A NEW GENERATION LIVING FOR JESUS EVERYWHERE
Impact report 2025-6
HOPE FOR A NEW GENERATION
For most of us, this is our first trip outside our country. It’s the first time we’ve seen the sea or touched sand. Our lives are really complicated, and our presence as Christians in the West Bank is made very difficult.
How long can we endure?
Which of our brothers and sisters outside our region are interested in us?
As a part of IFES, you are!
Your concern for students everywhere to encounter Christ and thrive together means that students like Selima, from our movement in Palestine, benefitted from a five-day gathering for students in the Middle East and North Africa.
MENA students at a regional gathering
Amid war, violence, persecution, and economic insecurity, 180+ students from nine countries had much to lament. But the theme – drawing on three Arabic letters that can spell pain,fulness, and hope – reassured them of Christ’s redeeming presence.
Bible studies on Joseph’s response to suffering, along with seminars from pastors and psychologists, encouraged the students to face and lament their pain – and to embrace the fulness of Christ for hope and healing.
A student from a sensitive country said:
“This conference taught me a lot. Joseph [in Genesis] was a good example – how he dealt with difficult events – that forgiveness is better than revenge.”
Thank you for being interested in these brothers and sisters. Thank you for standing with students and staff everywhere as they offer good news amid the troubles of this generation.
VISION & MISSION
Students thriving together as communities of disciples, transformed by the gospel and impacting the university, the church and society for the glory of Christ.
That is our vision. It’s why we connect and nurture locally-led student movements in over 180 different countries and territories. It’s why we remain committed to seeing a student witness established in every university in the world.
Dear friends,
We’re deeply grateful for your vision. Time and again, you’ve chosen to look forward in faith and trust what God can do through your prayers and support. Seeing our work and world from the Lord’s perspective is truly vital.
In John’s vision in Revelation, the risen Christ repeats to all seven churches: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says.” They had their own ideas about their situations, but they needed to hear God’s view.
It’s the same today. Our news feeds constantly show us a broken world. But that’s just part of the story. As we see and hear how God is at work among IFES movements worldwide, we’re moved by how much richer his narrative is:
Tim Adams with LIVF Lebanon team
Amid awful devastation in the Middle East, we’ve seen rays of hope (p.1). Among an anxious Gen Z, we’ve witnessed spiritual openness (p.5). Despite international conflicts, we’ve seen students from warring nations reconciled in Christ (p.7). Against global cuts in foreign aid, we’ve seen IFES movements show generous solidarity (p.11).
This is God’s story of redemption being worked out on campuses, despite the world’s conflicts, confusion, and cruelties.
As a global fellowship, we’re also seeking to listen to what the Spirit is saying about God’s work among a new generation. We recently published our Gen Z Insights Report for Global Ministry, and our Discipling a New Generation of Students task force has been sparking conversations across IFES.
Read on to discover how we’re working out our four Thriving Together priorities among this new generation. Together, may we have ears to hear how today’s students can re-imagine the age-old Great Commission. With your visionary support, may we all envisage what God can do in this next chapter of his story.
In Christ,
Tim Adams
United Kingdom
General Secretary
Annette Arulrajah
Malaysia
Associate General Secretary
George Ogalo
Kenya
Chief Operating Officer
David Bahena
Mexico
Associate General Secretary
Olena Welch
Ukraine
Head of Global Resource Ministries
REACHING A NEW GENERATION
ACTS 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
In a world of instant access to “truths”, the university environment remains vital for rigorously examining ideas and beliefs. It presents a critical opportunity for students to consider the claims of Christ and see his followers live out his truth.
Thanks to your support, IFES students are thriving in such witness, speaking and serving for Jesus in the power of the Spirit.
UNLOCKING SPIRITUAL INTEREST
In a generation concerned for wellbeing, Lucas helped hundreds of fellow students explore its connections to spirituality at the National University of Córdoba.
He teamed up with four others in his local IFES group (part of ABUA Argentina) to compose and conducta survey.
Using knowledge from across their academic disciplines, the team created a research tool that measured students’ sense of meaning, achievement, and self-awareness, their spiritual needs and practices, and their alignment to religious groups and beliefs.
With support from an IFES Thriving Together grant, Lucas and his team surveyed over 700 students. The data proved valuable, not only for shaping relevant outreach, but also for offering input to university wellbeing programs. Along the way, moments of deep dialogue arose:
“Many were surprised at the depth of the questions, saying they’d never asked themselves such things. I was challenged by how many were willing to listen and explore more about God.”
The team say that responses from the survey have encouraged ABUA students to be more intentional about sharing their faith, both informally with friends and more formally through campus outreach initiatives.
This project challenged my preconceptions. I was left asking, ‘How much do we really know about the struggles of our peers?’, ‘Are we aware of the longing for God inside them?’
DISCIPLING A NEW GENERATION
PHILIPPIANS 1:27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
A digitally connected generation that’s passionate about justice needs to see that Jesus is good news for every aspect of life and society. So, it’s imperative that those who follow Jesus grow in their commitment to him and lead with faithfulness and integrity.
