Through the Storm

“In life, we all face storms – challenges, struggles, moments when we don’t understand what’s happening. At this conference, we’ll learn together how to navigate storms with unshakeable faith, a heart that does not yield, and a hope that does not fade.”

So said the invitation to EUS Serbia’s annual conference. Last month, students gathered for a time of renewal after an exceptionally tough year. Since the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, the country has witnessed student-led protests against corruption as well as violent threats and crackdowns on demonstrators by government forces.

What has it looked like to live for Jesus on campus amid this struggle?

Speaking Hope

“We planned an Events Week in March because many students were tired and fearful after weeks of blockades and strikes,” says Kristina Tešić, a student leader in the EUS group in Belgrade. They sensed it was a key moment to engage with peers who were questioning and searching.

The team organised talks around the theme of “The Dilemma of Hope: Can We Fix the World?”.

“We wanted to show the relevance of the gospel to what students were going through. We supported the demands for justice – we also took part in standing for what’s right. But we needed to proclaim that man will always disappoint in the end, that hope shouldn’t be found in a new government but in Christ.”

Seeking Justice

That week in March turned out to be the high point of the protests, with hundreds of thousands flooding the streets. Throughout, the EUS group offered refreshments and blankets to protestors and the office remained open for students to keep up with classes while campus was closed. Kristina explains:

“We served coffee. We played games. We offered friendship and support. It was a very practical way of showing that God was present, right there in the middle of it all.”

Nonviolent activism had not been widespread among churches, but Kristina says that student involvement has helped them rethink social responsibility. High schoolers are especially invested – “they’re longing to be salt and light for Jesus.”

In April, EUS ran a panel discussion to promote faithful engagement – “Biblical Obedience and Civic Activism: Where is the Line?” – with an American pastor and Christian activist and a local research fellow at the Institute for Balkan Studies.

Holding On

University classes have now resumed. In September, some public figures were held accountable for the Novi Sad canopy collapse, and last month’s anniversary vigil passed peacefully. Nevertheless, demands for full justice and accountability remain – the storm rumbles on.

So it was that Kristina stood before 120 students at the recent conference and shared how faith had helped her find peace through these turbulent times.

Pray

Praise God that EUS students have shared the gospel, showed love, and stood for justice over the last year. Give thanks for the recent conference and ask that students will have “unshakeable faith, unyielding hearts, and unfading hope”. Pray for lasting peace.

Give thanks that many new students have shown interest. Pray especially for those who have started to read the Bible and attend EUS events – to find true refuge in Christ.

Pray for: Bible studies in various faculties (and for students hoping to start one); an Alpha course with school students in Kragujevac; an Events Week in Novi Sad (15 Dec), with Professor David Glass as speaker; the Christmas party in Belgrade with a gospel talk.