (Ephesians 3:20).\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGive thanks for Edward, Rose, and Amelia, and the growth of SIUCF over recent years. Pray for the staff as they grow in biblical leadership.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs the staff team equips, enables, and entrusts students to lead ministry, ask that SIUCF will continue to flourish and see more young leaders emerge.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGive thanks for the mid-year conference, called \u201cJesus Centred\u201d, that took place last month. Pray for the 30+ students who attended \u2013 that their whole lives will be truly centred on Jesus.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe post Less is more?\u00a0 appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2024-07-09T10:12:25+01:00", "date_modified": "2025-01-17T15:59:32+00:00", "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/2024/07/Staff-Photo-with-2-students-e1720440950631.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=33243", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/stories-in-the-sand/", "title": "Stories in the sand", "content_html": "The student crowd watched closely as Uncle Edgar drew his finger through the sand. The skillfully etched patterns and shapes represented characters in the story he was telling: two people, in a precious relationship that had been broken, now joyfully reconciled. With an accompanying tune played on his bamboo flute, Uncle Edgar used the ancient storytelling art of sandroing to bring home four central stories from the Gospel of Mark to students at Vanuatu\u2019s regional university campus.
\nThe national IFES movement, Gud Nius Yunivesiti Felosip (GNYF), asked Uncle Edgar to create this novel presentation of the gospel as part of their ?Huia Jisas? outreach (\u201cWho is Jesus?\u201d in Bislama). It was one way of addressing two pressing issues: How do you help students in a culture of churchgoing to personally encounter Jesus? How do you enable students in an oral culture to engage with the Scriptures?
\nVanuatu, a cluster of islands in the South Pacific, is populated by small, subsistence-farming communities, where most profess Christianity (90%+) and where the few who are involved in tertiary education (<1%) prefer to learn by hearing and talking rather than extensive study of texts. Joel Atwood, GNYF National Director, notes: \u201cMany students come to university having grown up in churches their whole lives, but they haven\u2019t looked closely at the Bible and are still unsure of who Jesus is, what he has done, and what that means for us\u201d.
\nThis is why GNYF strives to be intentional about sharing the gospel with friends and classmates in ways that fit their relational culture. In 2021, their ?Huia Jisas? outreach was a Melanesian form of Uncover (a Gospel distribution project used in many IFES movements). It not only equipped students to share stories from Mark\u2019s Gospel with other students but also went a step further: by connecting with Uncle Edgar \u2013 a local expert in sandroing \u2013 they devised patterns to help communicate key themes of sin, forgiveness, reconciliation, and rule.
\nNow, in 2024, the movement is organising another ?Huia Jisas? outreach, this time using John\u2019s Gospel. Sency, a student leader at a relatively new campus group, is looking forward to it: \u201cWe want our classmates and friends to dig deeper into discovering who Jesus is. What exceeding joy to know that the God of the universe loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die for us so that anyone who believes should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). I pray that more and more young people here in Vanuatu schools, colleges, and universities will encounter Jesus and develop a personal relationship with him in daily life. What an awesome adventure it will be!\u201d
\nSince many student leaders are new, the first semester (February-June) will focus on training and planning; a cross-campus team will choose stories, develop the booklets, and plan events. \u201cWith John\u2019s big metaphors for who Jesus is, we could have some real fun using traditional art forms like sandroing, weaving, and dancing,\u201d says Joel.