Thanks to your partnership, students, graduates, and staff are following Christ in all of life, faithfully facing issues on campus and beyond, offering the kind of spiritual authenticity Gen Z is longing for.
GROWING IN A GLOBAL FAMILY
In a world polarised by social media silos, immersive ministry experiences between movements are broadening horizons and deepening discipleship.
“The way that staff workers in sensitive countries had faith really impacted me. It made me think: ‘Why should I be afraid when I have brothers and sisters in Eurasia who are not afraid of what they’re doing?’”
This came from one of 10 students and staff from North America who were invited to join Formación, an IFES Eurasia camp. Around 100 student leaders and staff from 18 countries were gathered to learn about remaining rooted in Christ.
One said, “I used to struggle with guilt, and I was constantly offended and frustrated. But I gave it all to God.” As local students shared about the pressures they face, the North American team saw new depths to following Jesus: “There’s that place in the Bible about living by the laws of the land unless they get in the way of what God says to do…
Now I’ve met people who actually have to do that.” Since then, team members have shared their experiences on campuses back home and some are pursuing ministry abroad. One student led 400 in prayer for IFES at an InterVarsity/USA conference.
To see two countries that had recently been at war praying together was incredible. It made me cry.
PLANTING AMONG A NEW GENERATION
JOHN 4:35Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
Within a generation, the number of students enrolled in higher education has more than doubled. The need to plant and nurture new campus groups and movements remains as urgent as ever – as does the need to revitalise those that have ceased to flourish.
Through your partnership, students, small groups, and staff teams are being empowered to reach countries, territories, and campuses where Christian students are isolated and non-Christian students are unreached.
UNITING TO REIGNITE MINISTRY
Angel, a student leader in ISCF Barbados, was expectant for what the Caribbean Pioneering Initiative could achieve.
She and three other students from different movements were inspired to spearhead the project at an IFES regional training in 2024.
Across the dispersed Caribbean islands – where social media intensifies peer pressure around sex and drugs and heightens the lure to work abroad – maintaining a vibrant student witness is a huge challenge.
So, the vision for the initiative was simple: to ignite and strengthen student ministry in territories where it’s small or emerging.
“The way that staff workers in sensitive countries had faith really impacted me. It made me think: ‘Why should I be afraid when I have brothers and sisters in Eurasia who are not afraid of what they’re doing?’”
This came from one of 10 students and staff from North America who were invited to join Formación, an IFES Eurasia camp. Around 100 student leaders and staff from 18 countries were gathered to learn about remaining rooted in Christ.
My hope is that students joining this team will step up courageously in their faith and inspire those in Antigua to do the same.
SUSTAINING A NEW GENERATION
PROVERBS 24:3By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.
By developing a healthy network of resilient movements and investing in leaders who will model Christian integrity and accountability, today’s ministry can serve not only Gen Z but also Gen Alpha – and beyond.
Your support enables national staff and board members to receive strategic training and guidance through e-learning, networks, in-person visits, and mentoring relationships.
SHIFTING A MINDSET
In South Asia, two IFES teams combined with powerful effect for general secretaries and board members of two movements. Fifteen participants from Nepal and a sensitive country attended regional training that incorporated wisdom from the Indigenous Support Development (ISD) team. (ISD is an IFES ministry that helps national movements build healthy, sustainable, local support).
Savithri, outgoing Regional Secretary, notes: “I saw an expectancy and learning that ran deep and a spirit of generosity that seemed infectious.”
The movement in Nepal committed to bearing the accommodation costs of their delegates and the sensitive country’s young graduates gifted duvets to their hosts.
Many board members were new to their roles. Stories of sacrificial giving in IFES movements with similar financial challenges inspired them, while deep engagement with Scripture empowered them to tackle views of fundraising as an “unspiritual” practice.
Savithri concludes: “The general secretary from the sensitive country was so enthused by the training that he asked the regional ISD representative to run a similar session for staff in his fledgling movement.”
Guidance also continues via e-courses and a tried-and-tested ISD training manual, which further unpacks a biblical view of fundraising and offers questions for local application.
Overall, the training signalled a shift from receiving to where catastrophes and wars are often met with a generosity. That’s significant in our region, mindset of expecting foreign aid.
GOD AT WORK : IMPACTING THE WORLD TOGETHER
Global Vision
Insights from IFES and national movement staff helped 7,000 students consider world mission at InterVarsity/USA’s Urbana conference.
Equipped Together
500 students and leaders from 30 countries left a five-day festival united in witness, equipped to pursue “kingdom come” on campus.
Hearts Healed
At regional training for student leaders, many were able to process deep hurts: “I got a lot of answers and a way to heal my heart.”
Islands Connected
120 students and staff from eight movements met in the Solomon Islands. “It was a joy to see our connection come alive” – PSFC Fiji staff.
Insights Shared
Staff in Taiwan and the Philippines collaborated to lead a regional webinar, sharing their experiences of reaching the new generation.
