This January we met in Athens, Greece enjoying choice fellowship in the “SFC family”, while we shared testimonies which transpired during the past 12 months. Those moments of rejoicing together are faith boosters to all of us who are laboring in very secularist environments often devoid of any significant Christian witness.
There are few things that I can think of which give me more of a sense of purpose than gathering with “Students for Christ” colleagues, both national workers and cross-cultural missionaries, who come together from across Europe and whose principal reason for gathering is to intercede in common accord for university students on this continent. The sentiment of gratitude for their commitment and sacrifice to reach out to young Europeans runs deep as I hear them praying in various languages from a heart that beats strongly for student-led revival in their nations.
But we were also assembled to “PERSEVERE” (our modus operandi for 2019) in prayer, “pushing through” so to speak, until that intercession turns to praise, whether in the moment or when answers to those prayers arrive during the current year or even later. We labored while listening to the Spirit, cultivating an atmosphere for Him to speak while we prayed. We interceded in faith believing that as we prayed for God’s will to be done, He was certainly hearing us and acting on behalf of students drawing them to Himself through faith in Jesus.
In essence, we were imploring the Lord to move upon students’ hearts “that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him” since “He is not far from any one of us” as the apostle Paul encouraged the people of Athens in Acts 17. For indeed, the truth is that “in Him, we live and move and have our being” (verses 27-28). Would you pray and believe God with us for the salvation of these students?
Open Doors in Luxembourg
The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg is a small European country but with one of the highest rates of population growth, making Luxembourg the home of many internationals – and, as it relates to us, many international university students. After a recent speaking engagement at a local church in Esch-sur-Alzhette, we visited the nearby former steelworks area (Belval) that is being redeveloped as a main site of the University of Luxembourg. SFC-Europe has an open door to work in developing student ministry there alongside the church.
On a personal note, we were thrilled to hear that, unbeknownst to us, our neighbors decided to change the date of our annual Rue du Suisse Block Party from the usual date in the fall to the spring so we can be included before we have to move in the summer. We’ll also be invited to future block parties if God’s direction leads us back to this area after our upcoming itineration starting this August. So grateful to have neighbors who are becoming friends.
In other news, we have a busy travel schedule this Spring, a Connect conference to plan, and a household to pack. Please pray that we would not grow weary but would persevere with diligence, patience & gratitude.
Happy 2019 to all of you!
Blair & Dina
Evangeline, Christopher, David & Josiah