\nLet\u2019s pray for students in GNYF Vanuatu:
\nThe post Stories in the sand appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "The student crowd watched closely as Uncle Edgar drew his finger through the sand. The skillfully etched patterns and shapes represented characters in the story he was telling: two people, in a precious relationship that had been broken, now joyfully reconciled. With an accompanying tune played on his bamboo flute, Uncle Edgar used the ancient storytelling art of sandroing to bring home four central stories from the Gospel of Mark to students at Vanuatu\u2019s regional university campus.\n\n\n\nThe national IFES movement, Gud Nius Yunivesiti Felosip (GNYF), asked Uncle Edgar to create this novel presentation of the gospel as part of their ?Huia Jisas? outreach (\u201cWho is Jesus?\u201d in Bislama). It was one way of addressing two pressing issues: How do you help students in a culture of churchgoing to personally encounter Jesus? How do you enable students in an oral culture to engage with the Scriptures?\n\n\n\nVanuatu, a cluster of islands in the South Pacific, is populated by small, subsistence-farming communities, where most profess Christianity (90%+) and where the few who are involved in tertiary education (<1%) prefer to learn by hearing and talking rather than extensive study of texts. Joel Atwood, GNYF National Director, notes: \u201cMany students come to university having grown up in churches their whole lives, but they haven\u2019t looked closely at the Bible and are still unsure of who Jesus is, what he has done, and what that means for us\u201d.\n\n\n\nThis is why GNYF strives to be intentional about sharing the gospel with friends and classmates in ways that fit their relational culture. In 2021, their ?Huia Jisas? outreach was a Melanesian form of Uncover (a Gospel distribution project used in many IFES movements). It not only equipped students to share stories from Mark\u2019s Gospel with other students but also went a step further: by connecting with Uncle Edgar \u2013 a local expert in sandroing \u2013 they devised patterns to help communicate key themes of sin, forgiveness, reconciliation, and rule.\n\n\n\nNow, in 2024, the movement is organising another ?Huia Jisas? outreach, this time using John\u2019s Gospel. Sency, a student leader at a relatively new campus group, is looking forward to it: \u201cWe want our classmates and friends to dig deeper into discovering who Jesus is. What exceeding joy to know that the God of the universe loved us so much that he sent his only Son to die for us so that anyone who believes should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). I pray that more and more young people here in Vanuatu schools, colleges, and universities will encounter Jesus and develop a personal relationship with him in daily life. What an awesome adventure it will be!\u201d\n\n\n\nSince many student leaders are new, the first semester (February-June) will focus on training and planning; a cross-campus team will choose stories, develop the booklets, and plan events. \u201cWith John\u2019s big metaphors for who Jesus is, we could have some real fun using traditional art forms like sandroing, weaving, and dancing,\u201d says Joel.\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s pray for students in GNYF Vanuatu:\n\n\n\n\nGive thanks for the creatively contextual way the gospel was presented in 2021 and pray for the student leaders as they plan ?Huia Jisas? 2024 over coming weeks \u2013 that the Holy Spirit will give them inspiration, wisdom, and anticipation.\n\n\n\nPray for GNYF students who are anxious about inviting friends or classmates to read the Gospel or attend talks and events. Ask the Lord to use the \u201csupport events\u201d to equip them and give them courage.\n\n\n\nPray for the Gospel distribution and public events in late July and August \u2013 that students will engage with Scripture, encounter Jesus, and enjoy an ever-deepening relationship with him.\n\nThe post Stories in the sand appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2024-01-23T07:07:00+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-01-22T11:15:23+00:00", "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/2024/01/IMG_20210922_141350823_HDR-1-scaled.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=30064", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/persevering-on-the-sunshine-coast/", "title": "Persevering on the Sunshine Coast", "content_html": "This World Student Day, on Friday 20 October, we\u2019re praying for students around the world to persevere as witnesses for Jesus. It\u2019s an exciting opportunity to join with thousands in prayer. But knowing exactly what to pray for can sometimes be tricky. That\u2019s why the World Student Day prayer cards are a brilliant resource to help you \u2013 they present real requests from students, staff, and movements from across our eleven global regions.
\nHere\u2019s one example from the South Pacific:\u00a0
\nBehind every request is a current situation with a specific backstory. For this Prayerline, we\u2019ve asked Lucy to tell us more about Moreton Bay.
\n\u201cUniSC’s Moreton Bay campus opened in 2019 as an offshoot of the main UniSC campus in Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast. The AFES group has fluctuated in size and student engagement since then \u2013 during one semester we had up to fourteen students coming along to the main Bible study and social events, but it has recently dropped to just a few.
\nIn fact, at the start of this semester no students came to the Bible study for the first few weeks. It was quite discouraging. But by God’s grace, he brought along Bevan, a non-Christian student who\u2019d seen our advertising around campus. He wanted to find out more about Jesus. Ever since, he\u2019s been meeting weekly with a staff worker to read Mark’s gospel.
\nAnd Bevan\u2019s also connected with one of our Moreton Bay students, Noah, who, along with a Sippy Downs student, has been reading through the Old Testament with him. A few weeks ago, Bevan decided to give his life to Jesus at one of these Bible studies!
\nNoah says, “One thing that’s been encouraging about Christian Students at Moreton is simply that the group is surviving despite it being small. I’m thankful to God that we’ve got this far.”
