http://www.ifesworld.org/ IFES news from the Caribbean, Latin America, and North America 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. 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 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. 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=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. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=551 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1103 Breath-taking scenery, tropical culture, rhythmic music and a contagious love for life make the Caribbean a popular holiday destination. Yet, behind the idyllic tourist photos, there is a darker picture: societies facing political corruption, crime, the ravages of HIV/AIDS and a rising cost of living. IFES student groups in the Caribbean are strategically placed to speak God's truth into contemporary issues. In universities and colleges, they are influencing the future leaders and shapers of society and the church. Join us in praying for the work in that region, for the students to grow in their knowledge of Jesus and be given boldness and wisdom as they share the hope we have in Christ. One Guyanese graduate, who is now a research analyst, writes: 'IFES helped to instil in me the virtues of honesty, diligence, excellence and integrity, values which later became the cornerstone of my professional life and work ethic.' We praise God for the graduates of the IFES groups involved in supporting the student ministry as they volunteer, and pray for and give to the work. Please pray particularly for the students who are graduating this year and making the transition into the world of work: pray that they will find a job and seek to be guided by God in the choices they make. Desmond Rogers and Marc Pulvar oversee the IFES work in the Caribbean. Pray for them as they seek to provide support to each movement of the region. Pray for protection as they travel, for wisdom and guidance as they meet with staff and students. » give students in the caribbean hope for the future Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=550 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1099 Jason, a high school student, found his life completely changed through taking part in a camp organized by ISCF (the IFES movement in Trinidad and Tobago). He writes: 'I grew up in an environment filled with drugs, alcohol, cursing and physical abuse. I had no friends - I was picked on, beat up and called names because no one in my village liked my family. My only interests were music and exercise. 'Then I overheard someone talking about ISCF camp and I got my friend to find out about it. I packed my bags and went to camp without knowing anyone there. I made friends at camp, people I could talk to, laugh with, share meals with, sing with and talk to about God. It changed my life to know that there was someone I could put all my trust in. 'I got in touch with God for the first time in my life and the Holy Spirit came into my life. Since camp I am no longer stressed or worried. I have learnt to walk away from conflicts. I believe that God has made a complete change in my life. I now feel real happiness, and see a real difference.' Praise God with us for the work of the Holy Spirit in Jason's life and for revealing him the truth. Please pray that he like many others who have got to know the Lord recently through IS/IVCF, might grow in their knowledge of and love for Jesus. Thu, 22 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=534 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1053 Please pray for the Mission Project of CAR-IFES (IFES in the Caribbean) in Dominica (23-29 July). Dominica sits just a few miles from Martinique and Guadeloupe. The island is one of only two in the Caribbean still with populations of the pre-Columbian Carib Indians. The Dominica Mission Project goes back to the CAR-IFES last Regional Tertiary Conference, where participants expressed a concern to see this generation of Caribbean students more involved in mission. Two years ago, when staff and students from the region met in Barbados for the conference, it was agreed that in 2008 they would undertake a practical missions project instead of a traditional conference with teaching and fellowship. Presently, there is no student ministry in Dominica, so this project is part of re-pioneering the work on the island. Praise God for this opportunity for a group of Caribbean students to experience mission. Please pray that the Mission Project will revive the ministry among students in Dominica. Pray too for all the practical details to go smoothly, for the forty students from different movements in the Caribbean who are going to participate and for God's protection on each one of them as they engage in spiritual warfare. Tue, 20 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=533 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1049 Join us in praising God for the National School for Servant Leaders organized by UCU (the IFES movement in Colombia) held in Bogotá in March. The training was attended by sixty servant leaders from different groups where UCU is present. It is a such an encouragement to see a new generation within UCU being strengthened and trained! Luis Guillermo from the Universidad del Cauca Popayán attended the training and writes: 'We have been challenged once again by the Word of the Lord and the work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. We were empowered by the grace of God in Christ Jesus. It has reminded us of our committment to witness to others and share what has happened in our lives. We listened to the teaching, we laughed together, we hugged each other... as well, we opened our hearts to keep telling others about the redeeming work of Jesus in the same way as they did in the Early Church. We had such an amazing time at the National School for Servant Leaders!' Please pray that each student will put into practice what they have learnt, and that they will grow in heartfelt service to the Lord and to others for God's glory. Pray too that more students will be reached with the good news of Jesus Christ in Colombia. Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=521 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1009 Give thanks to God for the recent camp organized by a student movement in North Africa on the theme 'GBU students as vessels of honour for Christ'. This camp enabled the movement to better understand the essential needs of its' students: for personal relationship with God and how to live their everyday lives as Christians. Praise the Lord for several students who committed their lives to God. Some had a chance to talk on a one-to-one basis with a staff member, and it helped them to be clearer on what they believe and how to follow Christ. One of our friends there writes: 'It was a real encouragement for all, and our friend Paul (not his real name) who was the speaker, challenged everyone. It was good too for some students to receive pastoral care and discuss different matters with Paul. We discussed themes that affect the lives of the students in their faith (devotional, trinity, sexuality). A graduate from the movement attended the meeting with his wife and were of great help to us.' Please pray that the camp will have a lasting impact. Pray that the students who attended will follow Christ faithfully day after day. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=519 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=999 Each year, the ABUA (the IFES movement in Argentina), holds a staff meeting - a chance for them to get some training, recharge their batteries, and grow in their ministry as staff workers. Because of the size of Argentina, this means crossing great distances, and therefore significant expense in both time and financial resources. But it is worth it. Patricia Chamorro, who is on staff, says: 'It is such an encouragement, it renews our motivation, we spend time talking, chatting, sharing and drinking 'maté' –special Argentinean tea! We also have time to grow in our knowledge of the Word of God, to pray, to cry and laugh together.' Ricardo W Borges, who is on staff in the neighbouring country of Uruguay, led the team as they studied the book of Nehemiah together. Praise God with us for the fact that the movement could hold such a meeting, at a time when the socio-economic crisis could have prevented it from happening. And yet, the majority of the staff team came together with their families, during the Easter period. Our friends in Argentina ask us to pray for more staff workers to work alongside the student groups, and for a greater involvement in the work of each student. The movement is currently going through a transition period with a change of General Secretary in the foreseeable future. Please pray for God's guidance as the decision is made. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=504 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=957 As a student, Joe George participated in an InterVarsity group (part of the IFES student movement in the USA) and was challenged by what he learnt in the Bible studies about loving his neighbours – all his neighbours. His college was located in the well-to-do community of Claremont, California, but Pomona, a city nearby, is one of the poorest cities, per capita, in the US. After graduation, Joe began his career as an English teacher and started attending church in Pomona, where he met others who were concerned about the needs of that city. Frustration at the conditions in his neighbourhood would not let him rest. Joe pulled together a team to create a faith-based organization aimed at community transformation. 'We knew that Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel could take things that had remained the same for a long time and change them for the better,' he said. In order to help parents who were concerned about a lack of educational support for their children, they also created Pomona Hope Kids, an after-school program that meets three afternoons a week in the First Presbyterian Church building. So far, they have made room for about 30 kids who come for tutoring by college students and adults. Joe grew up in a homogenous neighbourhood. It was not until he was a college student in the InterVarsity student group that he was faced with issues of social justice and the biblical challenge to love people cross-culturally. Now he is using what he has learnt to change a whole community. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=513 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=967 After graduating from university in Jamaica, Ruby Thompson returned to Trinidad and Tobago to pioneer student ministry there. That was over 50 years ago and the story goes on and on: graduates play an important role in student ministry in the Caribbean. They serve as board members, prayer warriors, staff, volunteers, financial supporters and camp speakers. They are making significant contributions in the family, church and wider society. At the same time, the lack of economic and social stability and security means many graduates are leaving countries such as Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Dominica and Grenada. While this migration can hamper graduates' contribution to their national movement, it does provide completely new opportunities. The Caribbean Single Market and Economy enables graduates to move and work freely across the region, so countries such as the Bahamas, Antigua and St Lucia have benefited from the involvement of graduates from Jamaica and Guyana who are teaching there or working in other professions. Many graduates who move outside the region send financial support to those back home and this is a potential source of funding for the ministry as well. The student movements in Jamaica and Guyana have graduate support groups in North America, which meet for fellowship and fundraising for student ministry in the Caribbean Join us in giving thanks for the tremendous support given by graduates to student ministry in the Caribbean. Pray for the movements as they build these relationships, equipping graduates and enabling them, in turn, to invest in the next generation of students. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=503 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=948 Tomorrow will see the start of the national camp of GEU, the student movement in Guatemala (14-18 March). The national camp is a key event for the movement, a time when students from all around the country can get to know each other, enjoy fellowship, worship God together and hear from his Word. Praise God for this wonderful opportunity! Please pray for all the participants as they travel from the four corners of the country: for safety and protection. Alejandro is a student on the planning team for the national camp and shares what he has learned through GEU: 'During my time in GEU, I've learned to know God better and seen him at work in our student group as we shared the good news to others on our campus.' Please pray for him and the other members of the planning team who have been working towards this event for a few months; pray for renewed strength and stamina in particular. Praise God for their enthusiasm in serving the Lord. Vinicio Zuquino, the General Secretary of GEU asks us to join them in prayer: 'Please pray that the Lord may touch the hearts of every student who is attending this event. Please pray too for Ziel Machado - IFES Regional Secretary for Latin America - our main speaker, and all the track leaders. May the Holy Spirit use them to impact the lives of each participant through the power of God's word! We especially ask you to pray for our safety and peace as the country has been experiencing much violence.' Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=500 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=939 Leah Hopp was very involved with her on-campus group and attended Inter-Varsity's annual National Student Leadership Conference in her third year at the University of Western Ontario in 2002. She attended the North American Missions Conference, Urbana in 2003 and met with God in a real way there. 'Urbana 03 focused on having idols built up in your life; a god of comfort. At that time, I was very aware that I didn't want to step out of the conveniences and comforts that come with living in North America. Urbana called me out of that thinking.' Following her graduation, Leah decided to follow up on her commitment, made at Urbana, to God's global mission. In August 2005 she left for Tanzania for ten months. Having a background in health science, Leah taught Health Education at a local clinic and primary school. She helped to train the Tanzanian students and young people about good health practices while also sharing her time with the local church community. 'In Africa things don't always go as planned. God taught me that what He was providing for me would be enough. My role in that environment was to be open to what God had in mind for me and for the people that I was learning to serve.' Today, Leah works for African Inland Mission in their Canadian offices. 'Our alumni make up the core of Inter-Varsity's heritage and mission to help transform the lives of youth, students and graduates for God. We feel that stories of lives that have been forever changed are the best evidence we can provide to give future generations a glimpse of God's mission. In this way our alumni are essential pieces in how our ministry is shaped for the future.' Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Canada Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=496 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=923 'Day after day, we experience the care of our Lord God for us in our lives and ministries. The lilies of the fields show their 'beautiful dress' and the birds of the air find food without sowing or reaping or storing in barns. (Matthew 6:25-34).' Reinaldo Percinoto, General Secretary of the IFES movement in Brazil (ABU), invites us to join him in praise to the Lord. God has blessed the ministry of ABU over the past year. Praise the Lord for the training 86 students received at the recent Instituto de Preparação de Líderes (Leadership Preparation Institute). We thank God too for the week-long holiday courses that took place across the country following this training. They contributed to more effective training and a greater awareness in commitment to mission in the movement. Praise God for the ABU staffworkers who have grown in their role and service to students. The movement has been able to employ two new full-time staffworkers and the team is really looking forward to having the possibility of growing the team further over coming months. Please pray that these efforts will strengthen the movement as they equip students to live out their faith on campus. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=497 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=928 Last Thursday (14 February) a gunman entered a class at Northern Illinois University, USA, shooting and killing five students and injuring 18 others before taking his own life. Classes at the university have been cancelled and will resume on Monday 25 February. Andres Herrera Sanchez, who is on staff with the IFES movement in the USA (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) and based at Northern Illinois University, writes: 'Our own fellowship has been affected as one of the injured is an InterVarsity student, who, thank God, is now recovering at home. Some of our students also knew the students killed and injured.' On Thursday night, following the shooting, students from InterVarsity and from Campus Crusade held a prayer vigil. 'We've been talking a lot about incarnational ministry this year and being present with people,' explained Casey Beckley, InterVarsity staff. Next week, when classes resume, InterVarsity plans to have staff present each afternoon at three different locations across campus, including at the building opposite where the shooting took place. Andres Herrera continues: 'We'll be there for any student who wants to come and talk and/or pray. Please pray for us and for the students, as we minister to the campus in these hard times. Pray for God's spirit of peace and comfort to flow through us and touch the lives of those who are hurting and confused.' Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=495 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=921 At a recent training weekend in Martinique, 80 students from the GBU (the IFES movement there) were joined by ten students from the GBU in Guadeloupe to listen to David Brown (General Secretary of GBU France) teach on 'putting your gifts and talents in the service of mission'. The students also had a chance to do a presentation on something that expresses their gifts and talents. During seminars and informal times of sharing they had opportunity to go deeper into what they heard as they examined what it means to serve the Lord with your gifts and talents. For Marc Pulvar (IFES Regional Secretary of the French-speaking Caribbean), it helped them to 'demystify what mission is and understand better what we mean by serving the Lord'. He continues: 'This is a highlight for the students, a way to examine the Bible and to gain awareness on many different issues. Such experiences help them much'. As the students have gone back to their respective campuses, please pray for them to be passionate about mission, about taking the good news to their friends. Pray for the non-Christian students who attend meetings or events organized by the movements, to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and turn to Christ. Pray for the Christian students to 'be transformed by the renewing of mind' (Romans 12:2). Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=488 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=902 We have been reminded recently of the vulnerability of our staff and students. Two young men with guns assaulted a staffworker in the national office of one of the IFES movements in Central America. The men managed to enter the building by pretending to be Christian students wanting to know more about the movement and their work. Thankfully, no one was hurt. One of the staff involved writes: 'The situation in our country is incredible. I have been assaulted four times in my life, all of these attacks since 2006. Today I do understand that God is in control of history and that there is nothing in this world that he does not declare authority upon.' She urges us to pray for God's continued protection upon them and that those who lost their belongings might somehow get them back. Pray that the men who attacked them would repent of their conduct. Everyone in the movement is very shaken by what happened. The General Secretary told us: 'The psychological damage is greatest. Please pray for peace, healing and renewed trust.' Sadly, such assaults are not unusual in Central America: in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Pray for God's help and mercy on these nations, and for the governments to seek a way to fight against violence and injustice. Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=487 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=897 The Interstudent Christian Fellowship in Jamaica celebrates its 60th anniversary this year: a significant milestone for any organization. General Secretary, Stevenson Samuels, testifies to God's faithfulness to the movement, through 'the waters, flood and fire'. Looking forward, the movement's vision is to engage the ministry more substantially in the educational system. Stevenson wants ISCF's friends around the world to be part of that vision. He writes: 'Too many are facing challenges that are unbearable, while we have the ultimate answer in our hands. There are countless initiatives we can employ to help, but we need your heads, hearts, and hands.' There are plans for fellowship breakfasts (attended by up to 420 people), regional forums and fundraising events such as a Walkathon, as well as missions projects and training. These are all part of the vision to grow this work for the future and to celebrate what God has done over the past 60 years. ISCF is one of the largest student-led organizations in Jamaica. Students, staff, advisors, supporters and graduates from the 200 schools and 26 tertiary institutions are gearing up for this year of celebrations taking place both in the country and among Jamaicans living overseas. ISCF's aim continues to be to know Christ, and to make him known among students. Please pray that God will continue to bless the ministry, the staff, students and associates in this special celebration year.