Training to Transform

Sex, Wine, Sin and God

2012-01-26T10:16:00.002Z

Here a creative evangelistic idea from the pioneering student group in Malta. It is a leaflet they distributed and brought them into conversations with students.

Enjoy and use! And tell us how it went!

Steve Jobs and God

2012-01-24T18:18:00.000Z

What is the relationship between this pic:

and this one:

The answer is: Steve Jobs and God!

I was given recently as a gift Steve Jobs' biography that was published a few days later after his death the past month of October. It is fascinating! I still have a long ways to go as it is a thick book!

But I was struck by his early story where the biographer retells his experience with church and God.

He later on said: "The juice goes out of Christianity when it becomes too based on faith rather than on living like Jesus or seeing the world as Jesus saw it".

There are lots of parallelism with these words with what James repeats over and over in his epistle: "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead "(Chapter 2:17).

This is a real challenge for us! May we never loose sight that our faith needs to be put in action! May we never be a stumbling block to those who search for God!

Questions to Ponder

How does my faith reflect in actions?
What will I do this week to reflect my faith in action?

Veritas Forum

2012-01-19T07:51:00.002Z

Veritas Forums began at Harvard University, the motto of which is Veritas (truth). The initiator, Kelly Monroe Kullberg, was concerned that study and research in Universities were becoming too specialised and that students and lecturers were no longer debating big issues in an interdisciplinary way … including input from Christians.

Over the three consecutive evenings of the Veritas Forum, Christians and non-Christians debate in public and answer questions from the floor concerning some of the greatest issues of today.

Impact

We have held four Veritas Forum events in France since 2008, and we believe we have contributed to making Christianity more plausible in the very secular context of the French University. Several well-known philosophers and other leaders have agreed to take part in these debates, and the Universities have allowed us to organise the events on their premises because the meetings are open debates between people of different opinions. This year in Nice a total of 570 people attended the meetings.

Stories

I was the local coordinator for the Veritas Forum in Strasbourg. It was the first time that I was had worked for such a project, and it was a great experience. I had to motivate, supervise and encourage students in their tasks. I really appreciate this work, and I have learned to be a multi-tasker (coordinating tasks, contacting the University, churches, sponsors…). I discovered many aspects of working in a Christian context, sometimes it was stimulating and sometimes it was stressful. When a situation became difficult, it reminded me that I could not control everything, God would provide! Emilie – Local coordinator in Strasbourg.

In Nice one non-Christian student waited almost all day outside the lecture theatre to be sure of getting a seat for the debate. Pierre – Local coordinator in Nice

“What is my vision of the world which enables me to interpret my observations? Isn’t there a certain arrogance in thinking that my opinion is better than someone else’s unless there is a valid basis for doing so? The Christian has adopted a world view which comes from God’s revelation in the Bible” – a Christian speaker at the Veritas Forum in Nice.

IVCF USA, IVCF Canada, UCCF England, IFES Nederland and GBU France have used Veritas Forums in their National Movements. If you are interested in knowing more about the Veritas Forum contact David Brown, General Secretary of GBU France (david.brown@gbu-france.org) or Bert den Hertog, General Secretary of IFES Nederland (bert@ifes-nederland.nl).

Come to me... and I will give you rest

2012-01-17T16:31:00.000Z

Christmas holidays have been over for a bit now and we may be thinking of our next holidays already. Holidays are good to rest, be restored, regain vision, etc.But holidays are limited! Nevertheless rest in the Lord is always available to us!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Come: Is anaction. We may not have strength for this very simple action, but it is aboveall an attitude of heart.

To me: How many times do we seek othersolutions to calm our inner troubles instead of going to the Lord? We shouldrepent from the many times that we have tried to seek rest in our own ways. Whom have I inheaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25.

All you who are weary and burdened:It is not only a question of tiredness that is caused by lack of sleep, rest,physical effort, etc. It is much more profound. Maybe we are tired of theeconomical instability, family problems, student’s lack of vision, our smallcommitment to God, etc.

I will give you rest:Jesus does not invite us to bring our attention to possible solutions; he isguiding our attention to himself! Going to Him is the direct solution to ourtiredness; it is an invitation that is clear and firm.

Questions to Ponder

1. What do you think when you hear“come to me”

2. How have you tried to rest in God?

3. Meditate on this verse and ask Godto help you find rest in Him as a natural action.

Mission Market Place at "Undivided2012"

2012-01-12T08:10:00.000Z

In a few weeks time we will be celebrating our IFES Europe Student Evangelism Conference in Györ, Hungary "Undivided2012"?

This is a conference that happens every four years and an opportunity to celebrateEaster with 2000 students from across Europe:

Growing in passion for the Lord andunderstanding of his mission
Gaining confidence to act for Hisglory

Are you planning to come? Are you still undicided? In either case: You can already get involved! Inspire your fellow students and get inspired!

We would like to give you an opportunity to present your ideas and experiences in missionary activities at the conference in the Mission Market Place. This, will be a special interactive space available during the whole conference, where students will bring their own ideas to learn and share.

If you have activities, ideas or experiences you would like to share at the conference you can fill in this form and then we will contact you to continue the process. We want to build this conference together by sharing together and learning from one another! Thank you!

If you have further questions you can contact Jantine Zuur or Edith Vilamajó

Check also the Facebook page!

Teach us to number our days...

2012-01-10T10:48:00.000Z

The Christmas season is over (in Spain aLittle later as we celebrate Epiphany day January 6th!) and Little by Little weare back to our routines, but with, hopefully new purposes and desires for thisNew Year 2012.

Inspired by the songs of "Once detalles y un café"CD of "Papel Maché"(which includes some songs in English) I have written the following purposesfor the new year. I pray they may be inspiring for your and your ministriesthis year.

Happy New Year 2012!

1. “Starters”: OngoingEvaluation

Exodus 20:8-10 –Rememberthe Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all yourwork, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shallnot do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant ormaidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.

2. “Ifyou were not next to me, I will miss something…: Practice the presence ofGod

Colossians 1:18b – “He is the beginning and the firstborn from among thedead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

3. “…I will rest in you”: Restin God

Philippians 4:6-8 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer andpetition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace ofGod, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mindsin Christ Jesus.”

4. “Loveis...”: Love with the love of God

1 Corinthians 13:8ª - “Love never fails.”

5. “…we need to be like children tobelieve what we cannot see”: Increase my faith

Hebrews 11:1/6 – “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for andcertain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible toplease God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists andthat he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

6. “…life is fragile and so loved…today is already yesterday.”: Make the most of my time

Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain aheart of wisdom.

7. “…you, being and not being, you knowmy beginning and my end …”: Toknow God in the intimacy

Psalm 139: 8b/23-24 - “…you are there. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxiousthoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the wayeverlasting."

8. “…he does not have a purpose of life”:Give a purpose to those who do not have one

John 1:9 – “The true light that gives light to every man wascoming into the world.”

9. “…I’m trapped in my faults… and thenyou appeared. Your love changed me”: Fresh vision of the Gospel

Psalm 130:3 – “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, whocould stand?”

10. “…I am the work of art of the skiespainter, a cut sculpture by a great sculptor”: Learn from God Creator, be creative

Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skiesproclaim the work of his hands.”

11. “…Amazing grace… that saved awretch like me”: More on grace

Ephesians 2:8 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”.

Questions to Ponder

What are your expectations/purposes for this year 2012?

Share with us! Let us build 2012 together!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-16T08:57:00.003Z

“May God himself, theGod of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul andbody be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one whocalls you is faithful and he will do it.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

I was struck when I related Christmas with the coming back ofour Lord in my Advent meditations. To be honest, I do not think I have madethis relationship before. It fascinates me. The Lord comes wrapped in cloths tolive amongst us. But the Lord will come again and this time it will be forever.And before he comes back he commits himself to perfect us. This is the Lord wecelebrate this Christmas! The one who comes! The one who will come!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012!

I will resume blogging January 10th 2012.

The Mark Drama in Latvia - 2011

2011-12-15T10:37:00.000Z

A little video about Mark Drama in Latvia 2011. Some shots from our super speed rehearsals (90 min performance in 10 min), some of rehearsing separate events like driving out the evil spirit and arresting Jesus, and also some shots from the performances... Enjoy :)

Music used in video:
FM Static - My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go
Taio Cruz - Dynamite

Getting the Most Out of a Seminar or Class

2011-12-13T19:07:00.000Z

How can we motivate students to come ready to learn?

