Seriously?

Evangelism is religious propaganda.

This is the view of many students in Moldova. On campus, talk of Jesus isn’t often taken seriously. Veaceslav Tușinschi, Director for CSC, the IFES national movement, explains:

“Student life is marked by materialism and individualism. Some students may agree to a brief discussion on Christian topics, but that’s usually out of politeness, mild curiosity, or a desire to contradict you.”

So, CSC students in Chișinău were deeply encouraged when invitations to their “Serios?” mission week led to serious interest from peers.

Busy, Shy, but Interested

Christina first met Gabriel at the beginning of the events week. She was on an internship at the hospital with several other medical students. While offering invites to friends, she felt prompted to offer one to Gabriel too. He was shy – and busy – and didn’t come all week. But he turned up for the final evening, when 70 students gathered at an Uzbek restaurant for games, live music, a kebab, and a talk.

To follow up the week, various groups were planned – socials, discussion groups, and a seeker’s Bible study. Gabriel chose the Bible study!

Veaceslav reports, “He’s come each week open and interested in learning more about God, grace, salvation, and forgiveness of sins. His questions are sincere and his heart is open to receive.”

Beyond Curious

Eugenia, a first-year philosophy student, was also committed to inviting friends to Serios? events. Three coursemates were willing to attend. They too joined the final evening, with one leaving his details to find out more.

But he couldn’t wait. When the program ended, he hung around chatting with Veaceslav and two others.

“After we’d left the café, we had a long conversation with him. He was amazed that such evenings were being organised. It was getting late, so we started to head for our homes. But he insisted on walking each of us to our trolleybus stops – it seemed like he was so intrigued that he wasn’t yet ready to part ways.”

Eugenia also followed up with her coursemates. For Easter weekend, she hosted a picnic in the park so that they could read about Jesus on the cross and she invited them to the Sunday celebration at her church.

Pray

Praise God for the serious interest generated through the Serios? events week in Chișinău. One staff worker remarked, “I was shocked how many of the non-Christian students listened so attentively to every word!”.

Pray for those who heard the gospel for the first time and the 50+ students who gave contact details for follow up – that their interest will deepen over their summer break. And pray for CSC’s “Welcome to the university, welcome to the community” outreach planned for Chișinău and Bălți in September.

Give thanks for CSC Moldova student leaders like Eugenia and Cristina. Please pray for the 16 student leaders from Moldova who are attending the IFES Eurasia Formacion training in Georgia, 20-31 July. Students from a dozen countries will learn and share around the theme of “Rooted” – ask that they will be firmly established in their faith and calling.