‘Flux’: students share Jesus in Aberystwyth

‘Our campus needs to know the good news of Jesus.’

These were the words of a member of Aberystwyth Christian Union following three days of outreach on their campus back in November. CUs traditionally hold outreach weeks in the spring term. These weeks provide an opportunity for focused mission: the CU hosts events aimed at welcoming every student at their university to consider Jesus. The gospel is clearly proclaimed, and every guest is given the chance to respond.

This year, the CU in Aberystwyth chose to host a condensed version of their spring events week earlier in the academic year, as part of their year-long commitment to share the gospel on their campus. With today’s students facing greater uncertainty and anxiety about their futures than previous generations, there is greater openness than ever before to the hope of the gospel, reflected in the title for the week, ‘Flux’.

CU member Esyllt reflected on the week: ‘It gave us a chance to see how a full week would work in February; what the CU’s strengths are; whether the venue works; if the format for the event is well received.’ These initial two days have enabled the CU to work out many of the key logistics ahead of the full events week.

Mobilising for mission

‘Flux’ week mobilised the entire CU for mission from an earlier point in the academic year. More students in the CU recognised that their friends, coursemates and flat mates would say ‘yes’ to an invitation. As Esyllt explained: ‘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.’

At Aberystwyth and other CUs across Great Britain, students seem to be less familiar with Christianity compared to previous generations. We have seen many take several small steps before they are ready to profess faith in Jesus. These early events provide an important staging post for students considering Christ, which continues as they go on to attend CU carol services, outreach events in the spring term, and thn church with friends they make in the CU.