Here are five tips suggested by Barbara J. Winter from About.

1. Be responsible for what happens in the room

Do you realize, for instance, that you can help the leader do a better job? By nodding, smiling, responding, you can encourage - or discourage - the person leading the seminar. Nonverbal communication is strong in a classroom and good teachers are paying attention to the signals their students send. If you frown or appear indifferent, you may have a negative impact on the person leading the course. By supporting the tacher, you will get a better class.

2. Come ready to learn

Leave your problems and worries outside the room and let your sense of adventure take over. For a few hours, suspend your resistance and be open to the ideas and information you are receiving. Treat your learning experiences like a mini-vacation and be willing to encounter the unexpected.

3. Pick the best seat in the room

Arrive a bit early and select the best vantage point you can get. Make sure you can see and hear what's going on. The farther to the front that you place yourself, the fewer the distractions.

4. Take two sets of notes

Make one set factual (i.e important points in the lecture, etc.) and another of ideas that you get during the course of the lecture. In other words, begin applying ideas to yourself immediately.

5. Be a regular student

Of course, expanding your knowledge can be fun and interesting, but there are larger benefits. Seminars and classes can strengthen your self-confidence, motivate you, awaken ideas and thoughts that have been dormant. You can even transform your life.

Barbara J. Winter is a Minneapolis-based tacher and author who conducts seminars.

Learning and Life Cycle

2011-12-08T18:49:00.000Z

Source: http://www.cuantarazon.com/438763/aprendizaje

Questions to Ponder

What do you think of the image above?
Do you agree?
How could we keep the creativity thinking in people's lives?

Some Reflections on Discipleship

2011-12-06T11:55:00.000Z

Today as a group of youth workers in Spain we were asked the question:

Think of two people that have had a great influence in you Spiritual walk and say why.

We then put in common some of the common traits:

Someone who was a model
Someone who invested in me/invested time
Someone who believed in me
Someone I want to be like
Someone who is willing to be vulnerable
Someone humble
Someone who inspired me
Someone who has available, who was near
Someone full of grace and mercy
Someone who did not judge me
Someone who was real
Someone who emphasized with me
Someone who was a servant

Interestingly enough it dawned on us that the common trait was that this people made an impact in our lives in the context of a relationship. That what was related with the character was more important than how much they knew.

We then were asked to reflect on what do we want to see in the people we disciple. Later on how we were going to achieve that. These are some of our thoughts put together:

Model
Demonstrate
Help
Invest
Being accountable
Value
Challenge
Walk with
Do it with
Send

It struck me that at the end of the day I want to be the same person to others that my own mentors were with me (all of the above!).

Questions to Ponder

Think of two people that were an important influence in your spiritual journey. Why were they an important influence?
What do you want to see in the people you disciple?
How are you going to achieve it?

Share with us!

Coffee CAMP - IVCF Korea

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000Z

The Coffee CAMP is an acronym for Coffee As a Movement Project. People feel comfortable chatting while drinking a cup of hot java-the rich aroma, deep taste, the warmth-coffee can really help you open up.

So, we felt that if we could brew our own coffee, we could help build bridges with non-Christians and liven up our own meetings! We also saw the potential to discuss fair trade and the unfair practices of international trade. So the Coffee CAMP was born!

Last but not least, some of the outgoing students converted their club activity rooms into cafes, so that even wary non-Christian friends can drop by, enjoy a cup of coffee and casually chat.

Impact

Kim, Myung Hee writes: We converted our club room into a café! Before this, we mainly had Christians in IVF. However, turning our room into a café made it so much easier for non-Christians to drop by and talk to us. We also did an event where we sold free trade coffee with handmade cookies, and raised awareness about fair trade. I talk to my friends about fair trade all the time now!

Han, Ji Sun writes: In our Korean society, alcohol is the usual medium for people to open up. However, it felt nice to be able to present a nice, Christian alternative to alcohol-fair trade coffee and tea, which can help people open up just the same! I also learned that many coffee producing countries are also mission target countries.

Mr. Go, Myung Su writes: The coffee ministry is not a strategy or a tool. It’s about following the Word and serving the world. We, as a community, wondered how we can follow Jesus’ example of devoting ourselves to serve others, and came up with the idea to turn our club room into a café. The world is so fierce and competitive for university students, and we wanted to offer them some comfort. Also, till now we treated our club room as a hideaway from the world, our own personal space apart from the world. And we always tried to bring the non-believers into our space through certain events, which are unnatural. But when we gave up a bit of our comfort to just serve them, they started bringing their friends along to our cafe. And coffee provided the opportunity to start friendly conversations. The Word of God is shown and experienced through these personal relationships, and that’s why we run the cafe. It’s not about the coffee. It’s the spirit that we will follow Jesus’ example of honest and selfless devotion and sacrifice.

Story

At the camp, students learned to roast and brew coffee, and they used the experience to brew coffee at school and church, which lightened up many meetings.

They also learned about how coffee producers were disadvantaged in the current international trade, and began to use fair-trade products.

Furthermore, students went back to school and discussed international trade and fair trade among their Christian and non-Christian friends, urging them to think about what justice is. They started movements to raise awareness regarding fair trade and environmental protection.

Listening to God

2011-11-29T11:23:00.001Z

Questions to ponder

Why do we want/ought to listen to God?
How do we listen to God? What are the mean
What are some barriers to hearing God?

Check this dvd out:

1. Hearing within the frame of a relationshipwith God

1 Samuel 3:1-21: Samuel did not recognize God’s voice firstbecause he did not know him!

I am not to seek God's voice in an attitude of using God but in an attitude of relationship with God.

Another interesting resource is Leanne Payne's book "Listening Prayer". Here are some great quotes from that book:

"Listening to God is obedience".
"What I look for is God himself, not the experience."
"Listening prayer is friendship with God."

2. Listening to God in the frame of discipline

Adoration
Confession
Thankfulness
Petition
Intercession

I was sharing some of these thoughts this past Sunday and the next day I received an e-mail from one of the people who heard. She says: "I would like to share with you some of the things I learnt yesterday. This morning, when I was doing my devotional, I was praying and thinking "What is God going to speak to me through his Word today?" I read Titus, thinking that Paul was writing directly to me and I have experienced something very special and I have learnt a lot."

Praise God for His Word! praise God that he speaks! Praise God when we apply what we learn! Praise God when we are willing for Him to speak to our heart through his Word!

Egykérdés/ Onequestion MEKDSz, Hungary

2011-11-24T11:00:00.000Z

Brief description of event

Our motivation was to offer an opportunity to everybody who would like to, to ask ‘one question’ from God. We started this program in order to motivate every student to ask and to prove that Christianity is not about us giving ready-made answers, but about the almighty God who waits our every question.

According to this, the team made a site where people could send over their own questions to God (http://egykerdes.hu/) or voting for others. This went on form 1^st of January to the end of February and during 1-3^rd of March the team organized a festival in a local pub in order to give answers to the first three more voted questions.

Impact

Both the site and the event had huge impact on students, different parts of society (like sociologists, psychologists, researchers) because of the amount of the questions and the themes of them.
On the event every believer would had to bring a non-believer with them and we granted few people having the task to be there and talk to the guests. They were the ‘onequestion’ team and they were there in order to be asked about every topic one wanted.
In the following months the team took care to the other topics that were not answered publicly, and video-answers were recorded for those.

Story

It was a huge recognition that the world does have questions to ask God, and they do have serious topics concerning Him, and they actually are interested, and they do try to find God. But they seem to consider the church as an organization which instead of leading them to God, it ends up by tearing them apart from the Gospel.

And of course, it was wonderful to meet so many mouths thirsty for the Gospel. Nice feeling also, that they also had felt like we care for them and for their questions.

God Calls Paul, God Calls Me

2011-11-22T18:13:00.001Z

I invite you to read Acts 9:1-31.

We are all quite familiar with Saul's conversion story and the powerful ways in which God used him.

There are three aspects of his encounter with Jesus that I would like to draw your attention to.

