RESILIENT WITNESSES
Annual Report 2023-24
WONDERFUL WORKS AND WITNESSES
PSALM 139:14… your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Dear friend,
It was thrilling to be in that packed room, joining together in worship with hundreds of students and staff from over 160 countries. IFES World Assembly 2023 was truly uplifting. But time and again what I find even more inspiring are my individual encounters. I chatted with remarkable students who were facing adversity with unwavering faith. Despite detainment, questioning, and even kidnapping, their reliance on God shines brightly. It’s these students – and the many thousands like them around the world – that you’re supporting as you partner with IFES. I hope you’re encouraged to read how movements from Africa and Europe partnered to share the gospel with hundreds of students, how students in Eurasia had their ideas of friendship and leadership shaped by the Word, how staff and students in Latin America re-pioneered campus ministry after the pandemic.
Despite detainment,
questioning, and even kidnapping, their reliance
on God shines brightly.
And through the initiatives mentioned and numbers reported, I invite you to see the individual students who God has fearfully and wonderfully made. Let’s give thanks to the One who wrote in his book all the days ordained for them and us. For he is the one who nourishes each and every heart with living water so that we can thrive together in our walk with Jesus.
Yours in Christ,
Tim Adams,
IFES General Secretary
PURSUING OUR VISION
GROWTH IN THRIVING TOGETHER
In IFES – as students, staff, and supporters – we hold a shared vision: students thriving together in Jesus.
As communities of disciples, they’re being transformed by the gospel. They’re impacting the university, the church, and society for the glory of Christ. Locally, nationally, and globally.
To realise this vision, we connect and nurture locally led student movements in over 180 countries and territories. We remain committed to seeing a faithful student witness established in every university in the world so that every student hears about Jesus.
… we hold a shared vision:
students thriving together in Jesus
Since 2022, four Thriving Together priorities have been guiding and shaping ministry across the fellowship. It’s been heartening this year to see progress in all four areas – thriving in witness, thriving in whole-life commitment, thriving on new ground, and thriving into the future.
Whether through grassroots ministry, faithful prayer, or generous donations, we’re deeply thankful for all who participated in what God’s done through IFES. Read on for testimonies of a global fellowship that’s thriving together.
THRIVING IN WITNESS
Exploring life, asking questions, and seeking truths – university students are at a formative period in their lives. It’s vital they hear the good news of Jesus and see his relevance to their lives. This year, outreach programs and training events have continued to encourage and equip students to share their faith.
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.
HUNDREDS RESPOND TO THE GOSPEL IN GHANA
Fellowship between the IFES movements in Ghana (GHAFES) and Germany (SMD) resulted in a week-long mission at the University of Ghana (March 2023) being run, along with other ministry partners.
Through drama, door-to-door visits around halls of residence, lunchtime topical talks, personal testimonies, and evening Bible talks, it was estimated that over 67,000 people (students and non-students) heard the gospel, with around 1,250 of those making a first-time commitment or rededication to Christ.
YOUNG EVANGELISTS FIRED UP IN EUROPE
The Fellowship of Evangelists in the Universities of Europe (FEUER), a ministry of IFES Europe, gathered in Spain (November 2023). The 225 delegates from 45 countries explored how dialogue and art can be used alongside proclamation, considered how the gospel speaks into issues like AI and sexuality, and shared experiences and best practice.
GBU Spain reported on the growing success of mission weeks and how they were utilizing opportunities to reach thousands of students online though social media and online debates. The sharing of experiences also encouraged smaller groups.
Bright (staff, GHAFES Ghana)Hannah met Eric whilst he was washing his clothes outside his dorm. He stopped to listen to the good news and gave his life to Jesus Christ. He’s now decided to join one of the churches on campus.
Ana (student, GBU Spain)This is going to impact my IFES group – we’re now thinking about organising evangelism days this year. We heard how other small groups with few resources have been able to do it – and seen fruit.
WITNESS STRENGTHENED IN HOSTILE CONTEXTS
Christian witness can be challenging in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Many believers face isolation, discrimination, and persecution. To strengthen links amongst churches and lay the groundwork for launching university ministry in the area, IFES arranged a gathering in the Persian Gulf (October 2023).
Over five days, 65 church leaders, graduates, and students from four countries were united to consider how the themes of justice, love, and grace in the teachings of Jesus can be lived out in their contexts.
MENA DelegateWhen I heard this was an IFES conference, I knew it would be good – high quality and a chance to meet people from other churches and build community.
