http://www.ifesworld.org/ IFES news from Eurasia, Central Europe and Western Europe en 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. 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=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=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 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. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=548 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1092 Recent news from around the IFES family has reminded us of the sad realities of violence and persecution that many believers face on a daily basis. Our brothers and sisters in SULTM (the IFES movement in Lesotho) are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mohau, who volunteered as personal assistant to Peter Thobea (SULTM General Secretary). Mohau was stabbed last Saturday (31 May). Please pray for God's consolation and comfort, especially for Mohau's family. This young man (early 20s) was bringing up his teenage siblings, following the death of their parents in tragic circumstances not so long ago. In Eurasia, many Christian students face persecution and pressure from friends and family to give up their faith in Jesus Christ. In Kyrgyzstan recently, a family was stopped from burying their dead child because they are Christian. There is a growing concern that this will lead to further persecution. Several weeks ago in Moldova, a teacher lost her job because she was meeting with a group of Christian students to encourage them. Security concerns and growing pressure from the police in the Middle East and North Africa means that overseas Christian students now have to meet separately from national believers. Although the unity of the body of Christ cannot be expressed as it was before, we thank God that the students are continuing to meet together. In these politically-volatile and war-torn areas, please pray for protection and safety for the groups. Wed, 28 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=544 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1084 Praise God for his work in VBH (the IFES movement in Slovakia). This semester, students in the VBH Bible study groups are reflecting on how to read the Bible and apply it to their lives. Martin Mrazik, General Secretary of VBH, says: 'The subject is relevant. I very often see among Christian students that the Bible is not fundamental to them when it comes to solving practical problems. They view it only as an alternative or one of the possibilities. Yet it should be obvious in areas such as relationships, sexual life, money, and politics and other topics. What is God's word for us today? How are we reading it? Is it a Christian stereotype for us? How do we apply the Bible? Are we building our lives on the teachings of the Bible? We need to think of such questions.' Please pray for Martin as he emphasizes the authority of the Bible and teaches students to read the Bible so that they can apply it to their lives. Pray for the student groups he has visited where they have started an inductive Bible study. Pray it will have a positive impact on each student attending, that they might see the relevance of the Bible in every area of their lives. Thu, 08 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=528 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1034 Praise God for his work amongst Christian students in Italy through the IFES movement there (GBU Italia). This weekend (9-11 May), 100 students from across the country are travelling to attend the national GBU student gathering - 'Festa GBU'. Please pray for them as they meet, for safe travels and for all the practical details to go smoothly. Pray too that the speaker, Vittorio Fiorese, may be given God's words to touch the hearts and minds of each one of the participants. Vittorio Fiorese is the leader of the evangelistic group 'Christ is the answer' and specialist in the sociology of religion. He will be speaking on the theme 'Jesus, friend of sinners'. Pray that, as a result, each student will go back with a renewed passion and vision to live and share the good news of Jesus amongst their friends. Massimo Montello, GBU staff, writes: 'Our desire is that the impact of the students' lives would continue to grow through evangelism and friendship.' Please pray for the GBU in their efforts to expand the work to more cities in Italy: there are currently 21 GBU groups and they aim to have 50 groups meeting by 2010. Thu, 01 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=526 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1026 On May 8-9, the IFES movement in Moldova (CSC) will be celebrating and honouring the biggest group of graduating students yet, with more than 30 who have served and participated in CSC ministry graduating this year. Please join them in praising God as they celebrate together what the Lord has done for them. We thank the Lord for their witness on various campuses, for all they have learned through CSC, and for what they have brought to it. The movement has been praying for a more effective ministry amongst graduates and this seems to be a great time to start! They ask us to join them in prayer for God's blessing on their graduates as well as his guidance and protection as they complete their studies in the next few months. Pray that they may follow the Lord's call with all their hearts! Pray too for the movement as they work on their strategic planning (May 1-4). Board members, graduates, current students and friends of CSC will be joining the national staff team in a four-day retreat to seek God's direction for the future. In recent years there have been changes in the educational system, in student culture, and in the leadership of CSC and these issues will need to be addressed. Please pray that God would prepare each participant to contribute to this time. Pray too that he would give them clarity of vision and unity in direction. Thu, 01 May 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=527 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1029 I would like to introduce you to Maria, a student in a country in Central Asia, and to invite you to join us in praying for student ministry there. Names have been changed to protect identities. Maria writes: 'A lady called Zulfia taught me from the Bible - how God is the one who provides and gives life. When I read the Bible by myself I didn't understand it because I didn't know God yet. But when I saw Zulfia's life and her family's lives, I could see the love of God... but I was far from him and I couldn't see everything he had done for me. 