Autumn mission weeks: a round up

CUs up and down the country have been running ‘events weeks’ – week-long missions full of evangelistic talks – for decades. This year, breaking from this model, a handful of CUs ran ‘mini mission weeks’ this autumn. As Esyltt went on to say, these weeks are far more than a dress rehearsal for the real thing in February. No, these weeks provided hundreds of students with the opportunity to respond to the life-changing news of Christ.

Each CU sought to meet students where they were at with the gospel. Whether that was in a sense of feeling in Flux (Aberystwyth), in response to a social media-driven reality, Being Real (Winchester), addressing what it means to be Human (Bristol) or the universal need for Hope (York St John).

‘Our campus needs to know the good news of Jesus’ - Aberystwyth CU member Esyllt.

Flux: CU members’ boldness abounded as they invited friends

Flux saw the entire CU mobilised for mission as they saw that their friends, coursemates and flat mates would say ‘yes’ to an invitation. As Esyllt put it, ‘it’s easy for them to come along because they already know us well.’

‘I invited a friend who had never really considered Christianity before. The lunchtime talk asked, “In the chaos can we trust leaders?”. She was really challenged by the talk and could see that our world is broken and there is a need for a perfect leader. I’m so encouraged she got to hear that Jesus is the ultimate and perfect leader we seek.’

‘Being real’ - Winchester CU

Named and branded after the popular social media platform, ‘Be Real’, Being Real invited students to talks about loneliness, free will, injustice: topics chosen by students for students, aimed at meeting the students with the gospel in power.

Following lots of engagement during the week, the CU has run cake and games evenings, designed to create a space for exploring life’s joys and sorrows and conversationally presenting the good news of Jesus.

Students hungry to hear more at Human

‘Giving out flyers outside the Student Union was a highlight – many students came to events after being given a leaflet and several CU members were able to have exciting conversations about why they are Christians and what it means to be a follower of Jesus whilst handing out flyers and hot drinks!’

Bristol CU welcomed many students who came because they’d received one of these flyers. Praise God for the CU’s willingness to invite more boldly and widely than in the last few years and for guests’ engagement as they asked questions about Jesus and faith.

A taste of Hope at York St John’s mission week

Around 40 seeking guests went to Hope across the week, and many more spoke to CU members during first contact activities. Five students returned time and again to each event during the week as they explored Christianity and made friends with CU members.

Paula* attended Hope while struggling with loneliness. After hearing that she could be known and loved by God and, praying with the speaker and a friend in the CU, she burst into tears. Paula had never heard anything like what God was offering her and was overcome with emotion.

Mini mission weeks are nothing new: simply CUs continuing to do sustained mission for a lasting impact. Join with us as pray that these weeks of bold student witness for Christ will continue to bear fruit over the coming months.