\nThe hope we have is that the small group will grow and \u2013 with a firm base of Christian students \u2013 have an impact on the Moreton Bay campus as it expands.\u201d
\nYou\u2019ll find dozens more requests like this here. As you explore them, please pray with us for students in Moreton Bay \u2013 and all around the world:
\nThe post Persevering on the Sunshine Coast appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "This World Student Day, on Friday 20 October, we\u2019re praying for students around the world to persevere as witnesses for Jesus. It\u2019s an exciting opportunity to join with thousands in prayer. But knowing exactly what to pray for can sometimes be tricky. That\u2019s why the World Student Day prayer cards are a brilliant resource to help you \u2013 they present real requests from students, staff, and movements from across our eleven global regions. \n\n\n\nHere\u2019s one example from the South Pacific:\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBehind every request is a current situation with a specific backstory. For this Prayerline, we\u2019ve asked Lucy to tell us more about Moreton Bay. \n\n\n\n\u201cUniSC’s Moreton Bay campus opened in 2019 as an offshoot of the main UniSC campus in Sippy Downs on the Sunshine Coast. The AFES group has fluctuated in size and student engagement since then \u2013 during one semester we had up to fourteen students coming along to the main Bible study and social events, but it has recently dropped to just a few. \n\n\n\nIn fact, at the start of this semester no students came to the Bible study for the first few weeks. It was quite discouraging. But by God’s grace, he brought along Bevan, a non-Christian student who\u2019d seen our advertising around campus. He wanted to find out more about Jesus. Ever since, he\u2019s been meeting weekly with a staff worker to read Mark’s gospel. \n\n\n\nAnd Bevan\u2019s also connected with one of our Moreton Bay students, Noah, who, along with a Sippy Downs student, has been reading through the Old Testament with him. A few weeks ago, Bevan decided to give his life to Jesus at one of these Bible studies! \n\n\n\nNoah says, “One thing that’s been encouraging about Christian Students at Moreton is simply that the group is surviving despite it being small. I’m thankful to God that we’ve got this far.” \n\n\n\nThe hope we have is that the small group will grow and \u2013 with a firm base of Christian students \u2013 have an impact on the Moreton Bay campus as it expands.\u201d \n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll find dozens more requests like this here. As you explore them, please pray with us for students in Moreton Bay \u2013 and all around the world: \n\n\n\n\nGive thanks for the encouragements in Moreton Bay and pray for the students and staff as they persevere \u2013 that they will establish a Christian witness that will impact the campus. \n\n\n\nGive thanks for our global family of IFES movements and supporters that are praying for students on 20 October. Pray for a move of God as individuals and groups use the prayer cards \u2013 that those requests will be answered and that those who sent them will find strength to persevere. \n\n\n\nPray for all Christian students who are struggling with their faith, mental health, or circumstances. Pray that this week they would feel uplifted and discover that God\u2019s power is made perfect in their weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). \n\nThe post Persevering on the Sunshine Coast appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2023-10-17T05:41:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-13T09:22:47+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/2023/10/Moreton-O-week.jpeg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=26239", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/catching-the-vision-for-pioneering-ministry/", "title": "Catching the vision for pioneering ministry", "content_html": "\u201cGod has placed a huge burden for Micronesians on me,\u201d shares Mark, a recent graduate from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). While studying abroad in Guam, Mark developed a passion for sharing the gospel with students. As he thinks about returning home, Mark is wondering and praying whether student ministry might be part of his future.
\n\u201cMy vision for student ministry simply came from day-to-day conversations with my Micronesian dorm mates and listening to their beliefs about who God is,\u201d he explains. \u201cSeeing how the religious and cultural practices of our nation have led us away from who God truly is stirred up my desire to start a Bible study and show them who the God of the Bible is, the true and living God.\u201d
\nThe FSM is composed of more than 600 islands in the Western Pacific. Approximately 95 percent of the population identifies as Christian. Going to church is the norm. But Mark says that for many, their faith is based on tradition and culture rather than on the bible.
\n\u201cIt has always been an encouragement for me to hear from students that some of the Bible studies we have had are actually the first time they’ve heard such stories about Jesus, even though they’ve been in church most of their lives,\u201d he said.
\nAfter he moved to Guam to study public administration, Mark became involved with the student ministry work pioneered by Sam, an InterVarsity Link staff worker, whose story was covered in this Prayerline article.
\n\u201cI am truly grateful to Sam for coming out to Guam and conducting Bible studies for college students,\u201d Mark said. \u201cIt was encouraging to be able to fellowship with peers who are also faithful.\u201d
\nMark began leading Bible studies in the University of Guam Residence Halls where there are more than 150 students from other Micronesian islands such as the FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. After graduating with a master\u2019s last year, Mark decided to stay in Guam to work and continue volunteering in student ministry. As he looks for opportunities to return home, Mark considers how God might use this passion and experience in future ministry on Pohnpei, the largest and most populous island in the FSM.
\n\n\u201cI hope that God will provide laborers in the Federated States of Micronesia that are young and passionate about sharing the gospel to students. If the Lord wills, it would be great if he were to open doors for me to do student ministry there.\u201d\u00a0
Knowing his home country like he does, Mark understands that it won\u2019t be easy.
\n\n\u201cIt can be difficult to challenge traditional \u2018religious\u2019 beliefs with Scripture because it can come across as if we are disrespecting our elders, our traditions, and our culture. Young born-again believers can face backlash when they are bold for biblical truths. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve experienced myself.\u201d\u00a0
The FSM is one of approximately seven countries or territories in the South Pacific currently without an affiliated IFES movement. Developing student ministry in these remote island nations is complicated by the fact that many student groups and college campuses are geographically isolated from each other.