1. A character trait: Zeal

We cannot question Paul's zeal. And yet his encounter with God does imply that his zeal was not only based on wrong motivations but was also based on something that was not true.

Zeal is not enough. Our zeal has to be based on what is true.

2. An encounter: "He fell, was blind, had to be taken by the hand"

Paul was self-sufficient. He had all the resources he needed in himself to do what he thought he was called to do.

His encounter with Jesus was going to challenge that attitude: He fell, experiencing instability, weakness, being humiliated. He was blind and became totally dependent on someone else.

An authentic zeal has to be linked with dependency on God and relying on him to provide what we need to do what He calls us to do.

3. A mandate: "Go back to the city, there you will be told what to do"

Paul's patience was to be tried as he was to wait instructions and will not have the opportunity to improvise a plan as he had been cut out of his personal resources. Blindness was leading him to waiting.

Things do not always happen right away. Waiting periods are also part of our calling to action for God. We need to learn when to go and when to wait.

Questions to Ponder

What motivates you to do what you do? Are you in the right direction?
Do you tend to rely more on your own strength, capability, zeal, than in God? How does Paul's testimony help you?
How do you handle waiting? Does your attitude reflect a lack of trust in God?

Do we Need to Change the Way we Teach?

2011-11-17T10:00:00.001Z

I think there is no need for further words. Happy watching!

Questions to Ponder

Would you agree with Ken Robinson? Why?

How does his theories reflect in the church and our ministry with students?

What will be some of the things we could do to change?

Think! Share! Discuss!

Scripture Engagement in our Lives and Ministries

2011-11-15T10:25:00.001Z

The IFES Bible study consultation took place in Singapore from February 9-15, 2011. It was attended by 30 people from 24 countries. The delegates were made up of students, staff, and volunteers aged 35 and younger; the team of IFES staff came from five different regions.

The stated goals of this consultation were:

To help build relevant Scripture engagement and trust in the power of God’s Word into the culture of our IFES movements on all levels;
To develop new approaches that will help this student generation to become interested in and attracted by Scripture, to learn to go deep into God’s Word, and to become firmly rooted in Christ.

Central Issues around Scripture Engagement:

Conviction and Motivation.
Engaging All of Scripture.
Engaging with the World’s Needs and Issues.
Evangelistic Bible Study.
Oral Learning/Creative Approaches.
Training.
IT/New Media.
Giving Space at the grassroots level for new things to be developed and tried out (particularly need student initiative).

March 18, 2011 Bob Grahmann and Sabine Kalthoff (co-leaders of the consultation).

You can e-mail Sabine for full report and detailed conclusions by region.

Soon there will be a Scripture engagement newsletter in IFES. This newsletter will give some food for thought to help us reflect on how we are engaging Scripture and will share examples of how students around the world are engaging with God’s word so that we can learn more from one another. It will be available in English, French, and Spanish and will be sent out 2-4 times per year. You can sign up for it here: http://eepurl.com/fPI2v.

Questions to Ponder

Is Scripture central to your life and ministry? How?
How we you engaging Scripture?
What are some examples of how students are engaging with God’s word?

Share!

Medical Camp

2011-11-10T19:29:00.001Z

A free medial Camp was held on 1^st May 2011 in periphery of Lahore (a metropolitan city) at St. Oswald’s Church, Lahore Diocese. This Church is located in one of the low socio-economic areas of the city, where the majority population are Christians. The medical camp was a united effort by the Christian medical students and doctors fellowship, Lahore diocese church of Pakistan (St. Oswald Church) and United Christian Hospital, Lahore. The panel of doctors at the event included medical students and post graduate trainees, all who are members of members of medical fellowship. Not only the patients were given free consultancy, but were also given free medication, lab facilities regarding blood sugar testing and blood grouping. Along with that a child health awareness session about hygiene and environmental cleanliness was also arranged.

The Medical Fellowship was successful in reaching out to almost 200 people, giving them free medical advice, medication and also sharing the compassion of Christ with them ensuring them that they are not alone in there suffering.

The free medical camp also encouraged the spirit of voluntary work among medical students and young doctors, helping them connect back with there community, a compassion the Christian community in Pakistan is in a dire need of. The free medical camp was an effort towards building the Christian Society for the spiritual as well as physical needs.

The follow up this project was very positive. Since it help involve the young Christian doctors, medical students, Para medics and also partnership of the church, all working as a single unit, to witness the holistic evangelism of the church at large.

The high light of the camp was when a 30 year old female who had been married for 10 years came to the camp. It was her fourth pregnancy, but sadly she had previous three miscarriages. She had come to the camp for her very first antenatal visit. During this when her blood sugar level were tested they were markedly raised, labeling her as frank diabetic and her diabetes was the mostly likely cause of her previous miscarriages.

It was the first time she came to know her condition. She was thoroughly counseled regarding the disease and its affects on the present pregnancy. She was thus referred to a tertiary care hospital, to which most of the young doctors are attached with. Where she was followed up and monitored on insulin. She had a fortunate out come of her first baby boy.

Tabitha Mehwish Jamil, House officer and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore Coordinator - Christian Medical Students and Doctors Fellowship (Pakistan Fellowship of Evangelical Students).

Higher...

2011-11-08T16:50:00.000Z

I have found the following passage (and actually the whole chapter!) very encouraging in these past few days. May they bring encouragement to your heart this week:

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Isaiah 58: 6-11

Questions to Ponder

Are we sometimes putting God in a box?
Is this what stops us from seeing God responding to our prayers?
Do we expect God to answer "our" way?
Is this what stops us from our faith to grow?

Coffee CAMP in South Korea

2011-11-03T10:26:00.000Z

Story

At the camp, students learned to roast and brew coffee, and they used the experience to brew coffee at school and church, which lightened up many meetings.

They also learned about how coffee producers were disadvantaged in the current international trade, and began to use fair-trade products.

Last but not least, some of the outgoing students converted their club activity rooms into cafes, so that even wary non-Christian friends can drop by, enjoy a cup of coffee and casually chat.

Impact

Kim, Myung Hee writes: We converted our club room into a café! Before this, we mainly had Christians in IVF. However, turning our room into a café made it so much easier for non-Christians to drop by and talk to us. We also did an event where we sold free trade coffee with handmade cookies, and raised awareness about fair trade. I talk to my friends about fair trade all the time now!

God Calls the Disciples, God Calls me

2011-11-01T09:06:00.000Z

There are several accounts of the calling of the disciples. But I invite you to read Mark 3:13-19. It is a short and yet profound account. Let us discover together!

Questions to ponder as we start

What strikes you from this passage?
Observe the way Jesus calls his disciples, describe.
What are the disciples called to?
How do the disciples respond?

1. An Unusual Calling

Special place: the mountain.

We may wonder why did Jesus call the disciples to join them on the mountain? Was it because it was a place removed and therefore exempt of distractions? Was it because it was like a "ceremonial" place, a special place? We will see as we continue to read the Gospel accounts that there are always special events happening on a mount.

He chose those he wanted

If we were working in an HR department and we were trying to learn from Jesus as we read this passage we may be struck with what we read. How did Jesus choose? What were the candidate's profile requirements? It almost seems that Jesus is choosing by doing proselytism, or following unorthodox pre-requisites. It does not seem fair or democratic.

But we could also aknowledge that:

Jesus had enough authority to choose whom he wanted.
Jesus had the necessary wisdom and discernment.
Jesus had a clear purpose, a clear direction, he knew how he wanted to achieve his mission and with whom.

2. An Unusual people

There is little said about whom these men were. We know, because of the context that, after all, they were ordinary men.

By quoting their names it suggests that Jesus knew them. They were not individuals lost in a group. They were unique individuals, they were special. Jesus knew them personally, he knew their personalities, their needs, their backgrounds, their abilities.

I find it interesting the the writer chooses to name all of them in this passage. Afterwards they will be referred mostly as "the disciples". Some of them will never be quoted again.

3. An Obedient Response

The disciples obeyed and promptly! We may wonder why? Jesus' fame was barely extended as he had just started his ministry and these men had their own jobs and lives. We may think of:

Curiosity
They felt honored that at rabi would call them.
They were naive, and were not aware of the consequences to which Jesus was calling them to.
They were not satisfied with their lives.
Peer pressure or external pressure.
Fear to disobey.

