BANISH THE DARKNESS
LIGHT UP CAMPUSES FOR CHRIST
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
ISAIAH 9:2on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
We’re approaching the end of a year that’s often felt deeply dark.
Yet, with your prayers and financial support, you’ve been empowering students to shine for Christ. You’ve helped them share the gospel with peers, engage deeply with God’s Word, and grow as young leaders. In this way, you’ve been lighting up campuses around the world.
In today’s dark times, would you consider boosting the brilliance of that light with a gift?
Shining in the Darkness of War
This year we’ve witnessed spiralling devastation in the Middle East and prayed for those caught up in it. The leader of the IFES movement in war-torn Lebanon describes their distress – and defiant faith:
“One of our students was sobbing, barely able to breathe, telling me that she’s terrified of what’s next. There’s a general feeling of helplessness. All we can do is pray and comfort each other with God’s Word.”
In Ukraine, where war grinds on, staff worker Dasha shares about their ministry amid daily worries:
“Students in Odessa live and study under constant shelling and with regular blackouts. But they have launched gatherings with nonbelieving students, so they can hear and study the Gospels and hear about Jesus.”
One student living there notes how significant this is:
“It’s not easy to study. There can be five attack sirens in one day. When you hear explosions, you shudder and pray there will be no victims. I think our Bible study group is a small island of peace in this terrible situation. You can rest for a while.”
Shining in the Darkness of Conflict
Beyond the wars that receive much media coverage, many other conflicts continue to darken lives.
For example, in the war in Myanmar, tens of thousands of homes and buildings have now been burned down and demolished, including dozens of church properties and schools.
Over recent months the situation has worsened, with innocent lives lost even in supposedly peaceful areas.
Yet, in October the movement managed to gather to celebrate 10 years of student ministry.
The leader says:
“Despite facing many challenges, we’re grateful to continue our work. The ongoing crisis shows no signs of ending, and we all feel deeply confused about the future of our upcoming generation, but we trust in God and believe that he can perform miracles.”
Since the critical situation prevented them from holding the annual student camp, they are praying that they will instead be able to hold a three-day seminar series in December.
Shining in All Kinds of Darkness
Darkness encroaches on students in many ways.
This year’s World Student Day Prayer cards revealed a range of struggles. Marisol in Peru sees many “experiencing problems with anxiety and depression”. Samantha in the Caribbean ministers among students “suffering rejection and abuse in their homes”. Koula in Côte d’Ivoire says, “universities are increasingly hostile to the gospel.”
At this time of year, as we remember how Jesus, the Light of Life, came to dwell in our darkness and show us God’s grace and truth (John 1), let’s help students dwell among their peers and do the same.
£50
can buy snacks for students gathering in war-torn cities to read the light of God’s Word.
£100
can resource a staff worker that’s offering biblical counselling to distressed students.
£250
can help a student encounter the light of Christ at an outreach camp.
Today, banish the darkness with a gift that will help students shine.