Imagine you arrived at university to discover that you are the only Christian on campus: what would you do?
This is the reality for student Emily who studies at the Northern School of Art in Hartlepool, an institution of around 500 students.
When Emily arrived in Hartlepool in September 2022, she searched for fellow Christians at her college. Finding just one other, Lydia, a student who had recently been baptised, Emily’s determination grew. She asked the Lord to use them both, despite the difficulties they might face. They met with UCCF Staff Worker Naomi Brehm, who primarily works with nearby Durham CU. Together, the two students and Naomi faithfully met to pray and read the Bible together on campus, but Emily hoped for more outreach opportunities.
When Lydia left last summer, Emily found herself the lone Christian on campus. Emily attended Forum, UCCF’s annual student leadership conference, that August. Despite feeling overwhelmed initially, her confidence grew during the week, and she was encouraged by time spent with Durham CU members. ‘I just love Jesus so much, I don’t want to go back to normal’, she commented.
Though she returned to her college alone, she was full of joy and a passion to share the gospel with others following the mission-equipping tracks at Forum. Rather than returning to ‘normal’, she confidently ventured out. She made cookies to give away on campus as a way to start faith conversations with students. When no one came, she was still not perturbed. Meeting again with Staff Worker Naomi, they prayed together, and her confidence was sustained.
God brought two students into her life who wanted to hear more about Christianity – one of whom was not even at the same university. Tarifa (name changed) is a student from a Muslim country who studies at Northumbria University but is based in Hartlepool. She has a Christian family member, which prompted her to speak with Emily and ask questions.
Now, a few months on, Tarifa is reading the Bible with Emily and has attended a church group. Emily may be the only Christian student at her college, but God is using her in many ways to further His Kingdom.
Join us in praying that Emily’s faithful witness will bear fruit in Hartlepool.