Whatever the reasons were they obey which was a good start! Interestingly enough Jesus breaks the tradition in which the disciple found a rabi. He finds the disciples! See this fantastic dvd from Nooma.

4. A Holistic Ministry

There is a twofold call: Being with Jesus, Doing for Jesus. There is a very close relationship between both. This is what Christian life is all about. As someone said there is not such a thing as a "part time Christian life".

Questions to Ponder

What is Jesus calling us to? What is our response?
Are we willing to work in the shadow? In the place where our names will not be quoted?
How do we keep the balance between "being with Jesus" and "doing for Jesus"? What will help you?

Meditate and Share with us!

MUEVE Students Face up to the Conflicts in Venezuelan Universities

2011-10-27T15:44:00.000+01:00

Students demanding non-violence?

What is happening in our universities?

Three consecutive years have gone by in our generation with irregularities in academic activities; the situation is critical. Why? Vandalism (looting, robberies, clashes, murders, etc.). Who is responsible? They are unknown, the background is very complicated. So, what did the student group do?

We decided to be like Daniel!

We started praying in squares, buildings and in the entrance to the university. Then we summoned student leaders from different groups and movements within the campus. Brilliant ideas came up at a critical and academic debate. One of the ideas was to organise a general student assembly led by the members of MUEVE.

What surprised us?

1.- Students read the Bible before coming to our meetings.

2.- Communists, Venezuelan left- and right-wing supporters pray with us for the university.

3.- JESUS CHRIST was the arbitrator in our assembly! Debates going from 10 to 300 people have taken place without anyone uttering a single obscene or offensive word. It is a historic event!

4.- ‘When I was invited by MUEVE I went in anticipation, they speak the truth here!’ a student said.

At least 25 students have made a commitment and are willing to fight peacefully for the university.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!

THE STUDENTS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AS HUMANS WE HAVE NO POWER TO CHANGE THE UNIVERSITY, BUT JESUS CHRIST HAS!

‘FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS GAIN.’

Rosarelys del Carmen Martínez Urbaneja studies Chemistry Education at the Universidad de Oriente UDO (Sucre-Cumaná Campus) in Venezuela. She is the General Coordinator of the Group (MUEVE-UDO-CUMANÁ).

God Calls Jeremiah, God Calls me

2011-10-25T14:15:00.000+01:00

I invite you to read Jeremiah 1:4-19. We discover some of the things we can learn from the way God calls Jeremiah.

1. Some first thoughts on calling

God calls Jeremiah both to be chosen and separated (identity) and to be a prophet (mission).
God's plans for Jeremiah start before he can even be aware of it!
Jeremiah is called to a global ministry: to represent God, to speak for God.

2. Jeremiah's response

Jeremiah reacts negatively. The excuse being: "I do not know how to speak, I am only a child...". It seems that he does not want to assume his calling.

Several questions come to mind:

Why does he do not know how to speak? Because he is too young?
Because he thinks he is not gifted?
Is it really a matter of youth or capacity?
Does all that mean he is then questioning God?

3. God's response

It is a very direct and imperative response. Almost as a father speaks to his disobedient teenager. Jeremiah does not complain again! But God understands Jeremiah and he gives him all he will need and... it is immediate!:

"I am will rescue you" (v.8): protection.
"I have put my words in your mouth" (v.9): equipping.
"I appoint you over the nations" (v.10): authority.
"I have made you a fortified city..." (v.18): strength.

Questions to Ponder

Why does God choose us?
Why do we fear if God gives us everything we need?
How can we develop our trust in God?
How does Jeremiah's call encourage us today?

Share! Discuss!

21st October - IFES World Student Day: Please Pray!

2011-10-20T13:02:00.000+01:00

World Student Day Prayer Resource Video from IFES World on Vimeo.

World Student Day: Friday 21 October 2011 from IFES World on Vimeo.

http://www.ifesworld.org/resources/worldstudentday

Stop and Think

2011-10-18T14:39:00.001+01:00

As I was walking to church a few weeks ago I bumped into that sign:

It made me stop and think! It reminded me that a while ago I had determined to stop at least one full day a month to think, pray, evaluate, be refreshed, take new perspective... But I have been procrastinating.

I have spent a few hours yesterday (still continue today) to just "be still and know that I am God..."(Psalm 46:10).

It is good to pause. Pause to receive, as Gordon Smith says in his booklet Alone with the Lord, A Guide for a Personal Day of Prayer that I truly recommend:

The grace to experience that I am loved.
The grace to experience the convicting and liberating ministry of the Spirit.
The grace to experience the illuminating power of truth.
The grace to experience guidance for a critical and important choice.

Pause! Stop and think... God will meet you! For sure!

Questions to ponder

When was the last time I paused to think? How was the experience?
What stops me to stop and think?
Take your diary and book a date for you to stop and think.

The Mark Drama (2)

2011-10-13T12:20:00.001+01:00

"The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe". This is the Mark Drama, the power of God working through his Word in the lives of the actors and the audience. This is possible because it is an almost completely literal presentation of Mark's Gospel. The 15 actors are filled with the Word after spending 6 weeks meditating on the gospel and learning the order of events by heart. And this is made obvious when, after distributing the roles and only 3 rehearsals, the good news comes to life! The action happens in the centre of the circle of chairs where the public are sat and up and down the aisles, meaning that for 90 minutes, the audience are immersed in the life and teachings of JESUS.

Impact

"It has been a great blessing for my life, it is an emotion that is impossible to describe in words. You don't just read the gospel, you get to live it!" Eunice, actress

"To get to know His life and see it acted out has made me think even more about what He did for me, and that I am also one of those who said "Crucify him!" Marta, actress

"As a Christian I have read the gospel, but seeing it performed has touched me deeply and confronted my faith. I thank God for you all." Member of the public.

Story

The Mark Drama was the rescue operation of God. Everyone who took part needed the Mark Drama at that moment. They needed this encouragement for the spiritual lives and they needed to see that God is still seeking to restore or deepen His relationship with them. Now they are involved in the church, and the church is putting lots of energy and effort into evangelism. The believers that saw the performance were reminded of all that Jesus did for them and some non-Christians took steps of faith, which were the start of a change in their lives. We have not seen all the fruit yet, but we trust that God will harvest it in His time.

The Mark Drama and the opportunity to spend 6 intense weeks meditating on the gospel, has been a privilege. And we did it conscious of the great responsibility it is to re-enact the life of the Master without making a mess of it and really reflecting Him, the disciples and all the other characters, not just as roles in a play, but really reflect their lives, in our own words... But I ask myself: if it was of such an impact to see God work in power and we don't want that to stop: why do we not come to the foot of the cross each day asking to understand a little more about what it means for us? Why don't we live lives that delight in the glory of God, glorifying Him and reflecting His glory? God wants to work in power but it depends on us…

Pedro Alemán Delgado is a medical student. He is a member of the local committee of students in Canary Islands and also member of the National Student Committee of GBU Spain. He was at World Assembly 2011 and he was an actor at The Mark Drama.

***

We had already published a blog post a while ago on The Mark Drama (click here). But now there is also an introductory video that you can use to learn more about it or use for making it know.

If you are interested in performing The Mark Drama on campus you can contact Andrew Page and you can visit The Mark Drama webpage for lots more information!

We are planning to run a training for directors of The Mark Drama for IFES Europe National Movements in May 2012. If you are interested contact Edith. Watch this space!

God Calls David, God Calls me

2011-10-11T11:34:00.001+01:00

I invite you to read 1 Samuel 16 and make your own notes before you read on! Look for the characters in the story and their attitudes. Look for God's way to deal with the different people and situations. Enjoy!

God calls leaders

"I have chosen" (v.1). Call comes because God chooses.
God always raises the person he wants at the time he wants (v.1)
God raises people even in the midst of opposition or possible opposition (v.2).
Interestingly enough David's public recognition does not happen until 2 Samuel chapters 2 and 5. God's call but the fulfillment of this call does not have to happen at the same time.

We may wonder what happened with Saul. Did God make a mistake calling him? God does not make mistakes! Saul failed, he did not fulfill his part of the commitment. Because of his disobedience God rejects him. But it is very important to note that God does not reject Saul as a man but as a king (see v.1). Rejection is linked with Saul's role not to him as a person.

