Pioneering student witness
We want to see a faithful witness to Christ in every university in the world.
Today IFES has student fellowships in over 180 countries. But there are still thousands of university campuses around the globe without any Christian witness. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to hear about Jesus. That’s why IFES continues to pioneer new student ministries in unreached campuses, cities and countries.
The Breaking New Ground project was launched in 2018 to support and resource national movements in pioneering ministry.
We aim to do this by awarding grants to enable pioneering projects, by identifying and training people in pioneering ministry and by mobilising prayer across our global network.
Breaking New Ground grants are now called Thriving on New Ground grants. The maximum movements can apply for is USD 5,000.
IFES Pioneering stories
Spotlight on Europe
In Europe there are still many campuses and several countries with no established Christian student witness. Our regional team is involved in pioneering movements in Europe not yet formally affiliated to IFES.
We currently support:
- individuals with a vision for student ministry in Malta and in Cyprus
- a tiny, fragile ministry in Luxembourg
- a small, committed group in Greenland, and a brand new, yet flourishing movement in Kosovo.
We also have a vision to ‘repioneer’ ministry in Iceland.
The IFES Europe Pioneering Network supports and connects those who are pioneering new campus groups within their countries, and who have a vision for breaking new ground in Europe. We aim to meet monthly online to encourage, equip, and pray for this vital ministry, and help with grants, training, and resources.
Breaking new ground in Kosovo
Since starting the student ministry in Kosovo in 2024, Blendona has seen God’s hand at work, guiding and providing:
“The pioneer’s work is a blessing and a challenge, especially where the population follows a different faith, and there is almost no work with students. God has opened doors that I never imagined possible, and provided [helpers].
There have been days when I felt lonely and afraid, but I remember a saying: When God calls you to a service, he directs your steps. He is near you even when you don’t feel it; he works even when you don’t see it.
I used to think I was the only one facing such challenges. But [through IFES] I realise that I’m part of a bigger group of people, serving in different parts of the world. Even those who have been in ministry for many years and are seeing great movement also face tough challenges.
It’s good to be reminded — again and again — that in good days and hard days, you are not alone. You are with God. And there are also people around the world who are praying for you.”
BLENDONA, PIONEERING GENERAL SECRETARY, THE GOOD SEED, KOSOVO
Our global grant program
The IFES Breaking New Ground project is supporting students and staff all over the world with seed funding as they plant groups in new cities. We’re also pioneering in new countries, including Equatorial Guinea, the Faroe Islands and New Caledonia. Other movements are being supported by grants to travel to unreached campuses, to train and disciple students, to host outreach events and to produce Bible study materials.
Nigel Pollock, Program Director and Head Coach, Breaking New Ground“Pioneering new work has always been part of the DNA of IFES. Breaking New Ground is an exciting new initiative encouraging, supporting and resourcing a new wave of pioneering around the world.”
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