emergency appeal

"Only a sacrificial act of forgiveness can break the downward spiral."

These are the words of our brother Barrett Horne, IFES Regional Secretary for Eurasia, as he reflected on the precarious situation between Georgia and Russia, on a conflict that must inevitably have an impact not only on the international stage, but also in the lives of individuals; the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, neighbours whose lives have been shattered by violence.

And I am deeply saddened to know that Barrett’s words speak truth into so many other contexts. Just this year, we have all become familiar with the situations such as those in Zimbabwe and Kenya. Other long-standing conflicts continue, away from the gaze of the media spotlight, in areas such as Sri Lanka and Colombia, in situations where politics, religion and historical differences bring division and disunity, suspicion and fear.

IFES students and staff are not left unaffected by these situations. In Georgia, the family home of one of our staffworkers was destroyed in the Gori bombardment - one of thousands of families who have been displaced. And summer camps had to be cancelled because the venues where they were supposed to be held were located not far from military zones.

Yet God our Father encourages us and strengthens us. In situations where there is little hope, students are living out the good news of Jesus Christ. Our brothers and sisters are affirming their unity in Christ and, in doing so, are being agents of reconciliation in a world that desperately needs to know the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But we also need your help to support IFES movements in these places, and this is why I want to ask you to help with an emergency appeal. Please take time to consider your response.

Urgently needed support

• Please pray with us
  We have a loving God who is faithful to his people, and who continues to act when we intercede for one another before the throne of grace. Please click here to find prayer points to help inform and fuel your prayers for student ministry.
• Please give
  I would also ask you to consider making a special gift towards strengthening student ministry in areas of conflict. It is our prayer that students and staff would be able to plan their ministry for the next year without having to worry about raising the funds they need, that they can give their energy to impacting the University, the Church and society for the glory of Christ.

Will you stand with us, with IFES staff and students, at this time?

Yours in faith,

Daniel Bourdanné
IFES General Secretary