http://www.ifesworld.org/ IFES news from right around the IFES world en Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=563 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1137 Please join us in praying for the work of IFES in Latin America, where two regional student training events are taking place in the coming days (20-30 July) in Mexico and in Venezuela. Over 200 students from the seven countries of Central America are meeting in Mexico for their 'Student Leaders Formación'. At the same time, 50 students are meeting in Venezuela for a similar event for the IFES movements from Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. As we write, delegates from Honduras and the Dominican Republic are still waiting for their visas to be granted, for Mexico and Venezuela respectively. Please pray for God to intervene miraculously and for all of these students to be able to travel this coming weekend. Please pray for safe travels and protection for each and everyone; most of the students will be travelling long hours and for some even days. These 'formación' events are held every two years. Erik Martin, who attended a previous student formación in Guatemala, said: 'The event has helped me understand better how the Holy Spirit works in people's hearts so that they come to know God. It was a great opportunity for me to get to know students from different countries, to grow as a student leader, to enlarge my vision and be a Christian who puts into practice integral mission and follow Christ in all areas of life.' Please pray too for the main speakers at these two events: Ziel Machado (IFES Regional Secretary for Latin America) in Venezuela and Jorge Atiencia, who was previously on staff with IFES Latin America, in Mexico. Pray for the Holy Spirit to inspire them, to give them strength and wisdom as they speak and for the students to have receptive hearts, willing to obey God. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=562 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1134 Please join us in praying for the work in a country of Eurasia which we cannot name for security reasons. They are currently preparing a summer camp for potential student leaders. The camp is run together with another student movement, and they are inviting students from six university cities to talk about spiritual growth, leadership and vision for student ministry. Please pray for Dan, who is the director of the camp, for the program and for the right students to come and to be envisioned. Please also pray for the link between the two movements working together as they discuss the future of this partnership and the ways it can be more helpful and encouraging to each of their movements. Some students are also planning a summer camp for orphans that will take place 27 July – 1 August. A medical student had the vision of this camp and we praise the Lord for opening doors so that this dream might come true. Give thanks for the finances that were found and for the team that has accepted to commit to this ministry. Please pray especially for the children, for openness to the students as they bring the Gospel. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=559 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1126 The Inter-Varsity undergraduate group at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario was a fun and popular place for the local Christian students to hang out with their friends. They heard exciting guest speakers at large events. In small groups they discussed Scripture, a book or a hot topic with their friends. They had little need to get to know non-Christians. Melody Chook (an intern who was planning to be a doctor but has heard God's call to join the Inter-Varsity staff team at McMaster) says, 'Many students in the group came as Christians but their faith and attendance was ritualistic.' The leadership and staff decided that they wanted to help the students change their focus as Christians. To facilitate this goal, meetings were reorganized and students were challenged to deepen their faith. Making changes 'Without all of the flashy programs, attendance dropped but, in return, the students who stayed were really committed to studying Scripture - 100% of them are involved in weekly manuscript Bible studies. They're trying to engage the campus and, for the first time in a long time, non-believers are taking an integral part of the group and community,' says Pete Ott, Hamilton-Niagara, Campus Ministry Director. Elizabeth, a student in the group, became friends with three other nursing students. Through this friendship, the three students learned about Jesus and ask Elizabeth to take them to church. Elizabeth asked the Inter-Varsity group to help her start a manuscript Bible study to invite the nursing students to. Another student volunteered to help her co-lead it and today the group is thriving. Melody Chook spoke of Susannah*, a student she discipled, 'Through studying scripture and living in community with Inter-Varsity, Susannah learned more about what it means to be a Christian. She told me that she would find herself being hospitable or having conversations about faith with people she normally wouldn't have conversations with. When she asked herself why, she found she could relate it to what she'd recently studied and discussed in her small group. She doesn't even think about it, she's just living it out in her life.' Todd* decided that he would begin getting to know the non-believing guys on his street through weekly Frisbee games. Soon they were spending more time together, having dinner at each others' houses and playing video games. 