\nIn addition, some of these Pacific Island nations do not have a traditional four-year university. The FSM, for example, does not have a major university but it does have a community college where students can study for two years before completing their studies at another institution abroad or online. Nevertheless, IFES believes that institutions of higher learning are strategic locations for mission. In some nations that means a focus on universities, while in others it may mean working in secondary schools or community colleges.
\n\u201cThese factors – and others – make the prospect of planting a new student movement in the FSM a significant challenge,\u201d says David Walter, IFES Regional Secretary for the South Pacific. \u201cBut God is good.\u201d
\nPlease pray for Mark and students in – and from – the Federated States of Micronesia:
\nThe post Catching the vision for pioneering ministry appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "\u201cGod has placed a huge burden for Micronesians on me,\u201d shares Mark, a recent graduate from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). While studying abroad in Guam, Mark developed a passion for sharing the gospel with students. As he thinks about returning home, Mark is wondering and praying whether student ministry might be part of his future. \n\n\n\n\u201cMy vision for student ministry simply came from day-to-day conversations with my Micronesian dorm mates and listening to their beliefs about who God is,\u201d he explains. \u201cSeeing how the religious and cultural practices of our nation have led us away from who God truly is stirred up my desire to start a Bible study and show them who the God of the Bible is, the true and living God.\u201d \n\n\n\nThe FSM is composed of more than 600 islands in the Western Pacific. Approximately 95 percent of the population identifies as Christian. Going to church is the norm. But Mark says that for many, their faith is based on tradition and culture rather than on the bible. \n\n\n\n\u201cIt has always been an encouragement for me to hear from students that some of the Bible studies we have had are actually the first time they’ve heard such stories about Jesus, even though they’ve been in church most of their lives,\u201d he said. \n\n\n\nAfter he moved to Guam to study public administration, Mark became involved with the student ministry work pioneered by Sam, an InterVarsity Link staff worker, whose story was covered in this Prayerline article. \n\n\n\n\u201cI am truly grateful to Sam for coming out to Guam and conducting Bible studies for college students,\u201d Mark said. \u201cIt was encouraging to be able to fellowship with peers who are also faithful.\u201d \n\n\n\nMark began leading Bible studies in the University of Guam Residence Halls where there are more than 150 students from other Micronesian islands such as the FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. After graduating with a master\u2019s last year, Mark decided to stay in Guam to work and continue volunteering in student ministry. As he looks for opportunities to return home, Mark considers how God might use this passion and experience in future ministry on Pohnpei, the largest and most populous island in the FSM. \n\n\n\n\u201cI hope that God will provide laborers in the Federated States of Micronesia that are young and passionate about sharing the gospel to students. If the Lord wills, it would be great if he were to open doors for me to do student ministry there.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\n\nKnowing his home country like he does, Mark understands that it won\u2019t be easy. \n\n\n\n\u201cIt can be difficult to challenge traditional \u2018religious\u2019 beliefs with Scripture because it can come across as if we are disrespecting our elders, our traditions, and our culture. Young born-again believers can face backlash when they are bold for biblical truths. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve experienced myself.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\n\nThe FSM is one of approximately seven countries or territories in the South Pacific currently without an affiliated IFES movement. Developing student ministry in these remote island nations is complicated by the fact that many student groups and college campuses are geographically isolated from each other. \n\n\n\nIn addition, some of these Pacific Island nations do not have a traditional four-year university. The FSM, for example, does not have a major university but it does have a community college where students can study for two years before completing their studies at another institution abroad or online. Nevertheless, IFES believes that institutions of higher learning are strategic locations for mission. In some nations that means a focus on universities, while in others it may mean working in secondary schools or community colleges. \n\n\n\n\u201cThese factors – and others – make the prospect of planting a new student movement in the FSM a significant challenge,\u201d says David Walter, IFES Regional Secretary for the South Pacific. \u201cBut God is good.\u201d \n\n\n\nPlease pray for Mark and students in – and from – the Federated States of Micronesia: \n\n\n\nPray for guidance and opportunities as Mark explores future ministry opportunities on his home island of Pohnpei. Pray for wisdom and boldness for young followers of Jesus in the FSM. Pray that the Lord would provide \u201cworkers for the harvest\u201d so that Micronesian students may hear the good news of Jesus \u2013 either in their own country or while studying abroad. \nThe post Catching the vision for pioneering ministry appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2023-05-16T05:44:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2023-05-15T09:50:02+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/2023/05/Mark-FSM1-scaled.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=19245", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/mourning-into-dancing-finding-healing-in-jesus-at-summit/", "title": "Mourning into Dancing: finding healing in Jesus at Summit\u00a0", "content_html": "Just looking at someone, it\u2019s impossible to know what experiences they carry with them. But the Bible speaks strongly into issues of suffering and trauma, as David Walter, Regional Secretary for the South Pacific points out. Recently, TSCF, the national movement in Papua New Guinea, held their Mid-Year Bible Summit student conference, with the theme \u2018Wounds of the Heart and the Hope of the Psalms.\u2019 They looked at Psalm 30:11:
\n\u2018You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.\u2019
\n\u2018We have just had such a week\u2019, write Keith and Marion, volunteer staff with TCSF. \u2018Sometimes when our Lord turns on the tap, it really is astonishing. It\u2019s been far more than we asked or thought.\u2019
\nOne student called the Summit a time of \u2018deep healing\u2019. \u2018I never really understood my feelings\u2019, she says. \u2018But through the laments of the psalms and our discussions about hidden emotions, I was able to really pinpoint the feelings under the surface and come before God in humility to let him heal me, as I receive his forgiveness.
