Population: 1.3 million (2013)
Capital: Port Louis
Main languages: English, French, Creole
Major religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
IFES movement: Student Christian Fellowship (SCF)
Mauritius is becoming more and more well-known internationally because of its economic stability, tourism and multi-cultural society. However drug problems, teenage delinquency, divorce rate and corruption are increasing. Being a Christian in this context is very challenging and the church in Mauritius has a clear call to be a light in this darkness.
SCF Mauritius
- 7 main tertiary institutions and a few private institutions, SCF groups in most locations
- 1 part-time staff and 4 volunteers
- small graduate ministry: 30 committed members
- high school ministry: 1 group in the centre (15 students), in the North (7 students), in the South (5 students) and on the island of Rodrigues (8 students)
- largest group in Rose Hill (15 students), smallest in the south (5 students)
Since there is hostility towards evangelical Christians due to a high percentage of the population being Hindus, students cannot meet officially on campuses. Therefore meetings are organised at the SCF office where students from different institutions gather together. Where possible, students meet unofficially on campus.
The movement’s greatest strength at present is their National Board team, who have at heart the growth and the vision of the movement. They are supported by some new emerging volunteers with servant hearts and a desire to see students grow in their knowledge and love of God. They are increasingly encountering Christian students with nominal faith and much of their effort and energy goes into building biblical foundations.
View from the inside
Linda Chung, General Secretary of SCF Mauritius, says, ‘I believe that God has called me in this ministry! It is very exciting to see each student being touched and transformed by God’s word and love.’
She is inspired by Isaiah 9:6-7: ‘To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God’. She comments, ‘This encourages me to press on, in spite of persecution, accusation and tribulation because we know that at the end, God’s plan and purpose will prevail.’
Please pray:
- that students will grasp the real meaning of salvation in Christ and have a strong Biblical foundation;
- for God’s guidance as the movement makes plans to reach out to more students across the island;
- for new contacts with local churches to develop into fruitful relationships.