Hopeful for a Reason

Dear friends, 

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23, NRSV) 

As we step into a new year, with all its challenges and possibilities, I’m reminded of a profound distinction. As Christ’s followers, we’re not optimists naively hoping for a better future that we can’t bring about. Rather, we’re people of hope, grounded in the truth that God is at work in his world for his glory.  

That’s why I remain expectant in prayer for what he will do in 2025. 

So, as we start this year, I encourage us to follow Jeremiah’s example in Lamentations and take time to intentionally “call to mind” God’s “steadfast love” and “mercies” – to you personally and to student ministry around the world. Let’s listen for where God is calling us to partner with him. And let’s ask for wisdom on how we can all work together in responding to that call so that every part of our global family flourishes and bears fruit. 

Here are three areas where I already see God at work – three opportunities to partner with him and each other and be hopeful for what he will do: 

God is shaping leaders. In Isaiah 64, the prophet confesses, “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” But God also invites us to take part in the shaping process. For this year’s Global Giving Day (2 April), we’ll all be able to get involved in moulding leaders across our fellowship.  

One way leaders are being formed is through the training, resources, and support IFES provides to national movements. This August alone, we’ll have several significant training events. We’re planning a conference for students in the Middle East and North Africa, where persecution and opposition are part of daily life. In Latvia, the European Student Festival will explore what it means to impact the university in a region that has witnessed widespread spiritual decline and signs of renewal. And a pan-African conference will unite young Francophone African students and professionals to address critical issues like education, creation care, and sustainable development.  

God has provided resources for local initiatives. Thanks to generous donors, funds are available to help national movements implement our Thriving Together strategy. They can apply for grants to support projects, camps, conferences, and infrastructure, such as books and technology.  

In the Caribbean, for example, a Thriving Together grant enabled ISCCF St Vincent to create an online discipleship course to follow up over 3,000 students who gave their lives to Christ through Evangelistic School Tours earlier in the year. And a grant to CEC Panama has helped fund a two-week mission initiative as part of their plans for pioneering in the Colón Province. We look forward to seeing more of how God is at work as we receive more applications this year. 

God is strengthening our collaborative spirit. When local, national, and regional ministries come together, we’re seeing that we can do far more together than we could alone. Our Global Resource Ministry programs are a great example of this enrichment – facilitating collaboration around the fellowship in areas like governance, international student ministry, graduate work, and indigenous support development. 

I commend to you the Conexión blog that will be published later this week. It powerfully illustrates how IFES is fostering diverse communities of collaboration in a world which feels increasingly divided and isolationist.    

Thank you for being people of hope. Your commitment, faith, and vision are an encouragement to me. Together, with God’s “steadfast love” at work among us, we have good reason to be hopeful! 

In Christ’s power and love, 

Tim Adams 

IFES General Secretary