'Initially he thought that they'd appreciate having someone take an interest in them but he has found it to be mutually beneficial and appreciates their friendships and how being with them is challenging him in his faith. He told me that it seems to be more for his sake than theirs,' says Cole Bassarab, Undergraduate Staff at McMaster. Reaching farther In addition to the changes in the chapter structure, partnerships are being developed between the Inter-Varsity undergraduate at McMaster and the Inter-Varsity Korean Christian Fellowship group on campus. Over the last year Melody has attended their large group meetings, offered hospitality and worked with the leaders. The two groups successfully planned and ran a coffee house together on Valentine's Day. The Korean group 'loves to study scripture inductively and they've asked us to show them how to better lead studies,' explains Melody. Students in the undergraduate group are benefiting from seeing the Korean group's commitment and the way they eagerly welcome newcomers. 'It's exciting to see the students hanging out together, realizing they can do more together,' says Melody. 'Many things have changed over the last four or five years,' says Cole. 'It's been scary and risky to not know what exactly will happen. It has been wonderful and surprising to realize that it's no longer about "oh, we didn't start the large group on time" but rather "I wonder if God will remain faithful as a student steps out to become a part of the campus photography club and be a witness there."' * Names have been changed Article originally published by Inter-Varsity at www.ivcf.ca Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=560 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1127 Guinea-Bissau, in western Africa, has a population of 1.7 million people. The country experienced civil war 10 years ago, and has continued to face political instability. Despite this, a handful of faithful and committed servants are being used by God to set an example for the future. The IFES movement in Guinea-Bissau - Grupo Biblico Universitario (GBU-GB) – has groups in country's two universities, as well as four high schools. Students share with one another the joys and struggles in their faith and are encouraged to look to the Bible for guidance. Training Secretary Edi Gomes, currently the only GBU staffworker, leads the work there with the help of volunteer staff and student leaders. He shares with us: 'Many university students are ashamed to put themselves forward as 'believers'... and the student leaders sometimes struggle to feel effective in their work. But even with all the difficulties that we have been experiencing, we are encouraged to keep on trying.' Seven students have recently received small group leadership training and each is leading a group. Edi oversees these groups and supports and encourages the leaders. Please join with us in giving thanks for these individuals and pray that the students will open their hearts to God so that he can work in them and transform them for his glory. For some time Edi has had a vision to form a group of 'Friends of GBU-GB', with the purpose of helping to support the movement financially. We can praise God that this group is now becoming a reality, drawing together people from different fields including the national churches, government, banks and even private enterprise. The next meeting of 'Friends of GBU-GB' is on 13 July. Pray that God will raise up many more pastors and church members who share the group's vision of seeing students equipped through teaching and fellowship to entrust their lives to God and be witnesses for him. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=561 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1128 After the disputed elections in Zimbabwe in March, the country has continued to make the headlines with reports of violence, repression and poverty. In the midst of this suffering, the students and staff of the IFES movement (FOCUS) have valued the prayers of their brothers and sisters around the world. Nic Sibanda, FOCUS General Secretary, writes: 'We felt the love of Christ and the assurance of many prayers during the dark hours in the recent months. Our academic calendar was disrupted. Several events had to be postponed and our National Students' Day of Prayer (26 May) was affected. However, in all the regions students were able to gather in their campuses and they prayed for the nation, the work of FOCUS and other student movements in IFES. The immediate result was a renewal of prayer in the fellowship.' Join us in giving thanks for the testimony of our friends in Zimbabwe and the encouragement to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests' (Ephesians 6:18). Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=558 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1123 Since he retired nearly twenty years ago, Jim Piske has used his time and knowledge of stamps to raise money for IFES student scholarships for programmes at Schloss Mittersill, a training facility in Austria used by IFES. Jim gathers used postage stamps from around the world and, with the help of his wife Esther, sells them. Since beginning in 1990, they have raised more than $53,000. In August of last year, the money raised through the stamp project helped IFES to bring together 90 of their young graduate leaders at the Schloss for a week of teaching by John Stott, Hartmut Zopf, and Pablo Martinez. Scholarship funds provided by the stamps allowed students to come to the conference from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, where religious training is often restricted. These people are the future leaders of IFES work and of Christian witness in their countries. Tim Vickers, IFES Graduate Secretary for Europe and Eurasia, says: 'Without the help from Jim and Esther Piske we could never afford to bring all these young leaders to this conference. As the impact of this strategic work is borne out in the future, so too will be the hard work and efforts of all those who have helped us raise money through this initiative. Jim is now 81 and wants to retire from this ministry, but he would like to see it continue, as would many others. He is looking for an individual, or a group of people, with knowledge of stamps to take up the work. Anyone interested should contact the IFES International Office. Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=557 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1120 Please join us in giving thanks and praying for the work of AFES (the IFES movement in Australia) among overseas students. The international arm of AFES - the Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students (FOCUS) - has groups on most of the campuses where AFES is present today. Sheila was a Buddhist from an East Asian country, but became a Christian after Heather explained the gospel to her on a packed tram on the way home from their university campus. Despite her fear of family rejection, Sheila has been surprised to find that they have accepted her new faith. Praise God for Sheila's new life in Christ and please pray that she will 'hold unswervingly to the hope professes, for he who promised is faithful' (Hebrews 10.23). We give thanks to God for the many international students, like Sheila, who have come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour through the ministry of FOCUS. These students, who already know the language and culture of their countries, are returning home with a message of gospel hope. What better missionaries can AFES send! It is an encouragement to see FOCUS graduates who have returned from their overseas studies, sacrificially serving their local churches. Some have even planted new churches. Please pray that they will endure to the end - living for and proclaiming Jesus. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=536 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1059 In a country in East Asia, which we cannot name for security reasons, we hear great news of student ministry growing despite turmoil in everyday life. From small beginnings, the work is gathering strength and a couple from another country in the region have gone to minister there among students from a minority background. Join us in praying for those whose lives have been changed and who have now begun a journey of faith in these difficult circumstances. Conversions from this minority group have been extremely rare, so we are particularly thankful for these precious openings. Recent problems have taken life in this country back in time, so even daily life is a struggle. Being genuine salt and light in this situation is a hard and risky task, but through the practical skills with which they have been blessed, the staff are able to share real hope of a new future for the country. Please pray: giving thanks for God's protection on those so willingly and unswervingly serving in this challenging place; for a change in the political climate of this country and for students to be able to take a role in making change happen as they become graduates of distinction in their society. that those who have come to faith can carry on learning more of what it means to live their lives for Christ in their unique context. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=537 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1062 Every two years, student leaders from Central America, Mexico and Panama meet for a formación training event. This year it is being hosted by the student movement in Mexico (COMPA) and takes place from 20-31 July. David Bahena, who coordinates the IFES ministry in that sub-region of Latin America, writes: 'We live in a culture that seeks personal wellbeing and an easy life of compromise. We need people in our movements who are ready to pay the cost of being true disciples of Jesus Christ. The aim is to promote discipleship as a basis to develop authentic and mature communities, committed to the gospel in universities and high schools of our sub-region.' Please join us in praying for each delegate attending: 20 from each country and more from Mexico. Pray for God to provide for all they need and for him to use this event to enliven students in his service. Pray too for David Bahena and the other IFES regional staff as they work to encourage students to be willing the pay the price of living their lives in faithful service to Christ. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=538 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1065 Aziz works in the Middle East and recently helped organize a student conference in a country that has been at war for almost 30 years. Salem is a student in that country. (Names have been changed to protect their identities.) What is the current situation in this country? Aziz: The country is in great despair and pain. Questions arise both from individuals and the Christian student community more widely. We organized the conference at the request of the Christian students who saw it as an urgent need. It was a time for them to meet together to think about the challenges they face in the light of the gospel. Time was spent in praise and prayer asking the Holy Spirit for his help in the midst of their struggles. What impact has the conference had in your life? Salem: I'm amazed at how the book of Habakkuk we studied during the conference has helped me, uplifted me, and encouraged me. Not long ago, I was in an internet café in my city, which is supposed to be