Partnership in Prayer
Movements in Belize and Canada connected for World Student Day to pray for each other, joining almost 30,000 from over 130 countries.
Creative Outreach
30 student leaders in Honduras used IFES resources to examine campus issues in relation to the Bible and craft relevant evangelism.
Courageous Faith
Two dozen student leaders and staff connected at an IFES consultation to explore sharing of the gospel in the specific challenges of their context.
Movement Launched
Thanks to regional team support, GBU São Tomé and Príncipe officially launched with much joy, paving the way towards IFES affiliation.
Peace Promoted
A Logos and Cosmos Initiative project in Burundi called students to “favour dialogue and forgiveness over division and violence”.
Witness at Work
A webinar series continued to support 85 graduates: “I’ve become more mindful of leading by example – in faith, discipline, and service.”
OUR MINISTRY TEAM
We are more than half a million students in over 180 countries and territories. IFES is all about student initiative: students sharing the gospel, engaging with the university, and leading on campus.
Supporting these students are over 4,500 staff workers and volunteers in national movements. Students and staff receive training and mentoring from over 130 IFES staff in regional and global resource ministries.
For a list of our ministry leadership visit ifesworld.org/people
This year, Kurt Thiel (North America) and Klaingar Ngarial (Francophone Africa) concluded many years of faithful service with IFES. We are deeply thankful for their godly leadership.
The IFES General Secretary works with a diverse leadership team to give oversight to IFES as a whole, while the IFES Board is responsible for creating policy and ensuring doctrinal integrity within IFES.
Board of Trustees
FINANCIALS
We give thanks to God that your faithful giving has enabled IFES ministry to continue serving students and supporting national movements, despite the economic challenges that 2025 presented for many individuals and charities.
We are grateful for the stability that comes from a broad donor base led by individual giving, alongside significant contributions from foundations/trusts and legacy gifts. As a global fellowship, we are especially thrilled to see long-term growth in the number of countries where donations are coming from.
Excitingly, Global Giving Day 2025 led to gifts totalling $243,000 to help shape a new generation of godly leaders, and these funds supported 25 initiatives worldwide.
Although expenditure exceeded income, this is largely due to additional expenses for key regional events as well as the release of funds set aside for the Thriving Together program and the Logos & Cosmos Initiative. Our financial position is supported by reserves built up over previous years; at the same time, these higher costs and the resulting pressure on reserves highlighted the need for continued prudent stewardship and a renewed focus on long-term financial sustainability.
We are addressing this by strengthening and diversifying fundraising and finding new efficiencies to reduce costs globally, while staying focused on reaching students, developing leaders, and strengthening ministry around the world.
The income and expenditure figures show our combined operations based on the audited financial accounts for IFES (registered charity in England and Wales) and IFES/USA (registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the USA), as well as the independently examined financial statements for IFES-Switzerland. The financial statements for all three IFES entities are available at ifesworld.org/impact26.
COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WHERE INCOME IS RAISED
These seals demonstrate external assessments of our excellence in stewarding your gifts. They reflect our strong fiscal management, program stability, and full compliance with charity regulations.
PRAISE GOD AND THANK YOU!
Join us in praising God for the resources that enabled the impact in this report.
We’re deeply grateful for you and the part you’ve played in that. Whether you prayed, volunteered, or donated in 2025, we’re so glad you’re helping a new generation of students encounter Christ.
YOUR FAITHFUL PARTNERSHIP
Your prayers and gifts express a godly concern for a new generation to be innovatively reached with the age-old gospel. Thank you for your faithfulness!
The role of students at IFES World Assembly 2023 inspired Desi, General Secretary of BCSU Bulgaria:
“Since then, we’ve entrusted more to our students. They’re now an integral part of our national conferences – emceeing, leading worship, running seminars, and giving Bible talks. We’ve been so blessed to see them grow!”
The theme for World Assembly 2027 is “Faithful Through Generations”.
Your partnership allows our global fellowship to stay connected for mutual encouragement and learning.
“We discovered campuses ripe for a ministry plant, with supportive churches and lots of potential.”
This was the assessment of David Walter, Regional Secretary for the South Pacific, after taking exploratory trips to Saipan and Tahiti.
Your partnership can give students on campuses everywhere the opportunity to hear and share the gospel.
PARTNER BY SHARING
We’d love you to access and share our rich variety of content and resources. Explore Gen Z ministry trends through our Insights report, with accompanying Bible studies and podcast series at ifesworld.org/gen-z. And discover resources to share with your church at ifesworld.org/church.
PARTNER BY PRAYING
We believe prayer is foundational to all we do. Visit ifesworld.org/pray to stand with us: use concise points in the Daily Prayer Guide or snapshots of grassroots ministry in the bi-weekly Prayerline. And sign up to join thousands in prayer on World Student Day.
PARTNER BY GIVING
Gifts sustain this ministry. The next generation won’t be reached without your generous support. Regular gifts are especially helpful, enabling us to plan into the future. You can set up or increase your monthly gift and find out about making a planned gift or leaving a gift in your will at ifesworld.org/give.