In the same way God calls he can also rebuke, reject!

What God is looking for

David is going to replace Saul because the latter has been rejected by God. It is similar to Samuel's story, when he comes to replace Eli. Obviously Saul had changed and did not fulfill God's requirements any longer.

As God reveals his requirements to Samuel, it is obvious that He is more interested in the heart than in appearances. Appearances fade, the heart prevails.

Questions to ponder

What is the heart? What does it mean that God looks at the heart?

God invites us in the process of raising leaders

Even though he is the one who chooses he invites us in the process. Some aspects that we need to remember:

It took Samuel quite a while to understand he had to wait patiently under God's instructions. It is also true that God was not in a hurry to reveal who the right person was. We must learn to be patient and wait upon the Lord to reveal his will and not for us to jump into our own ideas.
Samuel was terrified that Saul will retaliate. God's callings may be unpopular but it is indeed a privilege to be involved with God in raising leaders and we need to trust him.
Samuel takes direct part in this process but in full submission and tuning with God. We need to learn to choose under God's will.

Questions to ponder

Do we pray, ask, wait in God before we choose somebody?
Do we search for God's qualities or the world's qualities?

Discerning the times

Saul started and Saul had to finish. Unfortunately it was not a nice end. Saul did not understand the times. He did not know when it was time for him to go.

David also was to start but with also an end in view.

A specific responsibility, or role in leadership always has an end.

Questions to ponder

How do we discern times? When do we start, when do we finish?
Why do we "cry" for leaders that have finished their times?
What do we do with "fallen" leaders?

May the Lord bless you as you fulfill your own calling and seek his wisdom in the calling of others.

“Who Do You Think God Is?” Proxie Station

2011-10-06T21:24:00.000+01:00

The “Who Do You Think God Is?” Proxie station is an evangelistic tool used to engage students in spiritual conversations in a way that is thought-provoking and interesting. This large tri-paneled board is operated by Christian students who lead observers “through” the proxie station, starting from the left and going to the right. They are given stickers or markers and place them in the appropriate place of what they believe is true. It then gives the Christian student the opportunity to ask the person why they think the way they do. It starts with belief about God and finishes with purpose and meaning, ending ideally with the Christian sharing the gospel with the non-Christian participant using the proxie station, telling how God is good and gives us purpose and value. This tool is also a good way to gauge the spiritual climate of your campus.

Impact

Our student group set up the proxie station in our student union outside the dining hall, and asked students passing by to participate. Some of the reactions where:

This is so cool, we never talk about these kinds of things on campus
I have never thought about God or religion in this way before
I am surprised at other student responses, I never thought so many students would say God and science can coexist
You all should do things like this more often!

Story

While no one came to faith during our proxie exhibit, it changed how many students on our campus viewed our Christian student group. For many it was the first time they had heard of our group, or talked about these issues with Christians in a positive way. One student who was obviously a thinker and skeptical to religion came back several times during the day, and at one point just sat down on the floor next to the exhibit and had deep conversations about the existence of God and the problems of evil and God's goodness with the Christians leading the exhibit and anyone else who was around.

Kodi Thompson-Moore has studied Religious Studies and has been a student leader at Grinnell College with IVCF/USA. He is now on staff.

A New Academic Year...

2011-10-04T16:47:00.000+01:00

We are still somehow at the doors of a new academic year.I wanted to share some verses (in blue) that I came across as I was starting back after my holidays that have been a great encouragement. I add some comments.

May the God of peace [not the peace that the world gives; the God who is peace],
who through the blood of the eternal covenant [there is no salvation without shedding of blood. This bloodshed is once and for all. It is a covenant that is from the beginning and it is a covenant that will never be broken from God’s side: He is faithful]
brought back from the dead [living hope, the reason for our faith]
our Lord Jesus [the son of God taking up our guilt. Ours because when we believe in Him we become co-heirs with Him],
that great Shepherd of the sheep [the One who guides, the One who provides – you can also read a beautiful interpretation of Psalm 23 in my blog],
equip you with everything good for doing his will [there is a close relationship between doing good and his will. There is no place for evil, wrong decision making, false steps; we are to follow his path]
and may he work in us what is pleasing to him [and this comes from Him, and not from us. We have to give him freedom to move in us as He wishes],
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen [Amen and Amen!].

(Hebrews 13:20-21)

As we start a new academic year, my personal prayer and my prayer for you is that He will be:

Our peace
Our hope
Our guide
Our Lord
Our faith
The one who equips us

We are together for one more academic year. May God use us for his glory and honour and so that many can hear about Jesus and trust Him as their peace, hope, guide, Lord, faith and the one who equips them.

“Week of Values” Love, Sex and Youth - “How to fall in love and not die in the process!”

2011-09-29T08:53:00.000+01:00

The “Week of Values” is an annual event that takes place in different Universities across the state of Tabasco, Mexico. The topics presented differ depending on the University, as each one has its own context and specific issues. The event consists of a series of talks with the main goal being to make known the values of the Kingdom of God. At the end of each talk, there is an invitation to come along to the Bible study groups. This event has been key in uniting Christian students to reach other students at the University.

What students said about it:

It was incredible to see the way in which God sees sex; that it is not bad, as long as it is kept within His limits!
Do another one soon! The talks were great!
It helped me to realize that I need to make Jesus the center of my life.
Thank you for organizing events like this, where we are reminded that we should become better people.
The talks were fun and they made me reflect a lot on some of the changes that I need to make in my life.

As this was a large event, it involved many months of both spiritual and emotional preparation. We looked for a speaker who would be able to handle the topic well and set the place and date keeping in mind the academic calendar. As the event got closer, we worked hard to promote it in all the classrooms, on an individual level and at other universities. This year, 8 events were carried out at 3 universities: Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), Universidad Popular de la Chontalpa (UPCH) and at the Instituto de Educación Superior Alfa y Omega. About 1500 people came in total and we had lots of opportunities to talk to many of them about their doubts. After the event, the number of people at the Bible study groups rose and there we were able to do the follow-up. This event was a creative way to let people know about what true love is and an amazing experience for the team of organizers.

Vianey Gómez just graduated from Chemical Engineering. She was the coordinator for the National Student Council of COMPA Mexico and now is a volunteer in the state of Tabasco en supports the pioneering work in the state of Chiapas.

An opportunity to say ‘Thank You’

2011-09-22T08:47:00.000+01:00

This program was organized by the Student Christian Fellowship of University of Moratuwa [SCFUM] Sri Lanka, to thank the janitorial staff of the University of Moratuwa for their service. Since it was Christmas time SCFUM thought it would be good to share the true spirit of Christmas with one of the neglected parts of the University community. As part of the program, SCFUM had a time of thanking people for their service, a time of sharing about the true meaning of Christmas and the gospel, followed by a time of singing and sharing of gifts.

Impact

Thanksgiving for the university’s staff services which are often ignored
Conveyed the true meaning of Christmas and gave some idea about the gospel to a large crowd composed mainly of non-believers
Built a bridge between students and the university staff
Gave people a time of relaxation in the midst of tight daily work schedules.

Many students and even some lecturers worked hand in hand for this program to become a reality. Working with authorities and officials also gave SCFUM members a new experience. It opened the eyes of other students in the university that one should not forget minorities and their service. Tears in the eyes of some of the participants showed how much they were touched by the program and this was really a very moving moment for the students as well.

Buddhika Hapuwatte is the National Students Executive Committee Chairperson with SCFUM in Sri Lanka.

“Orange Juice Ministry” at the University of Zurich and ETH (Federal Institute of Technology)

2011-09-15T09:00:00.001+01:00

An event that happens over the course of a few days; the aim of it is to reach out to the students and make VBG visible and accessible to students.

We offered students freshly squeezed orange juice (made by a big machine, which we rented) as they entered the campus and took the opportunity to talk with them. Over the course of these “small talks” they often asked, “who are you and why are you doing this?” This gave us the chance to tell them about who VBG is and what we are about; it also allowed us to invite them to an evangelistic talk in a lecture hall, which took place that same week. In two days we squeezed 200 kg of oranges and offered juice and talked to about 700 students!

Story

The event gave us the opportunity to talk about Jesus, to see God at work, and to help team members grow in confidence about sharing their faith. As a team we found being part of the event an encouraging experience as we saw people being open to hearing about Jesus.