safer than other cities in our country. I was checking my emails and just browsing on the net. As we're in war, the only contact we have with the rest of the world is the internet. Many people were in the internet café, mainly young people. Then a young man entered the room, a terrorist, who blew himself up inside the café. I am confused about what happened exactly. I remember much noise, chaos and blood. People were screaming. I recall the doctors talking, saying that I would not make it beyond the next six hours. I was really scared. I didn't want to die so soon. I went through a lot of medical treatment as you can see from my stitches. The Lord saved me, he gave me new life. I did not believe in him before, but I do now. I want to live to serve him with all my heart and strength. I was dead, now I live, I live for him. Join us in praising God for his miracles and salvation. Pray for each student in this country to be sustained day-by-day and for God's protection. Please pray too for the end of the conflict. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=539 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1068 South Asia is a diverse region, encompassing war torn nations, a Buddhist kingdom, a closed dictator-led state, and nations gripped by Islam and Hinduism. Struggling with extreme poverty and in the midst of unsettling upheavals, it is crucial that Christian students have the resources they need to grow in Christ and reach out to others. Sri Lanka has suffered war for three decades and fighting has recently escalated. The war, natural disasters and a wave of corruption scandals have led to the current economic crisis. The student movement (FOCUS) believes a permanent administrative and resource centre will enable it to serve the students better. FOCUS council members have each pledged a month's wages toward the building, and graduates living both within the country and overseas have also made donations. A friend of FOCUS Sri Lanka comments: 'I have come to learn that when God calls people to build, it is not just about constructing a physical structure, but also about personal reconstruction. I am very excited as I perceive God moving among the FOCUS family, wooing us to become creative constructors in an island of destruction.' Please pray with us for the IFES movements across South Asia, for God's provision of all they need to live in these situations of great turmoil. Pray too for God's work of building faithful Christian students and graduates with a desire to engage in a holistic, biblical way with the world around them. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=540 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1072 Sara and Damien from the USA have recently returned from the French-speaking Caribbean where they spent a week with Marc Pulvar (IFES regional staff) and the student movement in Martinique (GBU). They travelled as part of our 'WHERE IN THE WORLD?' initiative, where IFES gave a small group of people the opportunity to experience firsthand the work of God among students. Here they share what they learned. 'We arrived at the beginning of Holy Week when the GBU (university groups) and CBL (high school groups) had organized a week of prayer for young people. As we visited different churches, met and prayed with many young Christians, we saw firsthand what being a Christian in Martinique looks like. We were impressed by the enthusiasm and zeal of the students; some even woke early on their first day of vacation for seven hours of fasting, prayer and praise together! We not only saw God's beauty reflected in the island but also in the spirit of the Martiniquais. 'Despite its small size, Martinique has a strategic position for God's kingdom in France. It has comparatively more Christians than the rest of France, and with many Martiniquais moving to mainland France to study or to work, the Christians here have a unique opportunity to reach France 'from the inside'. 'The work of the GBU is crucial. By encouraging, forming and maturing students in their faith, they help maximize their impact on the island, the region, and greater France. To whom much is given, much is required. With God's help, IFES work can help students reach their full potential and be good stewards of this unique opportunity to grow God's kingdom in the francophone world.' Join us in giving thanks for God's work among students in Martinique and across the French-speaking Caribbean. Marc asks us to pray for the Lord to provide godly staff to support the students and help grow this crucial ministry: currently the IFES groups in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana have no fulltime staff and rely on volunteers. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=541 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1075 What does it look like to be committed to evangelism, discipleship and mission in the context of political unrest and violence fuelled by ethnic division? Nehemiah has much to teach us on leading with integrity and persevering with God's work through periods of conflict and opposition. And it was the book of Nehemiah that Femi Adeleye, IFES Regional Secretary for English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa (EPSA), turned to when he met with students of the IFES movement in Kenya (FOCUS). The FOCUS staff and students were not left unaffected by the troubles following the disputed elections. Two staff members had their homesteads burned and many families were displaced. Universities and colleges were closed, lives disrupted, and FOCUS had to cancel its Bible & Leadership conference. Everyone was faced with questions of identity, trust and integrity. Femi continues: 'I was