Eurasia: Sowing and Reaping

Persistent invitations, shining eyes, and forgotten headphones. These are just some of the things God used to reach students during university Mission Weeks in this sensitive country in Eurasia.  

Despite ongoing restrictions and limits on receiving funds, the movement held evangelistic events across five cities in March and April. Here are glimpses of how God was at work – so often a reaping of what had already been sown.  

A year ago, when C* was invited to a “Let’s Talk” outreach event, she declined. But this year she agreed to come – and brought two classmates, D&E. Afterwards, they messaged: “It was really cool and interesting… It was magical… We never expected something on this scale and with such an amazing atmosphere!”. CD&E would now like to join a Gospel study group. 

K and S came for “English Club” but decided to stay on for the talk that followed. Despite seeming distracted by their phones throughout, they spent over an hour discussing faith when it finished. K&S are open to studying the Gospel and are keeping in touch.  

R grew up in a non-religious family and was strongly opposed to God and Christianity. But at university, he became interested in the supernatural and even took part in some rituals. After watching the Mark Drama and attending an outreach picnic, R began attending weekly meetings. At Mission Week, he heard testimonies of how God works today and decided to pray for a sign. Shortly after, he sensed God’s presence and love. R is seriously considering turning to Jesus – he’s going to Gospel studies and “asking a million questions”. 

P listened to a student from the mission team enthusiastically retelling the speaker’s message for those who’d missed it. What struck P was not the content but the student leader’s shining eyes – her warm admiration for Jesus. P came back to other talks and went to Easter services. She’s yet to form a firm opinion on God, but she wants to be with the group and learn more about Christ. 

After an events week last year, M started occasionally going to church. A year on, at a Mission Week talk in a different city, she filled out a feedback slip to ask for a Bible. The next day, she left another slip indicating she wanted to accept Jesus into her heart. By the end of the week, a student leader had guided M in a prayer to receive Christ. 

Scarred by a bad experience of Christianity, T wanted nothing to do with faith or the Bible. But she did agree to play a role in a section of the Mark Drama for Easter. One day after rehearsal, she left her headphones behind. When she came back for them, an outreach meeting was underway. But she stayed. And, surprised by the sense of connection she felt, T kept coming back. During Mission Week, she turned to Christ. She now loves talking with God and plans to join a discipleship group after her internship. 

*This and all names anonymised for security.