One great experience was when I got talking with a student who felt he did not want anything to do with God because “He is not there and if He is, he is not listening”. I asked him why he feels this way about God. He talked very openly about how he had believed in God in the past and he was let down by God. As we continued our conversation he himself came to a point where he said: “as I hear myself talk I realize I was the one who walked away from God”. He left the conversation with a commitment to seek God earnestly again. His physical thirst was quenched and his thirst for God was awakened! We have a great God!

Remi Tobler, part-time staff-member of VBG Switzerland for ISM (International Students Ministry)

Fiji Missions Trip 2011: A PSFC, SI & TSCF Partnership

2011-09-08T09:00:00.002+01:00

Pacific Students For Christ (Fiji), Tertiary Students Christian fellowship (NZ) and Students International embarked on a 2-week journey where staff and students worked side-by-side in Fiji serving the community. They first visited Homes of Hope where abused women with children below 3 receive spiritual and emotional support, and are taught skills to help them care and support themselves. After that, the teams worked in one of five ministry sites: construction, special needs school, pre-school, elderly home, house-to-house evangelism and the men’s prison. Daily bible study and prayer were an integral part of the trip, and was very much the driving force of the 2-weeks there.

Impact

An enriching experience of at least 6 different cultures represented in the team
It brought about a love and passion for people living in poverty, those who have been abandoned and victims of injustice in Fiji
Students learned how to love genuinely (and in action and in truth) despite having to venture out of their comfort zones
Strong relationships were forged between students
Sharing testimonies in the evening brought insight, laughter, encouragement and healing.

Story

The construction team worked diligently under the hot sun to build a three-bedroom house for Aunty Mila, a Fijian lady who is widowed and a mother to 8 children. Since her husband passed away 4 years ago, Aunty Mila struggled to make ends meet and could not afford to send her children to school or university but this woman of faith, never gave up praying that the Lord would provide for her and her children. Aunty Mila and her 8 children all live in a one-bedroom house but now, with the effort of the team, a new house awaits her.

Led by Aunty Mila, the Elderly home team went house-to-house evangelism – definitely a first for majority of the team members. In the first house they visited, they came to know a Muslim lady of Indian descent. She welcomed us warmly and as we shared the Word of God with her, we could see her eyes hungrily taking in the words of life. We were struck by how hospitable this Muslim lady was as she invited us back three more times during our trip.

Abby Yong studies Pharmacy and psychology and she is a member of TSCF’s Overseas Christian Fellowship at University of Auckland.

Bennie Gow studies psychology and is a member of TSCF’s Overseas Christian Fellowship at University of Auckland. Both are former student board members.

The Waffle day

2011-09-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

Firstly, what is a waffle? It basically consists of milk, eggs & flour, fried together in a special way. When ready, you enjoy it with cream and jam. Totally good!

What we do

As our cup runs over with love from God, we gladly share the excess with our fellow students at a central spot on our campus. About once a semester we put up a table and make free waffles for anyone who wants. If someone asks who we are, we tell them about Credo and give them a programme for the semester. Sometimes we get into discussions and talks about faith and such.

Here's some Credo people setting up the waffle table.

Impact

Everytime we do this we get a long, steady line of hungry and grateful students. We don't demand anything from them, so if they don't ask any questions, we won't try to engage them in anything (except for some friendly small talk perhaps). To a lot of students this probably means nothing to them but a little less hunger in their stomach, and that's not so bad! But we hope that at least someone sees us and ponders on what strange motivations we Christians have, or that someone asks who we are or just sees our logo, and develops a little more positive attitude towards Christians and Christianity.

Story

I remember how the queue became longer and longer while we were doing our utmost to sort out a problem with the electrical power source for the frying pans. Suddenly we realized how we were getting more and more annoyed and desperate, completely forgetting Who we were working for, and so we started praying and asking our Employer for help, and things started to change, the electricity worked again and our spirits went up. This is a really efficient way of getting publicity! Everyone wants a waffle, and whoever provides it, will naturally get more attention. Attention leading towards Jesus Christ.

Ingemar Andersson studies teacher studies, art and history, towards junior high school and high school. He is a board member in a local Credo group in Sweden.

Rest in Jesus

2011-08-25T09:00:00.003+01:00

‘Rest in Jesus’ is a good example of dynamic outreach. The idea was to make art out of a bench situated in the university corridor, available for all the students. The design was a sofa and relaxing landscape (with sky and clouds), and there was a question on the back: ‘Are you feeling tired?’ And on the seat there was a field with sheep, and the answer: ‘I will give you rest! Jesus.’ We used paint and people with artistic skills, and a message that fitted in with the reality of the university where it was displayed. It is a creative and practical way of connecting feelings (we all have different moods) with Jesus (Jesus has the answer).

Impact

I really needed words like these; I've just been so tired lately!
The picture is beautiful, so relaxing!
It is so real, it makes you want to lie down and go to sleep.
What a creative way of presenting Jesus to people!
You can see this has been made by a Christian group, how can I get involved?
What a clear and creative message, I love it! I can't stop looking at it!
So innovative, this is going to let everyone know about the student group.

Story

The project team included people from three countries: Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It was funny seeing the girl who created the design, lying on the floor, looking at the old bench and trying to imagine what would be the best contribution to the students. There was lack of water and other materials... it was a challenge! Thanks to Merche’s (from Puerto Rico) experience and good will, and the support of a member of the group who works at the university, we used resources that were available. We are happy to see the bench turned into art, as a result of teamwork. We all lent a hand with the details and didn't mind the splashes of paint on our hands and around us. We pray that God will speak through this work of art to all those who come up and admire it. This really is creative outreach!

Anell Santana Vásquez, is studying Surveying at the UAB University in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and is the leader of her local student group. This project was done in the context of the EFEC Caribbean, an event for Student Leaders of the Spanish Caribbean.

Come to Me... and I will give you rest

2011-08-23T09:08:00.002+01:00

Some of us have had our holidays, some of us are enjoying holidays, some of us are about to start holidays. Holidays are a time to rest, to be restored, to be refreshed, to gather strength, to regain vision and many more things. But holidays are for a while. Rest in the Lord is always available! The following verse will encourage us whatever our circumstances are. Remember it as you enjoy holidays, but remember it especially as you are back to the routine.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:18

Come

It is an action. But sometimes we may not even have the strength for this simple action. It is above all a willingness of heart.

To me

How often do we find other solutions to appease our inner turmoil instead of going to the Lord. As someone said… "Go to the throne and not to the phone". The Lord is saying come to me.

We should repent from the different ways we have tried to find our own rest, our own refuge.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you (Psalm 73:25).

All you who are weary and burdened

It is not only about tiredness, a tiredness that can be caused by lack of rest, physical effort, lack of sleep, etc. It is much more profound. Sometimes there is a tiredness that is not solved by sleep increase. I will give you restIt almost seems that Jesus is not drawing the attention on the possible solution to weariness but to Himself. Coming to Him is the direct solution to weariness. It is a clear and firm invitation.

Questions to Ponder

What comes to mind when I hear "Come to Me"?
How have I tried to "rest" apart from God?
Meditate on the verse and ask God to help you come to Him to find rest as a natural action.

I am about to start my own holidays. I will have one weekly post for the next weeks on Evangelism Ideas that were presented at WA'11. I will come back to the new academic year renewed and hopefully full of strength and new ideas.

You may have noticed that we are in the process of improving the blog. We need your suggestions and comments to make it happen in a way that is useful to you. Please do write!

Together in Prayer and Action

2011-08-18T08:54:00.004+01:00

“Together in Prayer and Action” was the title of our Prayer Month this year (21 March – 21 April). We decided to dedicate one month to prayer and action in a national initiative. During this month we focused more specifically on the Millennium Development Goals, eight goals drawn up by the United Nations that aim to halve global poverty between 1990 and 2015: MDG1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; MDG2: Achieve universal primary education; MDG3: Promote gender equality and empower women; MDG4: Reduce child mortality; MDG5: Improve maternal health; MDG6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; MDG7: Ensure environmental sustainability; MDG8: Develop a global partnership for development.