able to interact with some of the participants, one on one. I saw committed students and staff not giving up in the face of challenges. And I saw a Church continuing to be light to many. FOCUS continues to be very relevant both on campuses and in society.' Please continue to pray with us for God to grant lasting peace and political stability to Kenya. Pray too for student ministry there, that God would use FOCUS to reach many students for Christ and equip them for effective service both during and after their studies. Praise God for the faithful and committed work of FOCUS Kenya, and for Simon Masibo (General Secretary). Give thanks for staff and students meeting across ethnic divisions to pray together. Thank God for the debriefing and counselling sessions with students that have helped bring acceptance across those divisions. Please pray that students would desire God's kingdom, regardless of circumstance. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=542 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1078 Evangelism, discipleship and mission are the heartbeat of IFES ministry worldwide. What does it mean for students to make these a priority, to seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness? The gospel narratives make it clear that true disciples are known by their 'fruits', by their obedience to all the teaching of Jesus. This is a comprehensive call to action and a fully rounded approach to ministry. Belief is not separated from action, nor action from strengthening belief. Around the world, students in IFES movements are living out the gospel in and for the university, thereby stretching people's understanding of the relevance of the Christian faith to real contexts of real people who, as yet, don't know Jesus. From the movement in Zimbabwe seeking to provide food for hungry students, to older graduates in the Middle East helping to mentor new graduates as they begin to make their way in the world of business, please pray for the IFES family as we seek to model love for God and love for neighbour in the university and in wider society. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=543 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1081 Because of Love, the European Evangelism Conference, drew 2000 students from 40 countries across Europe to celebrate Easter in Austria. Because of love, students wanted to understand more about God's love for them. Because of love, they want to pass it on to their friends and the world. 'In one of the tents there was a statement that really got my attention – Europe, the prodigal continent,' writes Joseph, a Kenyan living in Norway. 'This reminded me of the prodigal son in the Bible and the way he was warmly received back by the father. God is ready and willing to take back anyone who has deviated from his call. The plenary speakers had one main emphasis – the urgency of sharing the gospel. While this is not easy, it is what is required of us if we are to bring people back into fellowship with God.' There were 20 strands, or tracks, that students could follow at the conference. These included seminars on explaining and defending the gospel, engaging with culture and running an evangelistic Bible study course. At the end of the conference, students signed up to join specific networks coming out of these strands, which will provide them with continued training, materials and support in areas such as strategies for evangelism, and creative evangelism. Martin Haizmann (IFES Regional Secretary for Europe) asks us to join them in giving thanks for God's work at the evangelism conference and through IFES student movements across Europe. Pray that the impact of the conference might continue to spread throughout a prodigal Europe and be used by God to turn that continent to him. Please pray too for Lindsay Brown, former IFES General Secretary, who has been seconded by IFES to work part-time with UCCF in Great Britain in an effort to identify and encourage university evangelists across Europe. Give thanks for this excitement and fresh determination to publicly proclaim Christ in universities. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=555 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1112 Fiji has become a major supplier of airline pilots for Emirates and Qatar airlines and other carriers in the Middle East. Many of these pilots begin their studies at the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) Aviation School. In April, Viniana Raceva, an associate staff member in the Fiji IFES movement, Pacific Students for Christ, helped organize the first meeting of the FIT Aviation School Christian Fellowship. Viniana spoke to 25 students. She was overcome with the response of the students: 'Seeing the students' excitement boosted me and brought tears into my eyes never thought I would be part of this great work. I give glory to God because he alone deserves it.' Two days later 30 students came to hear Viniana speak. They are now planning to hold weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings to accommodate the class schedule of the students. Please pray that the professors will be opened minded about the group and that some will join the fellowship. Most of the students are new Christians. Please pray for them as they grow in their faith. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=556 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1114 Please join us in praying for the European Student Forum taking place in Brussels 28 June - 4 July. The vision of the Forum is to equip students and young graduates to serve God in society and to learn about their responsibility as Christians in Europe's future. Mirek Pieszka (IFES staff in Europe) writes: 'There is a lot of information in the news about the growing symptoms of the economic crisis, and the recent summit of the European Union leaders in Brussels demonstrated how difficult it is to reach consensus among the member states. Yet, there is nothing as serious and depressing as Europe's spiritual condition. Europe is not only post-modern or post-communist; most of all Europe is post-Christian. 'Students, who often become future leaders in the society, need support to prepare them for a life of witness as Christ's ambassadors in their homes and universities, as well as future workplaces and communities. 'God changes societies by enabling his people to make a difference in their spheres of influence. Please pray that the Forum would equip these future leaders of integrity to make an impact on society as salt and light. We are expecting more than 90 participants and contributors from about 30 European countries.' The event is co-organized by IFES and the European Evangelical Alliance (EEA), and co-sponsored by the 'Youth in Action' Programme of the European Union. To find out more about the Forum, go to: www.forum2008.ifeseurope.org Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=554 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1111 Today more people in the world speak Russian or Portuguese or Mandarin Chinese than speak French. But French is the official language of 28 IFES student movements from regions as geographically diverse as Francophone Africa, Europe, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), North America and the French-speaking Caribbean. These movements have many things in common, including a shared language, the influence of France on their structures and philosophical heritage, the presence of secularism, and post-catholic or catholic contexts. These commonalities affect what it means to live as a Christian in these countries, how they approach evangelism, and attitudes to giving. Since 2003, a small group of staff representing these French-speaking IFES movements have met yearly at the Francophone Platform to support one another in their ministry among students and plan for future partnerships. Already partnerships have been established between some of the regions: MENA and Francophone Africa, the Caribbean and Quebec, and between the three French-speaking movements in Europe (Belgium, France and Switzerland). This year the Platform has been meeting in Paris (22-25 June). Please join us in praying for wisdom and God's guidance as these leaders carry plans back to their national movements. Praise God for the help and encouragement the Francophone Platform has been already to the French-speaking IFES movements in sharing resources and news. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=553 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1109 Please join us this week in praying for the Czech Republic. The IFES movement there (UKH) has recently appointed a new General Secretary, Tom Uher. Tom writes: 'As God's people, we are called to want more. In UKH, we want more of God, more people to be saved and to know more of his grace.' Since the Velvet revolution in 1989, the Czech Republic has seen many changes. The country has known significant economic growth and has joined the European Union which, in turn, has further improved the standard of living for most people. Hundreds of new evangelical churches have also started and the first Czech missionaries have gone overseas. Youth conferences now take place each year, hundreds of evangelistic camps are held each summer, and outreach programs are aired on state radio stations and television. The Bible has three Czech translations and many excellent titles have been printed by thriving Christian publishers. Let us praise the Lord for this freedom and for the advance of the gospel in the Czech Republic! Pray too for Tom and the ministry of UKH. There are currently six Christian student groups meeting in universities across the country. Please pray for the students to have boldness to share the good news of Jesus to their friends and pray they will see many of them coming to faith in him. Please also pray for students to be willing to take on leadership of the groups and to grow as role models in Christian leadership for other Czech believers. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=552 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1104 UGBB (the IFES movement in Burkina Faso) holds a mission convention every two years. Through these events, they aim to develop students' interest in evangelism and train them in how to share the good news, as well as to raise people willing to go onto the mission field within the country or cross-culturally. Roland Tamini, General Secretary of UGBB writes: 'This very strategic convention for us gives us a space to reflect on the impact of our evangelistic activities in schools and universities, and on the strategies we need to adopt for the future. After attending several Francophone regional mission conventions, we became aware that UGBB has to commit more in mission. We organized the first seminar on mission in March 2003 with Pierre Ezoua (IFES Secretary for Mission, Francophone Africa) as the main speaker. After that event, we were challenged to organize a national meeting fully dedicated to mission.' This year's mission convention (24-31 July) is the fruit of that commitment to mission. Please pray for the students and staff as they focus more particularly on holistic mission and UGBB's social engagement as a student movement. Pray for God's guidance as they make plans for their future activities, not only at the spiritual level, but at all levels: body, soul and spirit.