IFES staff and volunteers are a vital part of student ministry. UCU Colombia, who recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, knows how crucial good staff are in the development of strong student groups.
Grace Morillo, General Secretary of UCU, comments on the strategic effect of national staff on the Colombian movement: 'One of the important aspects of the work of the national team, if not the most important, is visiting the local groups all over the country. The difference between a dwindling group and a committed passionate group can many times be connected to the number of visits and the concern and support they receive.'
To sustain this much needed work of encouraging students, staff and volunteers also need times when they can stand back from their ministry and meet together to grow in their ability to work alongside the students. We give thanks with Grace and the rest of the Colombia team for the encouraging and revitalising annual retreat which took place recently; especially for the enriching times of fellowship and teaching.
Another important activity of the UCU staff has been their work to revise discipleship materials for use by students. Pray that those resources would become a powerful tool for students, that they might do their best to present themselves to God as those approved, as workers who do not need to be ashamed and who correctly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Pray with us for IFES regional and national staff and their families, for strength and wisdom as they serve among and alongside students. Pray that each of them may see and enjoy the fruit of their labours and remain faithful to their calling when difficult situations arise.
Pray too for all staff and volunteers worldwide - for safety as they travel to visit student groups and for those groups to be strengthened. Pray for good relationships between local student leaders and their staff, and for students to have an impact on their campuses as they seek to reach their fellow classmates.
