Wednesday 20 Mar
Paul shares an update after a few weeks serving with a new ministry in Sydney.
Paul writes, "It's been such an encouraging start to the year as I have begun working in partnership with Power to Change at Macquarie University. I'm part of a great team who are deeply passionate about building relationships with international students, showing them love and helping them journey closer towards Jesus.
It's only been three weeks since the semester started, but I'm amazed at the opportunities that we've had thus far and the level of openness amongst students, whatever their cultural or faith background.
Over the past couple of weeks, I've had the privilege of having extended deep, spiritual conversations with a Muslim from Pakistan, a Baptist minister's son from Bangladesh, a Hindu from Nepal, a new Christian from Hong Kong, an atheist from mainland China - the list could go on. I'm loving listening to people's stories and how free and natural it is to share my own story and to answer questions about Christian faith and practice.
Let me share a specific example. Having met someone from the team during O-week, a young Muslim guy from Asia joined us for lunch on Tuesday, and humbly and directly asked if it was possible to learn about Christian faith and read the Bible with someone! This is something he would never be able to do back home. So Nathan (Power to Change campus team leader) and I will have the amazing privilege of meeting with him on a weekly basis starting this week. What a God-given opportunity!
Please pray that God would give us wisdom and sensitivity as we seek to share the good news of Jesus while also honouring his cultural, religious and family heritage."
Prayer Points from Paul
- As we seek to come alongside, encourage and support international students from diverse cultural backgrounds, please pray that they would find a home away from home and a deep sense of community at our gatherings and events.
- As we seek to meet regularly with students individually and in groups, pray that we would listen with attentiveness and understanding, that we would share our own stories and the good news of Jesus in clear and helpful ways. Pray that the Holy Spirit would guide our conversations.
- Pray that over time, God would use us to bring students closer to Jesus, wherever they are in their faith journey.
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