\n\u2018My father, who is a musician, was never home when I was growing up. He never seemed to have time for me. I developed this idea that he does not love me, which led me to despise him. However, deep down I needed his attention. Understanding that no human relationship can fulfil us the way God can, through Psalm 42, has given a freedom I have never felt in my life. Because now I want God\u2019s Word more than anything else in this world.\u2019\u00a0
\nThis student also survived an attempted sexual assault as a teenager, a trauma that left her with deep emotional wounds. \u2018I never really healed from that traumatic event\u2019, she explains. \u2018I have triggers that set me off, and I experience depressive episodes that last for weeks and months.\u2019 But as she testifies, some level of change began at the Summit through reading the Scripture. \u2018I experienced healing from that emotional wound this week\u2019, she writes, \u2018as we went through the Psalms of Lament. The over-thinking has stopped and the shame and fear I\u2019ve been carrying all these years have been lifted. I experienced that \u201cweeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning\u201d (Psalm 30:5). I felt washed in the Word, renewed and free from the pain I have been carrying for nine years.\u2019
\nPray with us for TSCF Papua New Guinea:
\nThe post Mourning into Dancing: finding healing in Jesus at Summit\u00a0 appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "Just looking at someone, it\u2019s impossible to know what experiences they carry with them. But the Bible speaks strongly into issues of suffering and trauma, as David Walter, Regional Secretary for the South Pacific points out. Recently, TSCF, the national movement in Papua New Guinea, held their Mid-Year Bible Summit student conference, with the theme \u2018Wounds of the Heart and the Hope of the Psalms.\u2019 They looked at Psalm 30:11: \n\n\n\n\u2018You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.\u2019 \n\n\n\n\u2018We have just had such a week\u2019, write Keith and Marion, volunteer staff with TCSF. \u2018Sometimes when our Lord turns on the tap, it really is astonishing. It\u2019s been far more than we asked or thought.\u2019 \n\n\n\nOne student called the Summit a time of \u2018deep healing\u2019. \u2018I never really understood my feelings\u2019, she says. \u2018But through the laments of the psalms and our discussions about hidden emotions, I was able to really pinpoint the feelings under the surface and come before God in humility to let him heal me, as I receive his forgiveness. \n\n\n\n\u2018My father, who is a musician, was never home when I was growing up. He never seemed to have time for me. I developed this idea that he does not love me, which led me to despise him. However, deep down I needed his attention. Understanding that no human relationship can fulfil us the way God can, through Psalm 42, has given a freedom I have never felt in my life. Because now I want God\u2019s Word more than anything else in this world.\u2019\u00a0\n\n\n\nThis student also survived an attempted sexual assault as a teenager, a trauma that left her with deep emotional wounds. \u2018I never really healed from that traumatic event\u2019, she explains. \u2018I have triggers that set me off, and I experience depressive episodes that last for weeks and months.\u2019 But as she testifies, some level of change began at the Summit through reading the Scripture. \u2018I experienced healing from that emotional wound this week\u2019, she writes, \u2018as we went through the Psalms of Lament. The over-thinking has stopped and the shame and fear I\u2019ve been carrying all these years have been lifted. I experienced that \u201cweeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning\u201d (Psalm 30:5). I felt washed in the Word, renewed and free from the pain I have been carrying for nine years.\u2019 \n\n\n\nPray with us for TSCF Papua New Guinea: \n\n\n\nThank God for these revelations and pray that these students would continue to trust in Jesus and find deep joy in him.\u00a0Pray for the strengthening and flourishing of TSCF, that they might be able to share the gospel with more students.\u00a0Pray that TSCF students will be salt and light in their families, universities, and throughout their lives.\u00a0\nThe post Mourning into Dancing: finding healing in Jesus at Summit\u00a0 appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2022-07-19T06:05:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2022-07-15T10:15:29+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/2022/07/PNG-Bible-Summit.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=17965", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/fighting-human-trafficking-with-gospel-compassion/", "title": "Fighting human trafficking with gospel compassion", "content_html": "In December 2019, PSFC, the student movement in Fiji, were invited to join an initiative combatting human trafficking, nationally, regionally and globally – a big task. With a host of high-calibre organisations involved and funding from the EU, PSFC was invited to join a taskforce working to eradicate human trafficking from Fiji as part of the two-year project. Fiji is increasingly a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking, and there are many migrants trafficked into or through Fiji for exploitative purposes.