THRIVING IN WHOLE- LIFE COMMITMENT
The gospel is good news for every aspect of life and all spheres of society. This year, we’ve continued to facilitate the growth of students, graduates, and staff as fully committed followers of Christ.
They have been helped to live an integrated faith, leading and serving well in their communities, and boldly facing the challenges of their contexts – in the university and beyond.
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.
PERSPECTIVES CHANGED IN EURASIA
A training conference for student leaders (Formación) brought together over 140 student leaders from countries across the Eurasia region (July 2023).
The program, called ‘Faithful to the End’, provided a space for students from many different and difficult contexts to be strengthened by biblical teaching, equipped by practical seminars, and encouraged by worshipping and sharing experiences with each other.
Thank you for investing in young people and spiritual growth. This conference has changed my ideas of serving and investing in others – what it means to serve with all love. I’ve learned how to be a leader, how to build a strong team.
Student leader, CSC Moldova
FAITH CONTEXTUALISED IN EAST ASIA
Through the first half of 2023, IFES East Asia’s Thinking Theologically Group – in conjunction with Engaging the University Global Resource Ministry – ran a series of webinars called Faith and Culture.
It allowed this diverse region to celebrate its literature, art and identity – and reflect on it from a biblical perspective.
Yuya Shimada from KGK Japan considered What are the beauty and ugliness of manga and anime? How can we find Christ in them? Then, Jonathan Chan, a poet and writer based in Singapore, explored Faith and Art, looking at how Christian artists can navigate that dual identity. Finally, Culture, Globalization & Love of Country was led by Melba Maggay, President of Micah Global (a network helping churches support the UN Sustainable Development Goals).
StudentIt was eye-opening to see how to connect culture with Jesus – and find Christ in manga and anime.
LESSONS DRAWN FROM SCRIPTURE IN THE CARIBBEAN
For IFES, engaging with Scripture remains central to whole-life discipleship. In the last year, IFES Caribbean produced The Artistic Bible Study Method. The goal is for participants to respond to a Bible passage using multiple senses and from different perspectives in order to facilitate a deeper understanding of the text.
Having considered several foundational study questions, participants express their understanding of the passage through a drawing. Everybody can then share and explain their artwork and discuss which drawings and interpretations helped them. The IFES Scripture Engagement team have highlighted this resource for use across the fellowship.
Jean-Davy Frair (staff, CARIFES Guadeloupe)I was impressed with how clearly the drawings expressed the students’ understanding of the text, but also how diverse and rich the applications were.
THRIVING ON NEW GROUND
We’re delighted that IFES now includes 164 affiliated national movements. But there are still countries, territories, subregions, and a multitude of campuses, without a student witness, where Christian students are isolated and non-Christian students are unreached. This year, with support from IFES and national movement staff, students and volunteers have planted and nurtured new groups and movements.
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.
NEW GROUPS BEAR FRUIT IN ECUADOR
As part of CECE Ecuador’s pioneering efforts across eight cities, staff met with five interested students in Portoviejo to discuss launching a group. Inspired by the meeting and the vision for student ministry, these five then invited more than 20 students to attend workshops on Bible study and outreach.
Veterinary student Caroline has been constantly inviting classmates, praying for them, and eagerly preparing studies. In September, the group delivered more than 80 invitations for their first meeting of the semester. Matthew, a civil engineering student, is passionate about sharing his faith. He joined the group and brought some friends.
I’d been sharing with my classmates about Jesus and had mentioned the new CECE Bible study group. Then one day they turned up, and right there, in the application of 1 Corinthians, they faced a question about accepting Christ. And they accepted!
Matthew (student, CECE Ecuador)I invited them over for ice cream to celebrate.
NEW MOVEMENT NURTURED IN NEW CALEDONIA
IFES South Pacific has supported the planting of a movement in New Caledonia since 2019. To strengthen this fledgling work, IFES helped a new volunteer become more grounded in the vision and mission of student ministry.
Anne-Christine was enabled to attend IFES World Assembly, where she met with leaders from other movements in the South Pacific. She’s now facilitating and encouraging the small student group in Nouméa.
Erwin (student, New Caledonia)I want to get more involved … to read the Bible because we’re all touched by it.
NEW CITIES REACHED IN PAKISTAN
Building trust with churches and organisations is vital for thriving on new ground – especially in fragile contexts. PFES Pakistan are seeking to plant new groups in four cities.
IFES support enables staff from Karachi to periodically visit a city near the Afghan border to deepen ties with church leaders and meet students. In some churches, they’ve been invited to train students on how to lead small group Bible studies.