During this month we reflected upon and prayed for two goals each week (with the help of a weekly prayer plan). We also held some Creative Prayer Events. In these, we prepared a room with eight stages (one for each goal) and prayed together in creative ways!

We also did a Solidarity Diet, in which each week we would abstain from certain food to put some money aside to send to an orphanage in Mozambique for which we have been fundraising since Christmas. For example: 1^st week, no cakes or desserts! Through this diet we were able to raise more than 300€!

Impact

Another world is possible!

This was a great initiative! It helps us to wake up!

The MDGs seem to be steps in the right direction. They are ideas that reflect the heart of God.

(Solidarity Diet) It was interesting to notice how our body reacts when we are deprived of certain food...and see the amount of money we save.

(Solidarity Diet) For me, it was a good and challenging experience; it was a little hard at times, but when I focused on the goal (fundraising for a children’s orphanage in Mozambique) I cheered up!

(Solidarity Diet) Friends who ate with us would also be supportive and end up not eating the food we wouldn’t eat.

It’s so true – we don’t always value what we have or what God has given us by grace...

May God teach us to be good administrators, make wise choices and be ethically responsible!

(Creative Prayer Event) It was a fantastic time! God has blessed us...it has been good to observe and live that...

(Creative Prayer Event) It was a wonderful time!

Story

It was a wonderful way to spend this month. We felt we should focus this year on prayer more specifically and this was a great way to start. We know we need to relearn how to pray and how to develop prayer habits. Throughout this month we not only prayed for ourselves but focused beyond our borders, on distant realities. It was wonderful and refreshing to see students getting together in pairs or groups of three to pray, and organizing creative prayer events or plenary sessions that reflected upon these issues. We still have a lot to learn (which is always true of prayer) but it was a challenging and refreshing beginning for what we hope will be more initiatives like this (we are already planning to have a 24-hour prayer day next semester!).

Written by Emily Lange. She has finished her degree in Geography and Planning and has been doing a year of research in the area of Cross-Border Co-operation between Spain and Portugal. She is currently applying for a PhD grant in Human Geography. She is president of the National Student Board in GBU Portugal.

God Calls Samuel, God Calls Me

2011-08-16T12:04:00.004+01:00

This is the continuation on the series of God calling different people in the Bible. I would like to share a few thoughts on God calling Samuel. I invite you to read 1 Samuel 3.

As we start reading his story it is shocking to realize that even though Samuel serves God, he does not know God.

Context of Samuel's Calling:

1.- Samuel, son of promise

The calling of Samuel is in the context of his dedication by his mother to serve in the temple as she keeps her promise made to God (1 Samuel 1:28).

2.- In those days the word of the LORD was rare (v.1).

3.- There were not many visions (v.1)

4.- Eli was becoming blind (v. 2)

Questions to ponder

Why was it rare to hear the Word of God?

It is interesting to ponder with the fact that Eli was becoming blind. It is almost like jis physical blindness is closely related with his spiritual blindness.

Samuel’s attitude

Samuel’s answer “here I am” is repeated five times in 1 Samuel chapter 3 and we need to ad the expression “speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Samuel lived in total dependance and submission to the authority (Eli and God).

It is therefore interesting to read of his reluctance to share with Eli the vision given by God.

Questions to ponder

Why was Samuel afraid?

Eli’s attitude

It seems that not only Eli is becoming blind but also deaf! It is only after three times that he recognizes that it is God who is calling. Is his then related with the fact that “In those days the word of the LORD was rare” and “There were not many visions” (v.1)?

God’s attitude

1 Samuel 2: 30 says: “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.

In Eli’s case: Even though God is slow to anger his patience has come to an end, Eli has been warned, and yet there is no repentance in sight from Eli and his family. God has to be true to himself, he has to punish.

In Samuel’s case: His faithfulness to God brings God’s faithfulness to him and also the respect from the people. His faithfulness confirms his calling.

Questions to ponder

How do I keep hearing God's voice? How do I keep a willing attitude?
Why is it important to finish well?
What kind of fruit do I want to produce?
What is the benefit of producing “100 times what was sown” (Mark 4:20) if the cost is high?

Acoustic International Cantata

2011-08-11T10:40:00.006+01:00

The acoustic international cantata is a music group formed by students of different nationalities that use their musical abilities to offer a concert that gives the opportunity to share the Gospel. The cantata is performed inside the university premises and in a public and transited space. It is a musical-artistic show where very different instruments and national rhythms are integrated in international songs. Some of the instruments that are used are the guitar, the Peruvian cajon, the flute, etc. Since it is all acoustic there are no technical or space problems since the group can freely move around.

Impact

It creates curiosity amongst international students since songs are performed in different languages.
It creates curiosity that a heterogeneous group of students from different ethnicities forms a group and sings a same message
It generates contact amongst the student centres that help/cooperate with the organisations and authorities of the educational institutions.
Facilitates contact with different students that come to listen out of curiosity.
Conveys a message of unity and equality.

Story

The cantata’s idea started at the Faculty of Medicine in Rosario, Argentina, where the Christian student group realized that a lot of their friends are Brazilian and Haitian. Since there were also Christian Haitian students in the group that were musicians, they started thinking of mixing national rhythms with other foreign rhythms.

The first thing they did was to contact the student centre to see what the requirements to do such a project were. After some problems the cantata was performed with songs easy to understand such as “Ayer te vi” and others in Portuguese and French. As we were performing a large group of Brazilian students heard singing in Portuguese and approached showing lots of interest to see what was happening.

This project was presented by Alejandro Pistilli, ABUA Student, at the IFES WA'11 in Krakow, Poland (July 2011).

Bearing Fruit

2011-08-09T09:17:00.003+01:00

I am again having breakfast with a student and this is the reading for today:

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:1-17).

Some questions as we ponder together

What is the difference between been "cut off" or "being pruned"? Does "being pruned" hurt anyway? Why?
What does it mean to remain in Him? How do we remain in Him?
Why is bearing fruit so important? Why does God's glory matter?

May the Lord keep us bound to the vine. May He prune us as needed. May we bear much fruit. May He receive all the glory.

Using the Web for Evangelism Purposes - STEP.HR Web Page

2011-08-04T09:22:00.002+01:00

This is the first one of a series of Evangelistic Ideas and University Engagement activities that were presented at IFES World Assembly'11 from different countries of the world.

STEP.HR is a web page belonging to the IFES student movement in Croatia (STEP). It does not focus only on STEP activities but provides useful information for students and articles that promote a Christian worldview. Many visitors found STEP.HR while searching for information about dormitories, university programs, and news about student life, but also because they found recent movie reviews and articles about worldviews, spirituality, life problems, personal development, and relevant topics. It is well connected with Facebook, which provides a huge network of links, comments, and invitations. It helps STEP students to invite their friends to STEP activities or engage in meaningful conversations.

We want to see how the use of internet can promote the Gospel and its implications in today’s world, to serve student’s needs and therefore to make it possible for students to become a part of a fellowship whose goal is a comprehensive renewal of the individual, the church, and society.

Impact

More than 40.000 visitors per month, more than 50 new articles in the first quarter of 2011.
Several radio, newspaper, and TV journalists have contacted the Croatian IFES movement, inviting them to give opinions about certain topics or to be a guest in their program.
Many students have come to STEP events (camps, small groups, seminars...) through the contact of the website.
It gives students the possibility of using and developing talents for writing, art, programming, photography etc.
Low cost (it is based on Joomla – free CMS) but gives big publicity to the movement.
Integration of Facebook modules allows STEP students to invite all their friends to STEP activities with just a few clicks or to engage in meaningful conversations.

Story

STEP.HR started in 2001 as one of the first student web pages in Croatia. In the last ten years, the small Croatian movement has had, for most of the time, only one or sometimes two people on staff, but the web page has provided huge publicity for the movement, open doors for new contacts, and a medium by which to influence their wider society.

Many times STEP students discovered that their friends had already read some articles on the web page.

This wouldn’t have been possible without IFES and the wider Christian fellowship. STEP got permission to translate good quality articles from organizations like Damaris, Bethinking, and Idea, as well as from individuals. In combination with articles and news written by nationals, it provided regular updates, which are necessary in order to have a relevant web page.

Momir Blazek is the General Secretary for STEP Croatia (momir@step.hr).

Consider Others...