\nIt is a worthy and incredibly daunting initiative, but Taniela, PSFC General Secretary, hasn\u2019t been fazed. \u2018I was glad that we said yes to this partnership,\u2019 he shares. \u2018It opened my eyes to the reality of this issue right before us. I\u2019ve seen cases of university students involved both as perpetrators and victims. Alarmingly, these activities grew in lockdown\u2019.
\nHow can a Christian movement of students make a difference? Once, Taniela was asked by someone from another organisation what PSFC offers in the battle against human trafficking. He gave the most straightforward, powerful answer. \u2018Jesus\u2019. He explained that human trafficking is ultimately an issue of the heart. If that is not changed, all our efforts are wasted.
\nKnowing that cases of human trafficking have increased since the pandemic, PSFC students have launched a project to alleviate the impact of lockdown, \u2018part of the answer for us in fighting human trafficking\u2019, as Taniela explains. \u20185 Loaves and 2 Fish\u2019 was an idea born in an ordinary student Bible study. As the students discussed Jesus feeding the five thousand in Mark 6, they saw an opportunity.
\nThe plan is to distribute packs of groceries worth $100 to international students. 43 students have been identified, and PSFC are liaising with universities for more names. They hope to distribute their first packs this month. This has the potential to lift and sustain students from desperation, making them less vulnerable to trafficking. It displays the compassion of Jesus on the crowd in Mark 6, \u2018like sheep without a shepherd\u2019 (Mark 6:34).
\nGrace is a student representative and key leader in this project. She shares her experience of getting the project off the ground:
\n\u2018Getting to know what other students are actually facing has changed my perspective. Most have a loan which covers school fees, rent and allowances. This was reduced during the pandemic, and students were unable to pay their rent. They often had no other option but for 4 or 5 students to move in together. For those whose parents have lost their jobs, the reduced loan had to support the whole family.
\n\u2018I recently had a message from a close friend who is from the Solomon Islands, asking me for financial assistance. I was told that all sponsored Solomon Island students had not received an allowance for more than two weeks. One message just said \u2018I\u2019m broke and hungry\u2019. Reading these kinds of messages from students studying in a country foreign to them really broke my heart and made me cry. But I serve a God who sees and knows the meaning of each tear that falls. I might not be able to help all of them, but my prayers are with them always.\u2019
\nPray for human trafficking victims in Fiji and the students of PSFC:
\nThe post Fighting human trafficking with gospel compassion appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "In December 2019, PSFC, the student movement in Fiji, were invited to join an initiative combatting human trafficking, nationally, regionally and globally – a big task. With a host of high-calibre organisations involved and funding from the EU, PSFC was invited to join a taskforce working to eradicate human trafficking from Fiji as part of the two-year project. Fiji is increasingly a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking, and there are many migrants trafficked into or through Fiji for exploitative purposes. \n\n\n\nIt is a worthy and incredibly daunting initiative, but Taniela, PSFC General Secretary, hasn\u2019t been fazed. \u2018I was glad that we said yes to this partnership,\u2019 he shares. \u2018It opened my eyes to the reality of this issue right before us. I\u2019ve seen cases of university students involved both as perpetrators and victims. Alarmingly, these activities grew in lockdown\u2019. \n\n\n\nHow can a Christian movement of students make a difference? Once, Taniela was asked by someone from another organisation what PSFC offers in the battle against human trafficking. He gave the most straightforward, powerful answer. \u2018Jesus\u2019. He explained that human trafficking is ultimately an issue of the heart. If that is not changed, all our efforts are wasted. \n\n\n\nKnowing that cases of human trafficking have increased since the pandemic, PSFC students have launched a project to alleviate the impact of lockdown, \u2018part of the answer for us in fighting human trafficking\u2019, as Taniela explains. \u20185 Loaves and 2 Fish\u2019 was an idea born in an ordinary student Bible study. As the students discussed Jesus feeding the five thousand in Mark 6, they saw an opportunity. \n\n\n\nThe plan is to distribute packs of groceries worth $100 to international students. 43 students have been identified, and PSFC are liaising with universities for more names. They hope to distribute their first packs this month. This has the potential to lift and sustain students from desperation, making them less vulnerable to trafficking. It displays the compassion of Jesus on the crowd in Mark 6, \u2018like sheep without a shepherd\u2019 (Mark 6:34). \n\n\n\nGrace is a student representative and key leader in this project. She shares her experience of getting the project off the ground: \n\n\n\n\u2018Getting to know what other students are actually facing has changed my perspective. Most have a loan which covers school fees, rent and allowances. This was reduced during the pandemic, and students were unable to pay their rent. They often had no other option but for 4 or 5 students to move in together. For those whose parents have lost their jobs, the reduced loan had to support the whole family. \n\n\n\n\u2018I recently had a message from a close friend who is from the Solomon Islands, asking me for financial assistance. I was told that all sponsored Solomon Island students had not received an allowance for more than two weeks. One message just said \u2018I\u2019m broke and hungry\u2019. Reading these kinds of messages from students studying in a country foreign to them really broke my heart and made me cry. But I serve a God who sees and knows the meaning of each tear that falls. I might not be able to help all of them, but my prayers are with them always.