After a year of laying this groundwork, PFES hopes to appoint volunteer staff to consolidate the ministry.
THRIVING INTO THE FUTURE
To carry our calling into the next generation of students, IFES is promoting a healthy network of sustainable movements, marked by Christian integrity and accountability. This year, ongoing support from IFES Global Resource Ministries such as Governance Development and Indigenous Support Development was supplemented by significant regional and global events that strengthened ties and built resilience across the fellowship.
PROVERBS 24:3By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.
A GLOBAL FAMILY RENEWED AS RESILIENT WITNESSES
It was a time to reflect and reunite to be resourced and refreshed. In August 2023, 845 participants from 162 countries gathered in Indonesia for the quadrennial IFES World Assembly. Students, staff, and guests arrived out of difficult contexts.
Most were still feeling the repercussions of COVID-19, and many were facing persecution, dealing with ministry disappointments, or living in political turmoil. The diverse program ministered to their needs under the theme tabah dan tangguh – Indonesian words meaning resolute and resilient.
Future ministry was also oriented by sessions of the IFES General Committee – the mechanism that guides IFES vision and business. Delegates from member movements considered and voted on motions raised in 2019, elected a new board, and accepted four movements for affiliation.
One of those movements was from a sensitive country in the Middle East. Its delegates relayed the hostilities they’d faced for following Christ – a testimony that deeply impacted delegates.
Bible expositions in the Psalms encouraged honest lament, persevering trust, and buoyant praise.
Seminars enabled movements to share experiences and gain advice on topics such as pioneering new movements, ethical leadership, and good governance.
Evening sessions addressed contemporary issues: the changing nature of university, environmental concerns, mental health issues, the call for justice, and the importance of arts and creativity.
Small groups provided personal and ministry support, and conversations over dinner and around the conference centre forged new friendships
Gatherings of national movements in regional meetings allowed them to share news, plan joint initiatives, and further connections and partnerships.
We have been encouraged to lead faithful lives… and impact the next generation. Even if we don’t get to see that play out, we trust that God will continue the work that he has begun in us.
Paxton (staff, InterVarsity/USA)
The nations and persons who are under persecution…they have been the ones that really inspired me. I think in my context, I need to be more open to sharing the Word.
Dario (graduate, IS/IVCF Trinidad & Tobago)
LEADERS IN FRANCOPHONE AFRICA UNITED & EQUIPPED
Leaders from across Francophone Africa remained in Jakarta for five more days after World Assembly to hold a strategic consultation – especially important since many of the 15 general secretaries were relatively new to the role.
Along with eight IFES regional staff members, they spent time getting acquainted, building trust, and sharing about their local challenges. Ezéchiel Baroum Kongdi from UJC (Chad) was the most recently appointed staff.
As a young general secretary, I learned a lot from the experiences of others.
Ezéchiel Baroum Kongdi, (General Secretary, UJC Chad)I was really motivated by the availability and support that the more experienced staff showed me.
Ministry discussions included:
the wellbeing and training of staff, relationships with the board of directors, financial management, and interactions with universities. Since the consultation, IFES staff have noted that communication in the region has improved, staff are more motivated, and collaboration is more straightforward.
SERVING IN LEADERSHIP
The General Secretary is appointed to oversee and lead IFES ministry, supported by the Associate General Secretaries, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Global Resource Ministries. This diverse, experienced, and servant-hearted team takes responsibility for developing and sharing priorities and resources across the globe.
Leadership Team
This year, we’ve given thanks for Annette Arulrajah’s appointment to the team. Her role as Associate General Secretary, with a focus on strengthening our global fellowship, will be vital for enhancing collaboration and prayerfulness amongst IFES movements.
Tim Adams (UK) General Secretary
Annette Arulrajah (Malaysia) Associate General Secretary
David Bahena (Mexico) Associate General Secretary
George Ogalo (Kenya) Chief Operating Officer
Olena Welch (Ukraine) Head of Global Resource Ministries
Board of Trustees
The Board is responsible for creating policy and ensuring doctrinal integrity within IFES. When General Committee convened at World Assembly in Indonesia, we thanked God for several members who concluded their terms of service – including Board Chair Septi Bukula – and appointed new members from various regions, including Michel Kenmogne as the new chair.
The General Committee also considered outcomes from the Board’s review of its governance structures and adopted recommendations to strengthen its procedures. In 2022 we gave thanks for former Associate General Secretary, Martin Haizmann (Germany), who retired after 20 years of service as an IFES senior staff member.
