Focus Prayer Diary 19 June – 17 September 2016 Welcome to Focus Prayer Diary ‘Who is He, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty – He is the King of glory.’ Psalm 24:10 As this academic year draws to a close and we look back on a year of CU mission, we give thanks to the Lord for that way that He has sustained the work of the CUs. In contrast to the busy spring months, the pace of the summer term is much slower as students knuckle down for end of year deadlines and exams. Throughout this year, we have seen CUs reaching out boldly with the gospel on a larger scale than ever before, with many first attempts at city-wide carol services and mission weeks. Wonderfully, alongside events and outreach, CU students have continued to read the Bible with friends and, as they have explored the claims of Jesus in His Word, many have put their faith in Him. This is soon to be a time of new beginnings too, as thousands of CU students finish their studies and a new generation of students settle into university life in September. As we look ahead to this, please join us in praying for the LORD Almighty to bring many to Himself through the witness of the CUs. Thank you for your support, which continues to make this work possible. Grace Kinnaird Supporter Relations Officer

Abbreviations ARU CICCU CU CUSW DICCU JMU KCL LSE OICCU

Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union Christian Union Christian Union Staff Worker Durham Inter-Collegiate Christian Union John Moores University, Liverpool King’s College London London School of Economics Oxford Inter-Collegiate Christian Union

* denotes name has been changed

RWCMD SU UEA UWE UWL UWS WSA YSJ

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Student Union University of East Anglia University of the West of England University of West London University of the West of Scotland Winchester School of Art York St John University

Praise 19 June – 2 July ‘The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ Lamentations 3:22-23 Praise God for the ways that the CUs boldly and consistently held out the gospel on campus last term, and for the clear evidence of many CUs growing in their confidence in the power of the gospel to save. Please join us in praising the Lord for His continued work through them. Sun 19 ‘Give thanks for how Bath Spa CU have grown in the last year, from sending four times as many students to the new leaders training weekend to putting on their first co-ordinated week of lunchtime and evening events in at least three years! It's a joy to see students there creating new opportunities and seizing them.’ – Andrew Berry, CUSW in Bath Mon 20 ‘Praise God for Satisfied, the joint CU mission week in Edinburgh. Hundreds of hours of work were poured into this week, and it all paid off because thousands of students came along and heard the liberating truth of the gospel!’ – Adam Curtis, CUSW in Edinburgh Tue 21 Praise God that the newly re-launched CU at the University of East London has now become a registered university society, and for the freedom that this brings to meet on campus and run events. As students take on the leadership, please pray that they would continue to have a passion to share the gospel. Wed 22 Give thanks for Lancaster CU’s mission week last term, which saw more than 70 students consistently engaging with the gospel. CUSW Jamie Haxby says, ‘I was most encouraged by the ways that CU members so clearly cared about the gospel and cared about their friends; the week really mattered to them and they saw it as a significant evangelistic opportunity.’ Thu 23 During the spring and summer terms, Winchester CU have continued to faithfully run ‘Bop Ts&Cs’, where they serve hot drinks to students outside the campus club. Praise God for this weekly opportunity to share the gospel and for their bold witness to both students and university staff. Fri 24 Praise God for the way that He worked through the bold witness of a couple of students at ARU CU in Cambridge to bring about a mission week last term; at one lunchbar, one CU member was responsible for inviting all eight of the guests! Please pray for this witness to gain momentum throughout next year. Sat 25 Praise God for the way that He has provided a new generation of keen CU leaders across all four music colleges in London. CUSW Tom Chevis says, ‘Please join me in praying for them all to develop a culture of friendship evangelism, which could be evangelistic dynamite compared to the often shallow friendships in this context.’   Sun 26 ‘Praise God for answered prayer in Teesside this year. I have asked many times for supporters to be praying for a provision of leadership in this uni and I'm delighted to see a new team of leaders taking up the helm for the year ahead! Please continue to pray for a desire to make Jesus known on campus.’ – JP Wright, CUSW in Durham & Teesside   Mon 27 Praise God for the mission week run by Cardiff University CU in the run up to Easter. Over two weeks, they ran three days of events with talks from John’s Gospel. Praise God for the willingness of the new committee to try something new at short notice and for the consistently bold witness of the CU on campus.

Tue 28 ‘The new leaders at Bournemouth CU are passionate about being more active in their campus evangelism and have committed to running lunchbars at least once a month so students can explore the gospel. Praise God that they are keen to be obedient to Him!’ – Emily Muwowo, CUSW in Winchester and Bournemouth Wed 29 Give thanks for the continued witness of Hertfordshire CU this year! CUSW Stephen Fraser says, ‘I was greatly encouraged by their ‘Text-a-Toastie’ event last term and it was exciting to see them work as a team to reach their campus.’ Thu 30 Praise God for the efforts of the CUs in Nottingham and Lincoln to run high quality evangelistic events, providing both a welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. Fri 1 Praise God for the rapid growth of Glasgow CU’s international ministry. This year they have seen consistently high numbers of international students attending weekly meetings and reading the Bible with CU students, embracing international ministry in a new way. Sat 2 Join us in giving thanks for ‘Story’, DICCU’s mission week last term. They were thrilled to see so many positive responses from the week with many students beginning to read Uncover John, significant conversations begun and, most excitingly, around 30 professions of faith. Praise God for the way that He has sustained the CU witness in Durham over many years.

