In March, as universities shut and most students dispersed back to their homes, the Christian Unions (CUs) were suddenly faced with questions that they never thought they would need to ask. How would God’s mission continue?
Could they operate online? What would the future of evangelism among students look like? Over the last two months, these questions have been answered. As the CUs have begun using online platforms to share the gospel – running quizzes, hosting apologetics talks and sharing testimonies – they have seen encouraging fruit. New people have connected with the CU, others are continuing to ask questions and, wonderfully, some have come into new life.
The University of the West of England CU’s online talent show, for example, drew 1,200 views. CU member Caleb was overjoyed when his unbelieving friend tuned in, despite never attending a physical CU event. This friend then told him how interested he had been to hear about lasting hope in Jesus.
But if one CU could reach so many through a single gospel talk, what impact might an entire week of online events have?
A virtual events week
This is exactly what the CUs in Scotland decided to find out. In May, leaders from 11 Scotland CUs met on Zoom and, supported by UCCF Relay Workers and Associate Staff Workers, made plans to host a week of joint online events on the theme of ‘Hope’.
Bekah, Dundee CU Vice President, says: ‘We first saw lockdown as a disaster; it was ruining plans and causing chaos to our comfortable CU gatherings. But these thoughts quickly subsided as we realised the opportunity we have to come together, united in one mind and one body, with one mission.’
The Scotland CUs ran three events for international students, and five talks on topics such as ‘Why would God allow the coronavirus?’ followed by Q&A. They were astounded by the response, as numbers watching grew night after night and many tuned in for discussions. Their video advertising the week reached 13,000 people alone – drawing both positive and negative comments, which encouraged them that they were reaching and challenging the right audience.
‘The reach of this week has been much wider than we anticipated,’ reports Dundee Relay Worker Jess. ‘Our events have been viewed thousands of times by students from Scotland, as well as others across the world.’ The CUs invited all those who tuned in to join them in reading Mark’s Gospel, which is continuing now.
In God’s strength alone
What the CUs in Scotland and throughout Great Britain have learnt during this new season of evangelism is that their witness is not dependant on buildings being open, a big marquee or even being able to gather in one place, but on prayer.
Reflecting on ‘Hope’, Stirling CU member Isaac said: ‘My highlight was how reliant we have been on God. As well as churches, individuals and organisations praying for us, we had a 24-hour prayer meeting before the week and prayer meetings twice daily during it. Anyone involved in ‘Hope’ would tell you that bringing it together so quickly was far beyond our abilities – God has answered so many prayers. That is what has made this possible.’
