{"id":55190,"date":"2026-09-29T01:43:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T00:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/?post_type=prayerline&p=55190"},"modified":"2026-09-28T14:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T13:31:33","slug":"lift-up-your-eyes","status":"publish","type":"prayerline","link":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/fr\/prayerline\/lift-up-your-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Lift Up Your Eyes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What does student witness in Niger look like amid poverty, violence, and persecution? <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It reflects the \u201cLift Up Your Eyes\u201d call of this year\u2019s World Student Day<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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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 \u2013 and seeing him at work around them. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Encouraging Signs<\/strong> <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This June\u2019s \u201cStudent Week\u201d activities included proclamation of the gospel on campuses. Fran\u00e7ois Douramane, evangelism coordinator for the Niamey region, reports: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201c<\/em>Twenty-two determined and dynamic students took the good news of Jesus Christ to students at the University of Niamey<\/em>:<\/em> 966 students were reached, 63 refused to listen, and there were no converts.<\/em>\u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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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.\u00a0\u00bb<\/em>\u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Despite the discouragement of those who wouldn\u2019t listen, despite the disappointment of no-one deciding to follow Jesus, these young evangelists \u201clifted up their eyes and looked around\u201d \u2013 they saw God at work, strengthening them and touching others. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Fresh Perspectives<\/strong> <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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GBEEN Student Weeks always integrate gospel proclamation and practical service. This year, students visited a children\u2019s home to show Christ\u2019s love through personal interactions and donations.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Sabine, a Master\u2019s student in business law, reflects: \u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201c<\/em>The activity that made the biggest impression on me was the visit to the orphanage. I<\/em> <\/em>realised that you don\u2019t have to have a lot to help those in need.<\/em>\u201d<\/em>\u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Despite the struggle of living with very limited resources, she \u201clifted up her eyes and looked around\u201d \u2013 and saw how God used the little she had to bless others. And she gained fresh perspectives on her time at university: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201c<\/em>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<\/em> <\/em>about Christ.<\/em>\u202fMy prayer is that the Lord will continue to help me be a source of blessing to others.\u201d<\/em>\u202f <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Through the Years<\/strong> <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This has been the vision of Student Week since it started over 50 years ago \u2013 a focused point in the year when GBEEN students can grow in their faith by speaking and serving across campuses and schools. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Pray<\/strong> <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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