David Bahena, (Associate General Secretary)On my trips to visit regional secretaries and movements, it was thrilling to see God at work, calling and raising up a new generation of leaders in different parts of the world.
The Board is responsible for creating policy and ensuring doctrinal integrity within IFES. It too met in person for the first time since 2019. The Board also launched a review of IFES governance structures, involving worldwide consultation: a useful process that will strengthen and improve the workings of our governance bodies.
IFES REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
Our 11 regional leaders are best-placed to listen to needs in context – enabling IFES to minister across diverse cultures and dynamic university settings. They connect movements within their region and foster the exchange of ideas. Expertise, and collaboration. They also mentor, supervise, and train staff and students.
GENEROUS GIFTS BOOST MINISTRY
During 2023, we had the joy of seeing how the resources entrusted to us can equip the fellowship at all levels – local, national, regional, and global.
Charitable donations increased by 21% and charitable expenditure by 15%.
These increases reflect the extra funds required for World Assembly 2023. We were delighted that so many donors supported the World Assembly Scholarship fund. Gifts and grants totalling over $400,000 enabled delegates from most participating national movements to attend this strategic global gathering.
We were also blessed by a very generous legacy. This will give a significant boost to our financial resilience as we plan to use a portion of it over 10 years – by giving grants to national movements that have set Thriving Together goals as well as by funding organisational capacity building within IFES.
This financial report reflects our combined operations based on the audited financial statements for IFES and IFES/USA, as well as the independently examined financial statements for IFES Switzerland. The financial statements for IFES entities – based in the UK, USA, and Switzerland – are available upon request.
THANK YOU!
We thank God for you. Your faith in Christ and love for all students has enabled us to thrive together.
Whether you prayed, volunteered, or donated in 2023, we recognise that many sacrifices are represented within your support. So, a heartfelt thank you!
YOUR LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT
Your prayers and gifts have helped students and staff thrive together this year: “Faith and actions working together” (James 2:22).
SCHOLARSHIPS EMPOWER ACTION
Global Giving Day 2023 focused on assisting students and staff to attend World Assembly in Jakarta. The generous response funded the participation of 26 participants from around the world – with life-shaping and ministry- strengthening effects.
Lakina (student leader, SCOM Malawi)I realized the passion I have for justice and creation care as a young woman. God has challenged me to do something about it. I will also make informed and better decisions in my life since I have been exposed to a wider perspective. My movement cannot be the same again because now I know we are part of a global family.
PRAYERS BOOST COMMITMENT
Through an IFES Prayerline (March 2023), we prayed for students in Singapore who experienced a reawakening of faith at post-COVID camps. We asked that, amidst the busyness of their second semester, they would continue to be filled with courage and commitment.
Later in the year, Jeremiah Goh, FES Singapore General Secretary, reported:
Jeremiah Goh (General Secretary, FES Singapore)Although it is still a challenge for student leaders to build stable and consistent fellowship groups, we have seen that our student leaders are committed to leading these groups and value Christian fellowship and Christian witness on campus.
GIFTS STRENGTHEN LEADERSHIP
Donations received towards the Growing Godly Leaders fund have resourced leadership training programs for students and staff in the Caribbean, Francophone Africa, and South Asia. The new initiative being launched in South Asia is modelled on the successful IFES Global Leadership Initiative (GLI).
One GLI participant from the region says:
GLI participant in South AsiaI’m a new leader in a new movement in a challenging situation. So, the skills I’m learning are crucial. But it’s deeper than that. This training has impacted my life. I’ve received new boldness for difficult situations, identified my strengths more clearly, gained confidence in my calling, and understood how to build healthier teamwork with staff.
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PRAY
Prayer impacts situations. Prayer moves hearts and changes lives. Prayer allows us to discern God’s leading and receive his grace and strength for ministry. We want prayer to saturate everything we do. So, please pray. Inspire and inform your intercessions with our resources at ifesworld.org/pray, where you can sign up for our bi-weekly Prayerline and find out more about praying on World Student Day.
CONNECT
Find out more about IFES and stay in the loop. In addition to the rich information on our website and up- to-the-minute posts on Facebook/ Instagram, you can now receive regular updates by following our WhatsApp channel. Also, view and subscribe to our YouTube channel for compelling content – including talks from World Assembly 2023. Direct any specific enquiries to info@ifesworld.org.
GIVE
Without generous partners like you, our reach would be far less extensive. Regular gifts are especially helpful, as they enable us to plan well for the future. You can set up or increase your monthly gift and find out about leaving a gift in your will, at ifesworld.org/give.