\u2019 \n\n\n\nPray for human trafficking victims in Fiji and the students of PSFC: \n\n\n\nPray that God will deliver students from human trafficking. Pray for those already in these terrible situations, that they would be delivered. Pray that perpetrators would be brought to justice. Pray that the 5 Loaves and 2 Fish project will bring hope and stability to students. Pray that the project would prevent people from becoming involved in human trafficking, along with the other gospel work of PSFC. Pray that it would transform lives and turn hearts to Christ.\nThe post Fighting human trafficking with gospel compassion appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2022-02-15T10:29:14+00:00", "date_modified": "2022-02-15T10:29:15+00:00", "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/2022/02/Screenshot-2022-02-15-at-10.28.15.png" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=16195", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/god-ruins-a-perfect-plan/", "title": "God ruins a perfect plan", "content_html": "God, why did you ruin the perfect plan?
\nEverything was set. After years, the movement in Tonga was finally going to start again. In 2019, Sam, an InterVarsity USA staff worker with Tongan heritage attended World Assembly. There he made friends with several students from the South Pacific. One of these students was from Tonga and had been praying for someone to restart the IFES ministry there. Over his time at World Assembly, Sam\u2019s heart was moved for the students of Tonga, and he decided to move there to serve as the first IFES staff worker in years.
\nThen COVID-19 struck. Tongan borders closed and Sam was unable to acquire a visa.
\nWhat do we do now, God?
\nIt was back to the drawing board. Sam still wanted to serve, but he did not know where!
\nIn God\u2019s timing it became clear. Plans to send a staff worker to Guam had been derailed due to the pandemic. Laura and Kurt Thiel from InterVarsity Link began asking everyone they knew to join virtual prayer meetings for Guam. Sam was invited to these meetings. Slowly it became obvious that God had a new purpose for Sam. Since Guam is a territory of the United States, Sam could enter its borders without a visa.
\nWith no history of any IFES student movement in Guam, the need was even greater than Tonga. God had provided the right person to meet it. After some time of preparation, Sam is now in Guam. Recently he has held the first meeting with three students who are praying about what a movement could look like there. Though the path to Guam was rocky, it is obvious now that Sam\u2019s plans were always in God\u2019s hands. We have faith that God will continue to build up a strong movement in Guam through faithful workers like Sam. Pray with us for new beginnings in Guam.
\nThe post God ruins a perfect plan appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "God, why did you ruin the perfect plan?\n\n\n\nEverything was set. After years, the movement in Tonga was finally going to start again. In 2019, Sam, an InterVarsity USA staff worker with Tongan heritage attended World Assembly. There he made friends with several students from the South Pacific. One of these students was from Tonga and had been praying for someone to restart the IFES ministry there. Over his time at World Assembly, Sam\u2019s heart was moved for the students of Tonga, and he decided to move there to serve as the first IFES staff worker in years.\n\n\n\nThen COVID-19 struck. Tongan borders closed and Sam was unable to acquire a visa.\n\n\n\nWhat do we do now, God?\n\n\n\nIt was back to the drawing board. Sam still wanted to serve, but he did not know where!\n\n\n\nIn God\u2019s timing it became clear. Plans to send a staff worker to Guam had been derailed due to the pandemic. Laura and Kurt Thiel from InterVarsity Link began asking everyone they knew to join virtual prayer meetings for Guam. Sam was invited to these meetings. Slowly it became obvious that God had a new purpose for Sam. Since Guam is a territory of the United States, Sam could enter its borders without a visa.\n\n\n\nWith no history of any IFES student movement in Guam, the need was even greater than Tonga. God had provided the right person to meet it. After some time of preparation, Sam is now in Guam. Recently he has held the first meeting with three students who are praying about what a movement could look like there. Though the path to Guam was rocky, it is obvious now that Sam\u2019s plans were always in God\u2019s hands. We have faith that God will continue to build up a strong movement in Guam through faithful workers like Sam. Pray with us for new beginnings in Guam.\n\n\n\nPraise God for providing Sam to plant a group in Guam. Pray that God will give him wisdom, strength and guidance as he takes on this important work.Pray for the three students who are praying for student ministry in Guam. Pray that they will become leaders on their campuses. Pray that they will influence others to be a part of their group.Pray for Tonga, that in the right time, God will provide someone to restart the ministry there.\nThe post God ruins a perfect plan appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2021-08-24T06:21:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2021-08-09T12:23:31+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/2021/08/Guam-1.jpg" }, { "id": "https://ifesworld.org/?post_type=prayerline&p=16094", "url": "https://ifesworld.org/en/prayerline/flying-blind/", "title": "Flying Blind", "content_html": "The ground grew smaller as Finlay lifted the plane into the air. He watched the tiny cars pass each other across the New Zealand landscape, and like always, his mind drifted to existential thoughts. He had many questions about his life and future. As a final year flight student, there was so much uncertainty about what he would do next. But he had other questions too. Like what was the point of life? Was God even real?
