A highlight of Summit was a student panel sharing the highs and lows of campus mission. We were encouraged by the stories of God working through weak and broken people as they shared the good news about Him.
Faith O'Hagan
English and Psychology student
Hamilton campus, University of Waikato
What’s something you’ve tried in student mission this year? How did it go?
At our Leaders’ Retreat at the end of 2023, we identified connecting with students and visibility on campus as our strong suits but decided we were not so strong in reaching out and sharing the gospel message. Therefore, going into 2024, we decided to start up what we call The Lab: a period from 12-1pm on Thursdays dedicated to experimenting with different ways of doing evangelism.
We have tried a number of events including lectures, lunches, talks on science, walk-up surveys, grill-a-Christian, dumpling social night and Food Rescue where we give away free food that is past its best before date but still okay to eat. These events are in addition to our main Bible Study.
The biggest success has been the faith conversations we’ve had. We have talked to people with faiths such as Islam, Paganism and Sikhism, and have gathered following The Lab to pray for them.
How do you think Summit prepared or encouraged you for mission in Semester 2?
I found Summit really challenging. We heard from people across various campus groups about the cool stuff they were doing on campus. I felt like an imposter on the panel! However, I know that God’s strength shines through my weakness. My main takeaway was that being a Christian and reaching out to people is not always easy, but I am called to take up my cross. I particularly loved Ben’s messages on Mark and the Identity and Bible Overview electives.
How can the wider TSCF community pray for your campus?
As the year wraps up, it would be helpful to pray for the students’ exams, assessments and decisions for next year. Please pray for our leadership team as we organize events, including a ball and a CV-building workshop, and for our group as we continue to reach out to people on campus. Continue to pray for the students themselves, that they’ll grow deeper in their knowledge and love of God.
Eddie Millichamp
Agriculture student
Lincoln University
What’s something you’ve tried in student mission this year? How did it go?
This year I have been reading Mark with a flatmate who had never read the Bible or been to church. It has been going well, with him always being keen to read each week.
How do you think Summit prepared or encouraged you for mission in Semester 2?
Hearing others stories and meeting other Christian students gave me energy to be keen for mission in Semester 2, hearing that other students have the same fears and problems when evangelising was also encouraging as it shows we are all in the same boat and can all help each other in our struggles.
How can the wider TSCF community pray for your campus?
That the Lord may give us all boldness when witnessing to others on campus and that the LUCF may be a light shining God’s love to the rest of campus.
Adrienne Malinao
Health Psychology student
Victoria University, Wellington
What’s something you’ve tried in student mission this year? How did it go?
Before the Easter break, VCF had a stand giving away hot cross buns. We set up in a spot where there was lots of foot traffic and gave our buns away in a paper bag with a flyer about Easter and a flyer about VCF. We had some other related resources available if people wanted them, and a short video about Easter playing on loop. Interactions would vary from people simply accepting the gift, to others who stopped to have a conversation about Easter and why we were stationed there.
How do you think Summit prepared or encouraged you for mission in Semester 2?
I didn’t think about reading the Bible with a peer too much prior to Summit, but hearing other students talk about their experiences with reading the Bible with others was an encouragement. It’s made me feel as though doing a 1-1 is doable and I have been praying about who I can read with.
How can the wider TSCF community pray for your campus?
John 13:35 “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Please pray for a stronger sense of community, connection and friendship at Victoria University.