“Ad novum alumni, ambulare cum Deo et frui in via.”

The title of this post is in Latin and says ‘To new students, walk with God and enjoy the journey’. As you read on, you will understand why I chose this title.

“Sollicite cura te ipsum probabilem exhibere Deo operarium inconfusibilem recte tractantem verbum veritatis.” – II Timotheum II:XV. (Vulgate)

“Bydd ddyfal i’th osod dy hun yn brofedig gan Dduw, yn weithiwr di-fefl, yn iawn gyfrannu gair y gwirionedd.” – 2 Timotheus 2:15 (Beibl William Morgan)

“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (Amplified Bible)

Last night at the final ‘God, Games & Goats” night of the summer we had a party themed night, with silly games such as ‘pass the parcel’ & musical chairs. There were party snacks and cakes and everyone had a great time.

It was though, sadly, the last night for some of the young people and volunteer leaders, who in the next 2 weeks will be heading off to Universities and Bible Colleges around the globe. Some will be as close as Bangor University, and others as far afield as Austria.

We prayed for those who are leaving to start a new adventure with God in new surroundings.

It is often hard to do this.  Hard to go somewhere new, and leave what is familiar behind; but we can take great courage from the Bible as it reminds us that the God who created the Universe, who holds everything together by the power of His word. Our God has promised that He will be with us even when we walk into new and unfamiliar territory.  He will never leave us or forsake us and in Jesus, He has revealed Himself as ‘Emmanuel’, the God who is with us.

So as our young people go to University and set foot for the first time in their new accommodation, our God is there with them.

As they walk down the halls of their new campuses, Jesus is right there alongside them; like the lion Aslan in the book ‘The horse and his boy‘ (read the excerpt here). “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20b

This time at University is a great opportunity for them to grow in knowlege and understanding. An opportunity for them to grow in their faith and relationship with God. An opportunity to make new friends and broaden their horizons.

Let us pray for them.

Pray God’s protection and strengthening of them in this time.

Pray they will find a church family near University that will support them in this part of their journey as much as their church family that is sending them will.

A great resource for our amazing soon-to-be students is UCCF (the University and College Christian Fellowship), they have a fantastic website crammed full of more information and resources, well worth a visit. They also have created some short but insightful videos about life as a Christian on campus, such as the one below.

And they can help our students find Christian Unions at their University which will in turn help them find great churches in their area.

So once again, please pray for our young people who are heading to University.

Also, as we are equally, losing some of our amazing volunteers who are heading to University and Bible College respectively, we are looking for people to fill their shoes and help us with the work we do, so if you have a passion for Jesus, and want to help us impact the lives of young people in our area with the good news about Him, then please do not hesitate to contact us (scroll to the bottom of the page)