'Through studying the Bible with Zulfia, God changed me; the emptiness and anger in my heart were replaced with love for him and other people. I am thankful to him that he is with me. I am thankful for his love and for Jesus his Son who was sacrificed for me. I am so thankful for my life now, and the salvation and forgiveness I have received, and my new family in Christ.' Join us in praising God for the new life Maria has in him. Please pray for Maria to continue growing in her love for Christ and her delight in God's Word. Pray too that she will be bold in sharing its truth with others. In the country where Maria is studying, legal restrictions on religious freedom are becoming increasingly harsh. Please pray for the Christian students to hold on to Jesus in the midst of hardship. Pray too for the staff that provides support for them, for wisdom, strength and perseverance. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=525 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1019 In Great Britain, the hallmark of the IFES movement's evangelistic efforts has been its threefold focus on personal evangelism, small group Bible study, and public gospel proclamation in the university. This year, IFES has seconded Lindsay Brown, former General Secretary, to work part-time with UCCF in Great Britain in an effort to identify and encourage university evangelists across Europe. Earlier this year, twelve young evangelists from countries such as Albania, Serbia, Greece, Macedonia took part in and observed missions events in universities in Oxford and Sheffield. Give thanks for their excitement and fresh determination to publicly proclaim Christ in their universities. Then, in September, each IFES student movement in Europe will be invited to send two potential, or practising, university evangelists to an event at Schloss Mittersill, Austria to hear teaching, interact with experienced evangelists and confer together about how to reassert public gospel proclamation in universities across the continent. They will then return to work out how best to apply this in their own cultural context. It is hoped that those who attend will observe a UK university mission in Spring 2010 and commit to leading a mission in their own country in the years to come. Our prayer is that by 2011, God will raise up at least thirty young university evangelists across Europe, with all the implications that may have for gospel proclamation across Europe. Please also pray: for Lindsay Brown, Richard Cunningham (Director of UCCF: the Christian Unions) and Martin Haizmann (IFES European Regional Secretary) as they provide leadership that those who attend the UK missions may capture a fresh vision for public gospel proclamation that God would raise up at least thirty university evangelists across the continentthat God's people would provide the financial and prayerful support for this work to go forward Based on an article originally published in UCCF's NB magazine by Lindsay Brown, IFES Evangelist-at-large Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=523 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=1016 The IFES student movement in Great Britain (UCCF: the Christian Unions) has a strong commitment to world mission and many former students and staff are serving the Lord in cross-cultural mission. Here Jane and Simon (not their real names) explain their work among students in a Muslim country. 'Teams work in two different cities trying to meet students. Campus security is tight and it's illegal for any religious groups to meet. For several years, one team ran a Christian internet café and students could attend enquirers' Bible studies. Last spring the authorities closed the café. 'Both teams run English clubs and summer exchange programmes and contacts have been made through these. In our city, there are four believing students who meet for weekly Bible studies. One travels three hours from another city. Her parents do not know she is a Christian, but leaving home has given freedom to attend church. Recently we had our first student conference. Christians invited friends to hear the real Christmas story. Around 25 attended, a few of these, non-believers. This year four students attended IFES conferences, where they met Christian peers and gained a sense of what they are part of and what a student movement could look like. 'Opposition and misunderstandings are so great that it takes a long time for people to move from initially hearing the gospel to accepting it. Our team has been here six years and so far just one student has been saved. He had to complete military service after his studies, and was clear about his new Christian identity. This won him curiosity, hostility, and the confiscation of his Bible by the base commander. By the end of his service, this same man, who had accused our brother of being an enemy agent, told how impressed he'd become with the sincerity of his faith! We are especially excited that this year there are two Christian first-year students. We have at least three years to work with them and their friends.' Please join Jane and Simon in praying for students to come to faith, and to be discipled and equipped to share their faith. With them, we long for a student movement that is student-led, supported by the indigenous church and able to bring Christ to bear on every aspect of life in this unreached nation. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=516 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=990 'With 15,000 international students from a wide variety of nations and cultures, studying a wide array of subjects, there are wonderful opportunities in Dublin to share the good news. It seems the world has been brought to Dublin's doorstep!' So writes Jessica McCall, who is from the USA and is part of the IFES InterAction team in Dublin, along with Catrin from Wales, Sandra from France and Anna, who is an Italian living in France. This is a new InterAction team, so they have had to take time working out their next steps. As Jessica shares, though, they have seen the Lord's faithfulness. She writes: 'We are currently meeting one-on-one with students from Hungary, Brazil, France, Canada and Nigeria. From once being an international student myself, I can identify with many of these students feeling lost, alone, confused, vulnerable and desperately wanting to make friends. 'Our desire is that international students here in Dublin will come to a place of not only hearing about the Lord, but believing in him, growing in him, understanding his character, desiring to read his living Word and wildly trusting him. 'We are getting to know lots of international students, both non-Christians and Christians. We are spending time one-to-one, discipling the Christian students so they will have a firm grasp of who God's Word says he is. Many haven't studied the Bible for themselves before, what they have learned is only what they've heard from speakers or pastors. We want these Christians to know God's Word not just to be able to share the gospel with their friends who aren't yet Christians, but so they may have life themselves, and life to the full! 'This term we plan to work more closely with Irish students in the Dublin Christian Unionss to make them more aware of the international student population on their doorstep and on their campuses. We would like to encourage, motivate and challenge them to get to know the international students in their classes. This would be amazing!' Based on an article originally published in IFES Ireland's Review 'O8. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=517 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=992 Over Easter, two thousand students from 40 countries took part in the European Evangelism Conference: 'because of love'. Thank you for praying with us for this strategic event. Andrew Johnson, chairman of the program committee, writes: 'Overall it can be said that the Lord clearly met with students and changed people's lives as they were touched again by the wonder of the gospel and were better equipped to share it. We even know of at least three students who came to faith at the conference! Many people expressed their joy and gratitude at being there. And we were so grateful to God for his oversight and presence. We are also grateful to all the speakers and volunteer workers (at least 150) who served us so well.' On the final evening, Daniel Bourdanné (IFES General Secretary) addressed the conference. Dorcas from Spain recalls the moment: 'Looking out at the 2,000 students, he quoted the verse: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). And Daniel said that was true in Jesus day, but it is not so true now. "Two thousand students! What potential! If only you don't follow secular Europe's spirit of comfort... God can use you!"' Please join us in praying for the students. Andrew continues: 'One student said that this was not just a conference; this was a life experience. Our prayer now is that all the students will return home and put into practice what they learnt. By doing that we hope that individuals, campuses, communities and even whole countries will be changed!' Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=507 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=960 Nearly two thousand students are arriving in Linz, Austria, for the IFES European Evangelism Conference, 'Because of Love' (20-25 March). This is a key event for the IFES student movements in Europe. Edith Vilamjo (IFES regional staff) writes: 'We want to enthuse, encourage and equip students in evangelism. We want to see students' passion to share the gospel with their friends rekindled!' Sylvia attended the European Evangelism Conference eight years ago and still remembers the impact it had on her: 'Hundreds of students listening, one more time, to the message of the apostle Paul to the Philippians: love Jesus and love the gospel. These words still resound in my ears.' Today Sylvia is a staffworker with GBU Spain and shares gospel with students through her singing. She will be leading a track and performing at this year's conference. At this Easter time, we rejoice with those students in Europe - and with our brothers and sisters around the world - in the hope of the resurrection. May we all be passionate about sharing this hope with those around us. It is 'because of love' that God sent his Son Jesus to the world to restore the connection between him and us. The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=502 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=945 Praise God for the recent student leaders' camp organized by LKSB Lithuania. The attendance came as a big surprise as almost double the expected number of students turned up to join in the event. It gave many of the participants new impetus and renewed courage to stand for Jesus in their respective universities. For many, it was the first time they met each other and so it took a while 'to break the ice'. However, it very soon turned into a gathering where students were helping and encouraging each other and a space where they could share ideas on how to better lead a university ministry. We thank the Lord for each one of the students who attended and for the committed staff team in LKSB. Please pray for the staff as they are going through several changes and are becoming smaller in number. However, like Kazys, a fresh recent graduate who wants to be get involved and to help with the movement, more and more people are expressing their willingness to participate in the ministry among students. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=494 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=915 Please pray for the IFES regional staff from across Europe who are meeting this week to make ministry plans for the coming year. The two IFES regions of Western and Central Europe merged at the end of last year. Martin Haizmann, Regional Secretary, says: 'We want to serve the national movements so that they are encouraged and enabled to reach out to European universities. Please pray for us as we're reflecting and seeking how we can best do this so that students in Europe hear the gospel.' Pray with us for God's leading as they discuss different aspects of ministry in the region, adjust to the new structure and develop the vision. Pray that the Lord gives them clarity of mind, wisdom and much insight. Please pray for Martin Haizmann as he is leading the team in this large and varied region. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=492 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=911 Today, as many people mark Valentine's Day, praise God with us for his great love for each one of us. Many IFES groups are using this opportunity to hold special evangelistic events. The GBU in Nice, a city in southern France, is organizing a 'soirée St Valentin', an evangelistic evening where they will discuss different kinds of love: romantic love, love between family and friends, and sacrificial love. Sarah Decker, IFES staff in Nice, says: 'These evenings of discussions have been popular. Students like to share and talk on different issues; last year we had a good turn out at the Valentine's event.' Sadly, Valentine's Day has a very high suicide rate in France. Please pray that many students, who do not know Christ's love for them, might have their hearts and minds open to him 'who loved so much that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal life' (John 3:16). Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=469 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=827 An interview with Tasha (staffworker with CCX Russia) and two students: Natasha from Rostov and Blana from Chelyabinsk. What is life like for the 3.5 million students in Russia? Tasha: Many feel over whelming despair at the problems that beset Russian society: widespread corruption, endemic alcoholism, broken relationships. The majority have never heard the good news of the gospel. Blana and Natasha, when did you first hear about God? Blana: I was brought up in an atheistic Soviet family. In school they taught us that God does not exist. CCX played an influential part in the decision to allow God into my life: they explained things. I came to know that the Son of God died for me. I could not respond to this with terrible ingratitude. I no longer wanted to live as I had before. Natasha: It was very different for me at the start as I heard about God during my childhood. But it was during an CCX summer camp that I first met people who know and ser ve God. I found out what salvation is and what it means to be a Christian. I was given my first ever Bible. I made new friends – people who know about God, study his word and live according to his commandments. How can we pray for you? Tasha: We praise God for Blana and Natasha – and the other students in Russia who put their trust in God each year. Please pray for CCX students as they bring the light and hope of the gospel into their universities. Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?newsID=472 http://www.ifesworld.org/news/item.php?itemID=830 Olli Lehmonen has a passion for sharing the gospel. He has recently graduated from university in Finland and helps run evangelism training for the IFES movement there (OPKO-FSSM). The Contagious Christian courses, which Olli coordinates, encourage and prepare students to tell the message of Christ to their relatives, friends and co-students. Over 80% of Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, yet for many it is no more than a tradition. OPKO challenges students to believe in Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, and to witness for him in this nominally Christian country. 'The greatest love that we can show towards our neighbours is to somehow tell them what God's love for them is all about,' explains Olli. The importance of sharing the gospel is emphasised on the course and students have time to practise giving their own testimony, sharing how they came to know Christ and who he is. Minna, one student who took the course, reflected afterwards: 'Sharing the gospel is often dependent on fraction-of-a-second opportunities. The course talks about how to take advantage of these opportunities. One needs to be brave and act, or else the opportunity flows by.' Similar evangelism training is used in at least 12 IFES movements across Europe. Please pray that students will make the most of the opportunities they have to tell people about Christ. Pray too for Edith Vilamajó (IFES regional staff in Europe) as she trains staff and students in evangelism and works with movements to develop their evangelism strategies.