The Covid-19 virus has radically changed our world in recent weeks and months. Each day seems to bring news of more lives lost, more countries in lock-down, more people isolated at home.
But what’s been the impact on the university world? How are the students of IFES movements responding to the crisis? And where is God in the midst of the chaos? May these global snapshots encourage you that the Lord is still very much at work in and through the students of 2020.
Student ministry in Europe increases
With a huge number of European countries now in lock-down, it is surprising to hear that many movements, including even the IFES movement in Italy, the worst affected country, are now doing more ministry than before – albeit, all online.
GBU in Sienna recently held an online evangelistic breakfast meeting, and in another area of the country a new English-speaking Bible study group for international students has started meeting online each week. The student group in Torino has held virtual quizzes, Bible studies and even a cooking masterclass!
Throughout the region, instead of cancelling events, there is an expectation among students that they will find a way to move meetings to online platforms. Students are determined to connect with each other and to keep seeking God together. And many individuals are taking opportunities to witness to their friends, sharing posts on social media with a Christian perspective.
Unprecedented opportunities in North America
Circumstances might feel chaotic, but movements in North America are already seeing God at work among students. In the New York/New Jersey region, more students came to Christ in a week than at any other time in the past year.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity to have honest spiritual conversations with students and faculty, walking alongside them as they face, perhaps for the first time, deep questions of human frailty, mortality and purpose.”
InterVarsity staff member
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE:
https://ifesworld.org/en/blog/unprecedented-changes-in-the-university-world/