‘I’ve had to pinch myself – evangelism’s never felt so easy’

CU mission weeks are back.

Until recently, the idea of hundreds of students sitting chair to chair in a marquee, baguettes in hand and listening to a gospel talk, has seemed laughably out of reach. In the past few weeks however, 77 Christian Unions across Great Britain were finally able to run mission weeks in-person again. After a two-year break, they were uncertain how these weeks of focused evangelistic events might be received.

Wonderfully, there quickly came reports of an unusual spiritual appetite on campus. Durham CU, for example, saw over 3,000 come to their events. After reading the Bible with two students, Staff Worker Naomi Brehm reflected: ‘I’ve had to pinch myself, evangelism has never felt so easy.’

Similarly, York CU were struck by a level of openness among students they’d not seen before. Staff Worker Joe Winstone said: ‘The quality of ministry opportunity has taken on a different form to a few years ago. I’m not sure I’ve ever prayed with so many guests through a week like this, and I know the same would be true for many CU members.’ North East Team Leader Ed Preston, who was speaking during the week, added: ‘Many seem to have had their worldviews shaken by the last two years and are searching for hope.’

Even where Covid heavily impacted their mission, CUs were encouraged by a warm reception. In Stirling, 25 CU members had to isolate, limiting the number of students they could connect with, but, despite this, there were reports of someone wanting to read the Bible or try church at every event.

This openness frequently led to students finding Christ. One Muslim student was so curious that he went to Sussex CU’s mission week despite thinking he ‘wouldn’t be welcome’. He commented: ‘I felt so loved. I’ve been searching for God for a long time, and knew straight away it was Christianity when I heard the message in the marquee.’ Meanwhile, during Warwick CU’s mission, 56 students indicated that they wanted to follow Jesus or find out more.

In recent years, the CUs have witnessed a slow change in how students perceive and receive Christianity. The mood on campuses across the country now seems to be excitingly receptive. Let’s pray for the CUs as they seize this window of opportunity and boldly proclaim Christ.