2011-08-02T09:22:00.003+01:00

I am now back from the IFES World Assembly'11 that took place in Krakow, Poland from July 26th until August 3rd. I am having breakfast with one of the students attending who is now spending a few days with me before she is off to be light and salt in her campus in the other side of the world. As we are talking we discuss commitment, pressure, saying yes, saying no, responsibility, serving according to gifts and calling, and in the midst of that how to deal with conflict and take criticism in a way that honors God and furthers the Kingdom. The words from Philippians that we already read and meditated upon at World Assembly come back to us:

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11).

We share how difficult it is to let go, to humble ourselves, to consider others better than ourselves. And yet Jesus was able to go down (v. 6-8) and therefore God lifted him up (v.9-11).

May the rest this summer help us to reflect on these truths again so that we come afresh in September ready to serve.

Questions to ponder

How do you feel about "consider others better than yourself"? Why is it so taugh?
What will help you do so?
How does the example of Jesus inspire and help you?

Transformation Starts with the Affective Domain

2011-07-28T07:00:00.003+01:00

James K.A. Smith is one of my favourite philosophers. He tries to write as simple as possible, without losing a great depth to his books. In thinking about training and teaching, his Desiring the Kingdom has inspired me a lot.

Smith tries to identify a key flaw of most of the Christian teaching: an overemphasis on the cognitive aspect. Throughout the book he shows that humans are primarily desiring beings: often the longing and the heart precede the cognition. Let me give a simple example: I am a Mac-user. My fondness of Mac did not originate on cognitive arguments. No, my primary interest was based on the beautiful design of Apple’s products. Now, I can easily make some cognitive arguments for my purchases as well, but these were not the beginning of my interest.

The same goes for a lot of the transformation in our lives. First, there is an emotional and/or affective change and the cognitive later follows. Most recent converted students will first report affective change, and then they will get into the cognitive transformation.

The big problem Smith identifies, is that most teaching at universities (Christian included) and churches is at a cognitive level, thus denying not only a big part of the human constitution, but neglecting the affective domain where teaching and transformation start. Smith gives the example that in churches we often teach on the avoidance of denigrating images of women. However, the problem with these sexual images is not situated on the cognitive level. Most men dealing with this problem “know” that their desires are wrong, but still they do feel them (p. 76-77).

The following quote on those pages, gives a good illustration: “What if we didn’t see passion and desire as such as the problem, but rather sought to redirect it? What if we honored what the marketing industry has got right — that we are creatures primarily of love and desire– and then responded in kind with counter-measures that focus on our passions, not primarily on our thoughts or beliefs? What if the church began with an affirmation of our passional nature and then sought to redirect it?”

So this challenges me: do I make space in my teaching for the affective and the emotional aspects? How do I do this? How do you do this?

Everyone with an interest for the philosophy of learning should read the book. James K.A. Smith, Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation (Baker Academic, 2009).

Article written by Job Thomas. He has studied educational sciences at Ghent University and is now on staff with Ichtus Vlaanderen where he is project manager and trainer. Next to this he works as assistant in the education program of the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven. He there also is busy with his master of theology. He has his own blog (jobthomas.wordpress.com), but now primarily writes reviews for CULTUURSHOCK.

Teaching as a Prophetic Act

2011-07-26T07:00:00.003+01:00

In educational sciences the trend of the last decennia is (social) constructivism. One of the key aspects of constructivism is that the trainer adjusts his material and the content of the learning process to the interests of the trainee. There are several benefits of this learning theory, but on a philosophical level it often depends too much on the ability of the learner to discern what is necessary to learn.

In preparation of an upcoming summer camp, I am studying 1 Kings 21, a story that much resembles the story of David and Uriah. Naboth, a subject to king Ahab, possesses a nice vineyard next to Ahab’s property. The king, seeking to expand his lands, tries to purchase Naboth’s grounds. However, Naboth is reluctant. Ahab’s wife Jezebel sets up a plot to murder Naboth, which succeeds.

Like the prophet Nathan in David’s story, the prophet Elijah is then summoned by the Lord to educate the bad king Ahab. And what Elijah has to say, is not a very pleasant thing. The Lord has disaster in store for Ahab. Ahab repents, resulting in the Lord putting Ahab’s sentence on hold for a few years.

Often, teaching involves not only answering questions that come from students (as die-hard constructivists would argue), sometimes teaching involves a prophetic act, confronting learners with mistakes they have made. This can result in arguments and hostility, but it can also result in a transformation of the learner. Ideally the relationship between trainer and trainee is nothing like the one between Ahab and Elijah, but one were exhortation can happen in a context of mutual respect and love.

I have personally done so already a few times, but it is not easy. It is confronting for the student, but it is challenging for the trainer as well. At the same time, it is often necessary. This I have also experienced already a few times, both as trainer and as trainee. People challenging my actions or choices, have contributed to me being who I am today. Are we willing to pick up this challenging task as well and perform this prophetic office in our training as well?

Questions to ponder

- How did Elijah feel going to Ahab? (Esp. given their long and hostile history.)

- Have you ever had to confront students or staff with one of their blind spots? How did they react? How did you feel?

- When you do a similar thing, how is your relationship with the other person?

- How do you identify the key things a trainee has to learn in order to be successfully transformed?

Ministry Forums at IFES World Assembly'11 (repeated)

2011-07-21T14:05:00.002+01:00

A couple of weeks ago I had blogged this post related with World Assembly. I think it is vital that we all engage in discussions with our day to day ministry topics. Some of you will be at WA'11, and most of you won't. But you can still engage! Do so!

Transformation is a process not an event. Therefore, even though IFES events are important, they are not ends in themselves but part of an overall journey.

IFES UniverCity at World Assembly’11 (click here to read more about this) will provide a space in which to invite everyone on a journey. The journey starts already before World Assembly by involving everyone who wants to participate. This continues during World Assembly through discovery, sharing, listening, learning, community building, reflecting, discussing. And it continues after World Assembly as we try to develop new ideas, pray for one another, network together.

The IFES UniverCity will only come to life if all participants and National Movements build it before and during the event. This is why we invite you now to start building!

The Ministry Forum, are an integral part of the UniverCity, and they are going to be an informal way to discuss ministry issues duringWA’11.

If you are going to WA’11 you can start interacting now! But if you are not going to WA’11 we would love your input on the different topics as well. You can log into the web site and start interacting with the topics and the questions proposed.

Click Ministry Forum 1 and Ministry Forum 2 to do so!

God Calls Joshua, God Calls Me

2011-07-19T12:20:00.004+01:00

After the post God Calls Abram, God Calls Me I have continue to ponder on God’s call to different people in the Bible. Today I would like to share a few thoughts on Joshua (I invite you to read Joshua 1).

Passing on the Baton in Leadership

1. From generation to generation

The call to Joshua is a call to fulfill God’s promise (v.1-3) to give his people the land. This promise already came to Abraham. And God is committed to raise new leaders until the promise is accomplished. Joshua will be the chosen one to finally bring the people into the promised land.

2. Preparation

This endeavour has not happened from one day to the next. It started years and years before, generations before. It was such a big endeavour that it needed time, preparation time. Preparation (v.2/v.11) is still featured as something of the important things Joshua needs to do. In this case, the last preparations have to do with the gathering of provisions.

Calling

God is calling Joshua to several things:

• Prepare (v.2)

• Be strong and courageous (v.6/7/9), repeated 3 times!!!

1. It is not an isolated event in history

It is a follow up in history. The promise that started through Abraham, continued through Moses (v.3) is now in Joshua’s hand. Abraham left without knowing where he was going but he had the promise. Moses had a bit more clarity. Now, Joshua can almost see with his own eyes.

2. It is not a lonely enterprise

God is not calling Joshua alone. God is calling Joshua and all the people (v.2/6). And Joshua, in turn, calls the people to join him in this endeavour (v.10). Finally we see that the people agree to join him too!

Promise

1. God fulfills his promises

“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses" (v.3).

2. God offers protection

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life" (v.5).

3. God offers presence

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (v.5).

"for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (v.9b)

Questions to ponder

1. As a leader, am I giving others the opportunity? Am I shadowing someone?

2. How di I react when I hear the words: "be strong and courageous"?

3. How am I encouraged today by God's promise?