http://www.ifesworld.org/ IFES news from East Asia, South Asia and South Pacific en 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=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. 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. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=549 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1097 Philip C, General Secretary of PFES (the IFES movement in Pakistan), shares a reflection with us: 'Psalm 23 is one of the best-known and loved Scripture passages. Many people can recite this psalm by heart. It speaks of peace and tranquillity. It promises that God will care for our basic needs. It is a reminder that God holds the big picture. While the small stuff distracts us, God tunes in to the greater needs of all creation. Occasionally we need to recall that our life depends on God and that the same God who cared for Israel during the Exodus and the long years of exile is the God who cares for us today.' Each summer, since 2003, PFES holds a medical conference where students and doctors can study God's word together and enjoy fellowship with each other. This year, they have planned a combined conference for the medical and engineering students (15-18 August). Please pray for many students to attend the conference and that all who come will be encouraged by the fellowship and the teaching they receive. Pray for safety and for growing trust in the Lord in the midst of their daily challenges. Please pray too for PFES staff as they manage the final stages of their student centre building project. They hope the construction work will be completed very soon. Join us in thanking God for all the donors and friends who supported them in this project. Pray that we, with all those involved in PFES, may not let 'the small stuff' distract us, but rather live in dependency on the God of history who continues to care for use today. Thu, 29 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=545 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1086 Please join us in giving thanks and praying for one of the IFES honorary vice-presidents, Professor Chun Chae Ok. Chae Ok is from Korea and has been involved in student ministry both in Korea and overseas all her life. In the early 1970s, she served the IFES movement in Pakistan in its pioneering stage as one of Korea's first female missionaries. Since returning to Korea, Chae Ok has been a faculty member at Ewha Women's University in Seoul, most recently as the Director of the Institute of Islamic Studies. She also serves on the national council of the IFES movement in Korea (IVF). Last October, Chae Ok received treatment for a cerebral aneurysm. This challenging operation was initially successful, but doctors now need to carry out a further treatment, which is scheduled to take place on 5 June. Please pray for this second operation, which will be a lot more complicated than the first. Pray that the Lord might have his hand over her and heal her. Pray too for God's peace in her heart. Please also pray for the staff and students of the IFES movement in Korea (IVF) as they prepare for their national conference (30 June - 5 July). Over 4,500 students are expected to take part. Please pray for God to speak clearly to each participant and for their vision for student ministry to be renewed. Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=532 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1044 The new university semester began in Japan last month. Less than 1% of the Japanese population professes to be Christian and a belief in Buddhism or Shintoism (indigenous animistic religion) is an expected part of adult life at home and at work. Please pray for the ministry of KGK, the IFES movement in Japan, and for the Christian students seeking to make Christ known in this difficult context. Please pray that the staff and students will be encouraged by God and equipped by him to preach the gospel to their friends. Pray as well for the two new KGK staffworkers: Tomoko Aburagi (working in the KGK office) and Takaatsu Ueda (working in the Kyusyu district). The students, graduates and staff of KGK are also busy preparing for the East Asia Regional Conference which will take place in Tokyo later this year (4-9 August). They are expecting 400 students from across the region and will focus on the theme: 'Let us start rebuilding' Nehemiah 2:18. Please pray for God to be preparing the hearts and minds of the participants and the speakers, helping them to understand the many areas of our societies that need rebuilding: relationship with God, with friends and family, with our neighbouring countries. Pray that students will be equipped to think biblically about issues they face in daily life, and be inspired to respond to the needs around them, for the sake of God's glory. Thu, 08 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=529 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1036 The cyclone in Myanmar has killed tens of thousands of people and left up to one million homeless. The suffering is immense and follows many years of political turmoil and civil war endured by the people of this country. There is no IFES-affiliated work in Myanmar, but we do know of Christian students there. Last year, one friend of the Fellowship reflected: 'We see the resolve of these students and no amount of hardship can prevent them from meeting together. We see the determination in their eyes; we can feel the resolve of what serving God means to them. We realize that persecution can make people come close together to derive strength from one another and the joy of serving God is much more pronounced.' We have been trying to get in touch with our friends in Myanmar, but have not been successful. We urge you to continue to pray for the people of Myanmar, the government, the Church, and all the rescue and relief operations that are in progress. May the Lord use this heart-rending suffering to bring mercy, and give us all a greater sense of urgency for the gospel. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=520 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1006 Today, India welcomes a great number of international students. Many of them experience culture shock, and some struggle with loneliness. It is a great opportunity for UESI (the IFES student movement in India) - and for the wider Indian Church - as they seek to reach out in friendship and love. Join us in praising God for 'Friends of International Students' (FIS), a department of UESI. Please pray for the staff, students and graduates involved in this ministry, and for the Lord to reveal himself to each one of the students they meet and talk to. Nassir (not his real name) is a student from the Middle East and has a Muslim background. Through the ministry of FIS he was introduced to Jesus and turned to Him. He now, in turn, wants to share Jesus with his international friends. Please pray for him as he does so, for God's love to shine through him. Pray too for the work of FIS to expand throughout India and, as Adam, a student from Uganda said, 'help the international students to find a home away from home'. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=508 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=961 FACT BOX Population: 5.9 million (UN, 2005)Capital: Port MoresbyIFES movement: TSCF10,000 students in 66 chapters6 graduate networksGeneral Secretary: Mosley Noah With over 800 languages spoken (representing more than 10% of the world's languages) and almost as many traditional tribes, Papua New Guinea is one of the most diverse countries in the world. In this context, the IFES movement (TSCF) shares the good news of Jesus amongst students and equips them to be godly men and women after graduation. TSCF is committed to its graduates. At the end of last year, they held their first graduate forum to connect and mobilize the movement's graduates. This gave them an opportunity to reflect on the support they can bring to one another, to the student ministry and to the Christian churches more widely in the country. Ruben Daniel, a graduate, reflected after the meeting: 'TSCF has become what it is today over 41 years and now we need a bigger and better structure to accommodate further developments like graduates roles, networks and functions in TSCF.' The movement is planning its first annual Graduates' Conference in November 2008. Mosley Noah, TSCF General Secretary, says: 'It is the beginning of bigger things to come.' Pray for the committee and the TSCF head office involved in the organizing and running of the event. They plan to have meetings and an open forum on issues relating to the development of student and graduate ministries. Thank God for the fellowship TSCF students can have with others from the South Pacific region. They are preparing to send students and graduates to attend the South Pacific Training Event in Australia in December 2008. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=512 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=966 For nearly 50 years God has used the student movement in Singapore (FES) to raise up student leaders, who subsequently graduated and became salt and light in society. At recent reunions of former students, many shared how their faith grew through their participation in FES programs. Sound biblical teaching, the fellowship of believers from different denominational backgrounds, missions training and the counsel of staffworkers form a strong foundation for working life. Corporate culture in Singapore requires you to fit in and conform. The expectation to perform is high in this highly result-driven environment. New graduates face pressure to compromise their principles. In addition, committed Christians are usually closely involved in their churches, so juggling between work, personal and ministry commitments is a serious issue. FES tries to support students in the transition to working life. Regular seminars, workshops and retreats address issues such as finances, work ethics and relationships to equip students to be ready for their graduation. The 'crossroads' camp is a time for graduates in the marketplace to come and share about the challenges and their calling in various fields. This helps encourage informal mentoring between graduates and graduating students or recent graduates. Please pray for graduates in Singapore as they face pressure from their various commitments: work, home and church. Pray for those who are seeking a job to know God's guidance and leading. Pray they will be salt and light, witnessing to Christ in their work places and in their whole lives. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=490 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=904 Over the past 50 years, Chinese students studying overseas have probably been one of the most evangelized groups of international students in the world. Now there are as many as one million scholars from China around the world and many have put their trust in Christ during their studies. Join us in giving thanks. Pray too for a well-coordinated effort to link up these believers with the mainland house church or with local communities when they return to China. The pressures and context of ministry in China can be very different from the situations where these students became believers. Pray for God to protect them and for them not to lose their first love for Christ. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=489 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=903 As many people celebrate the Chinese New Year, please pray for the year ahead and the furthering of God's Kingdom amongst Chinese students in China and around in the world. In China alone, there are 5.7 million college and university places. Many students study abroad for some or all of their time at university. These students have great opportunities, but face incredible pressure to succeed, with many families feeling their whole future is dependent on their child's achievement. Despite the Communist Party's official atheism, there is a yearning for meaning among the country's young, educated professionals. The church in China is growing and friends there report that never before have they seen such a positive response to the gospel among students, faculty and post-graduates. Give thanks for this work of God's Spirit. Sixty-one years ago, the student movement in China stood shoulder to shoulder with nine other movements from around the world to begin the work of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. A few years after that meeting in 1947, the government closed down the group in China, but God has answered the prayers of many and the Holy Spirit had continued to work among students on almost all major campuses in this huge country. It is a joy to see students from different backgrounds coming to know Christ and standing for him. Persecution is still a feature of Christian ministry in China and Christians face tough restrictions on their freedom. At the same time, increasing prosperity is bringing its own temptations and the draw of materialism threatens to turn believers away from God. Give thanks that God is raising up men and women of God to serve him in these difficult contexts. Pray for Christian students and graduates to be salt and light in their spheres of influence. Pray that they would not be moulded by society's values, but would be transformed by God's word and the Holy Spirit. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=481 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=875 Please join us in praising God for the South Asia Student Leader Missions Conference that will now be held in Kathmandu, Nepal (26-31 January). This strategic event had been due to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh early December. In view of the ongoing relief work in Bangladesh after the cyclone, staff took the difficult decision to postpone the conference. Student leaders from six countries across South Asia will be taking part. Please pray for safe travels and for a good time of envisioning as they meet together to learn more about mission. Thank God for the opportunity they have to share their lives with like-minded people, and pray they will be bold in serving and sharing Christ in their respective contexts. Pray too for these student leaders as they pass on what they have learned to other believers in their universities. Pray that God will use this event to equip many students to take the good news of Christ to every nation on earth and to be part of the Church's witness of the good news. » related article Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=479 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=865 The new academic year is starting soon in New Zealand and TSCF (the IFES movement