\nHe was tired of these questions. For years he had bottled them up in his head, turning them over again and again with no answers. Now with his graduation looming, he felt even more overwhelmed by the unknown.
\nHe found some solace in talking with a friend. Finlay noticed that she attended the TSCF group on campus and always spoke confidently about how her faith influenced her future. When she invited him to visit her church, Finlay agreed. Though he had occasionally attended church as a child, Finlay was drawn to the teachings of Jesus in a new way.
\nDuring the pandemic, he moved back home to finish his coursework and eventually graduate. As he went about life in his hometown, the words of Scripture continued to echo in his mind. Soon Finlay found himself back in church, where he began to faithfully walk with Jesus. He discovered that his faith in God helped him to deal with the uncertainties of life.
\nAs Finlay now weighs a decision between joining the Air Force or becoming a flight instructor, he is sure that God will continue to lead him. In his life after graduation, he is walking by faith, submitting his plans before God and trusting that he will guide his future.
\nFinlay\u2019s story is one that is common among students and graduates, but it has been amplified this year with the upheaval from the pandemic. Students need to know that there is a God who cares for them and has a plan for their life. Campus groups like TSCF and graduate groups from Cross Current are pointing these students toward hope. Pray with us this week for the students around the world who need to hear that God is in control.
\n*This story was adapted from an interview piece from TSCF. Read the full interview to learn more about Finlay\u2019s story.
\nThe post Flying Blind appeared first on IFES.
\n", "content_text": "The ground grew smaller as Finlay lifted the plane into the air. He watched the tiny cars pass each other across the New Zealand landscape, and like always, his mind drifted to existential thoughts. He had many questions about his life and future. As a final year flight student, there was so much uncertainty about what he would do next. But he had other questions too. Like what was the point of life? Was God even real? \n\n\n\nHe was tired of these questions. For years he had bottled them up in his head, turning them over again and again with no answers. Now with his graduation looming, he felt even more overwhelmed by the unknown. \n\n\n\nHe found some solace in talking with a friend. Finlay noticed that she attended the TSCF group on campus and always spoke confidently about how her faith influenced her future. When she invited him to visit her church, Finlay agreed. Though he had occasionally attended church as a child, Finlay was drawn to the teachings of Jesus in a new way. \n\n\n\nDuring the pandemic, he moved back home to finish his coursework and eventually graduate. As he went about life in his hometown, the words of Scripture continued to echo in his mind. Soon Finlay found himself back in church, where he began to faithfully walk with Jesus. He discovered that his faith in God helped him to deal with the uncertainties of life. \n\n\n\nAs Finlay now weighs a decision between joining the Air Force or becoming a flight instructor, he is sure that God will continue to lead him. In his life after graduation, he is walking by faith, submitting his plans before God and trusting that he will guide his future. \n\n\n\nFinlay\u2019s story is one that is common among students and graduates, but it has been amplified this year with the upheaval from the pandemic. Students need to know that there is a God who cares for them and has a plan for their life. Campus groups like TSCF and graduate groups from Cross Current are pointing these students toward hope. Pray with us this week for the students around the world who need to hear that God is in control. \n\n\n\nPray for students who are still dealing with disrupted studies due to the pandemic. Many students have had their academic plans delayed or canceled. Others are frustrated daily by poor connectivity. Pray for graduates who are unsure of what their future holds. Pray that they would find Christian community as they transition into their next season of life. Pray for groups like TSCF to continue to reach and support students like Finlay who have big questions about life. \n\n\n\n*This story was adapted from an interview piece from TSCF. Read the full interview to learn more about Finlay\u2019s story. \nThe post Flying Blind appeared first on IFES.", "date_published": "2021-07-27T05:34:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2021-07-27T11:54:09+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/2021/07/South-Pac.jpeg" } ] }