Region / Country: South Pacific

Opportunities to talk about Jesus because of the rain

Their hearts sank as the rain started to fall. And it wasn’t just a passing shower. The students of TSCF, the IFES movement in New Zealand, were meant to be giving out free hot chocolate to students on campus as part of their mission week. They’d only just finished setting up the pop-up café when the winter weather sent them scrambling for cover. Everyone was disappointed that good conversations had been cut short and that opportunities would be missed. 

So they decided to pray, and set up their stand again in the library foyer. To their amazement, they soon found themselves inundated with students visiting their stand, also seeking shelter. Each student was asked to put a pin in the scale of the human story, from hopeful to hopeless, from comedy to tragedy. And the students wanted to talk about Jesus. The best conversations of the week happened that day. It was a helpful reminder to TSCF students of their dependence on God: he was sovereign over logistics and weather, and he was sovereign in the important work of drawing people to himself. 

  • Praise God for the way he answered the students’ prayer. Thank him for all those who were able to hear about Jesus through TSCF’s mission week events. 
  • Pray for the ongoing follow-up. Pray that many would be willing to start reading the Bible and explore the Christian faith more. 

Thanks for praying with us!

Pioneering student ministry in the South Pacific

Student ministry in the Solomon Islands began in 2013, when a few students started meeting together to read the Bible and pray. Six years on, the movement (SIUCF) is thriving. Under-graduate student Amelia shared more: 

“I joined SIUCF towards the end of 2018, when a few of my friends invited me to join their Bible Study. At first I was hesitant, but when I did go, I was glad I did. I instantly felt welcomed and at ease. Studying the Bible together was a totally new experience for me. Once we started sharing, it was difficult to stop! I have been a member since, and always look forward to Saturday Bible studies. 

It’s always encouraging to share with my other brothers and sisters in the group and to hear their stories of how God is answering prayers. It makes me want to know God more. I know that by God’s grace, and through this ministry, He will continue to make me more like Him.” 

Please pray for us: 

  • Pray that we can find a permanent space to meet on campus. We currently hold Bible studies outside. 
  • Pray for some events coming up: a girls’ retreat, a retreat for SIUCF leaders, and the annual Christian Fellowship camp. Pray that God will touch the lives of many young people through these events. Pray for venues to be found, for lots of people to attend, for the speakers, and for expenses and practical preparations. 
  • Pray that God will raise new young leaders to serve God through SIUCF. Our movement will affiliate to IFES at World Assembly in July. 

Thanks for praying with us!