there) is planning its orientation activities on campuses around the country. This is an important time for TSCF student groups to make themselves known to new students. Pray that God would be with those who are organizing these events and that many students would hear the gospel during their first week at university. The heart of TSCF's vision is reaching students for Christ, and helping them to grow and develop in every aspect of their life in him. It is a vision for the transformation of individuals, institutions and the worlds that these touch. TSCF recognises that students are uniquely placed to reach their fellow students for Christ. They are familiar with the issues, trends and language of student culture. They also have the natural relational networks that make mission possible. Please also praise God for the new staff joining the TSCF team, three of whom have come from the UK. Please pray for each one of them as they settle into their new roles as field staffworkers. Liz Watson who serves in the communications team writes: 'We are excited by the growing team of people in TSCF and we praise God for providing staff to help support our student ministry in the bigger regions around the country.' Before the start of the new year, all the TSCF staff, their partners and children from around the country are meeting for their staff conference (28 January - 1 February). This is an opportunity for them to spend time with one another and to plan the year ahead. Please pray that this will be a wonderful time of fun and fellowship, a good time to get to know some of the newer staff members and that it will solidify a sense of unity in TSCF. Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=478 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=848 Join staff from the IFES movement in India (UESI) in giving thanks to God for a recent workshop on publishing Bible study materials. The event - the first of its kind - is part of the ongoing training UESI offers to its staffworkers to equip them for their work with students, helping them apply the truths of the gospel in their Indian context. This workshop was attended by 20 staff and together they worked to produce study guides on Mark, Acts and Philippians. The group was helped in this by Adam Lum, who often speaks at IFES gatherings around the world and is well-known for her skills in preparing Bible study guides as well as conducting creative Bible study workshops. The participants divided into groups to work on these three books: they needed understand the texts deeply themselves, before developing questions to help students in their study and then objectively critiquing their work. The final draft for each of these books has been prepared and will be printed after the final editing. Please pray for the last stage: for God's help and guidance. Pray too that these Bible Study guides will be powerful tools in the hands of students in UESI India so that they can know the Lord better and be better witnesses to him in their universities and colleges. Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=461 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=805 Join us in giving thanks for the mission-minded hearts of the students and staff in IVF Korea (the IFES student movement in South Korea). Many take part in short-term mission trips, living out the gospel in different contexts, serving God and growing in their own love for him and his world. Praise God too for the South Korean missionaries that came out of the movement and who are now serving the Lord in different parts of the world. In July 2007, some South Korean missionaries were captured and held hostage in Afghanistan, making the headlines around the world. In response to this, IVF Korea has decided to revise and provide a clear policy for their short-term mission trips. They are working on publishing a short-term mission's guide for students. Please pray that this process may be guided by the Holy Spirit, and that it may provide a valuable resource which is used by the Korean Church. Please pray too for the staff training that IVF is holding over the coming weeks. Pray that each one of the staffworkers can have a clear sense of their identity and calling. Pray also that they can be effectively equipped as they minister to students in South Korea. Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=454 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=790 There is great disappointment for those involved in the South Asia Student Leaders' Missions Conference which was due to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 6 to 11 December 2007. The host committee and the leadership of BSFB (the Bangladesh IFES movement) tried their best to proceed with the conference, but in view of the ongoing relief work following the recent cyclone, have had to postpone the event. Even the Bangladesh government has had to cancel Independence Day celebrations because of the grave situation. Ravi David, Regional Secretary for IFES South Asia asks us to 'pray for those affected by the cyclone and those involved in the relief work in Bangladesh, and also for those working hard to reorganize this key and strategic event in a new location in the region.' At very short notice, the host committee has had to inform participants from across the region, about this change. They are now trying to reorganize the conference to take place from 27 January to 1 February 2008 and to find a venue in Sri Lanka or Nepal. Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=453 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=789 This week, join us in giving thanks to God for his work amongst students in Australia. Universities there are full of students who are poised to make life-changing decisions about what they believe and where they are heading. AFES (the Australian IFES student movement) works in this God-given window of opportunity to reach students for Christ. Praise God with us for the AFES National Training Event that is happening now until Sunday 9 December: 1,000 students from all over the country are looking together at the theme: "God's word to God's world". After a period of training and teaching, each campus group at the National Training Event is going on a short mission to put all their training into practice, in partnership with mission churches. Pray for them as they go out today and in the days to come: that God would grant them love for those they will meet and boldness as they share the Good News of Jesus. Pray too that each of them will be sensitive to God's voice and leading. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=449 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=781 The IFES movement in Malaysia (FES) asks us to pray for their focus on friendship evangelism. Please pray that students will be bold in living out the gospel and in loving their friends. Many of the local FES groups are planning 'Something Fishy' training weekends. They want students to learn about living among 'the fish' and what is means to 'go after the fish'. Students will be taken on real fishing expeditions using rods, nets and even their hands. Staff hope that these creative ideas will communicate well to the students as they learn about being fishermen for Christ in their universities. The Malaysian FES staff ask us to pray that more and more students will be a part of being 'something fishy' on campus.