Niger: Lift Up Your Eyes
What does student witness in Niger look like amid poverty, violence, and persecution?
It reflects the “Lift Up Your Eyes” call of this year’s World Student Day.
Despite half the country living below the poverty line. Despite its 99% Muslim population and the daily persecution of Christians. Despite the perpetual threat of terrorism and violent extremism. Despite all these difficulties, a special week of activities run by GBEEN (the IFES movement in Niger) shows that students are lifting up their eyes to God – and seeing him at work around them.
Encouraging Signs
This June’s “Student Week” activities included proclamation of the gospel on campuses. François Douramane, evangelism coordinator for the Niamey region, reports:
“Twenty-two determined and dynamic students took the good news of Jesus Christ to students at the University of Niamey: 966 students were reached, 63 refused to listen, and there were no converts.
At the end, many brothers and sisters testified to the grace of God, which had come upon them through miraculous healings and powerful support during this glorious event. This encouraged everyone who was there. »
Despite the discouragement of those who wouldn’t listen, despite the disappointment of no-one deciding to follow Jesus, these young evangelists “lifted up their eyes and looked around” – they saw God at work, strengthening them and touching others.
Fresh Perspectives
GBEEN Student Weeks always integrate gospel proclamation and practical service. This year, students visited a children’s home to show Christ’s love through personal interactions and donations.
Sabine, a Master’s student in business law, reflects:
“The activity that made the biggest impression on me was the visit to the orphanage. I realised that you don’t have to have a lot to help those in need.”
Despite the struggle of living with very limited resources, she “lifted up her eyes and looked around” – and saw how God used the little she had to bless others. And she gained fresh perspectives on her time at university:
“This week helped me understand that I am not defined solely by my academic achievements, but also by my identity and calling in God. My time at university is not just about obtaining degrees; it is also about being the letter through which students will read about Christ. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to help me be a source of blessing to others.”
Through the Years
This has been the vision of Student Week since it started over 50 years ago – a focused point in the year when GBEEN students can grow in their faith by speaking and serving across campuses and schools.
Through decades of political coups and instability, these weeks have been a constant in catalysing generations of students to lift up their eyes and see how God is at work among them.
Pray
- Give thanks for the testimonies from this year’s Student Week and the glowing witness of GBEEN amid such dark circumstances.
- Ask the Lord to strengthen GBEEN students in their many challenges and to give them the grace needed to live the life of Christ and share his gospel every day.
- Pray that all the needs of this ministry will be met – especially financial provision, physical protection, and godly leadership.
Lift Up Your Eyes to God for students in Niger and other Francophone Africa countries with this year’s World Student Day Prayer Cards.
Will you be praying for students on 8 October? Show your solidarity by signing up here.