Summer teams 3–6 July ‘But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.’ 2 Corinthians 2:14 Throughout July and August, 11 teams comprised of UCCF staff and students will go out in mission in Britain and overseas. Many will partner with local IFES movements and all are seeking to share the good news of the gospel. Please join us in praying for the Lord to use these trips for His glory. Sun 3 Give thanks for the team to the World’s End Estate in Chelsea, which ends today. For the past week, the team have run various forms of outreach to those living on the estate in partnership with a local church; please join us in praying for the Lord to sustain the year-round witness of the church. Mon 4 The Edinburgh urban team is currently taking place until 8 July. As they run outreach in partnership with a local church, please pray for the team to have many opportunities to share the gospel with those living in Niddrie. Tue 5 Please pray for the team to Moldova, taking place 20 June – 7 July. As the team run an English camp and share the gospel with young people through Bible studies and conversations, please pray for many to believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved. Wed 6 Give thanks for the team to a Muslim Majority Country, which begins today. Over the next two weeks, please pray for the Lord to open doors to the gospel and for the team to witness with wisdom and humility.

Thu 7 Praise God for providing a team of students and staff from the Midlands to serve on a team in Albania. As they run an English camp, please pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to many through their witness. Fri 8 A team of students from North Wales head out to Slovakia today to run an English camp in the mountains. Praise God for the strong link with the Slovak IFES movement, and please pray that all involved would serve the Lord joyfully together. Sat 9 Praise God for the team to Serbia, taking place 7–21 July. Please pray for the team as they partner with the Serbian CU movement, running an English camp and inviting students to meet Jesus in John’s Gospel. Sun 10 Countless CU students will serve on summer camps this summer. Please pray for each student to serve joyfully, and to grow in their love for the Lord Jesus and their boldness to speak of the gospel with others. Mon 11 Praise God for the final day of the camp run by the team to Ukraine, in partnership with the IFES movement CCX. This is an annual opportunity to share the gospel with many students involved in CCX’s yearround ministry. Please pray for the seeds that have been sown during the camp to bear much fruit throughout this year. Tue 12 As the Montenegro summer team draws to a close, give thanks to the Lord for the opportunities to proclaim the gospel. Pray for perseverance in this country with fewer than 200 Christians, and pray for the ongoing work of the three evangelical churches. Wed 13 This summer, many UCCF staff and CU students will partner with Friends International to run International Outreach weeks in cities across Great Britain. The teams will build friendships with international students and give them opportunities to come to easy-English Bible studies. As many hear the gospel for the first time, please pray for the Lord to be at work in hearts and bringing students to Himself. Thu 14 This summer, UCCF will travel to various conferences to link-up new Christian students with their CUs. As each new student heads off to university, please pray that they would quickly settle into a local church and join the CU in mission on campus. Fri 15 Praise God for the summer team heading to a sensitive Eastern European country today. Please pray for wisdom and energy as they seek to reach the local community with the hope of the gospel. Sat 16 From 1 to 14 August, a small group of CU students and UCCF staff will attend ‘Formacion’, a gathering of CU students from across Europe taking place in Poland. As they study the Bible and receive practical training, please pray that they would be able to learn and share ideas for mission with students from across Europe.

In their own words 17–30 July ‘Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.’ 1 Peter 2:10 The spring term saw the handover of CU leadership and the start of a new year of student leaders. Over the next two weeks, we hope that you’ll enjoy hearing prayer requests directly from new CU leaders. As they look forward to a year of mission, let’s join together in committing their hopes and plans to the Lord. Sun 17 ‘Please pray that all members will not remain in a comfortable Christian bubble but would go out into their societies to love others and be a witness of the gospel.’ – Calvin, Exeter CU president Mon 18 ‘Pray that we would welcome change where needed in order to be an effective gospel witness on campus. Pray too that we would maintain a passion for the gospel and a focus on the cross.’ – Peter, Lancaster CU president Tue 19 ‘Please pray that the whole committee would love each other as Christ loves His Church!’ - Josh, Derby CU president Wed 20 ‘As new students join the committee, pray that everybody would be willing to participate in sharing the gospel on campus.’ – Abigail, ARU CU president Thu 21 ‘Please pray that God would fill our hearts with love for Him, for each other and for the world.’ – Joshua, Royal Academy of Music CU leader Fri 22 ‘Please pray that God would continue to bless YSJ CU. Pray for courage as we seek to do more firstcontact evangelism and for our presence on campus to grow.’ – YSJ CU student Sat 23 ‘Please pray for unity within the committee as we teach the Bible to each other and share the gospel with our college.’ – Connor, RWCMD CU president Sun 24 ‘Pray for passionate people who are willing to serve the King of Kings with all their heart, soul, mind and strength to see God's Kingdom here on earth.’ – Richard, Napier CU president Mon 25 ‘Join us in praying for us to be a united group of Christians on campus.’ – Lizzie, Brunel CU president Tue 26 ‘Pray that we would challenge and encourage each other to continue showing Jesus to our fellow students in the ways that we act and speak; exciting things are happening here already!’ – Calum, Strathclyde CU prayer coordinator Wed 27 ‘Please pray that we continue to grow in faith and numbers, and that we focus our efforts on witnessing to the university.’ – Ben, Southampton Solent CU president Thu 28 ‘Please pray that CU members will be fired up about evangelism and sharing God’s love on campus.’ – Ruth, Roehampton CU president Fri 29 ‘Please pray that as a CU we would be united in our foundation of Jesus Christ and would be bold to share the truth that we believe in.’ – Josh, Reading CU president

Sat 30 ‘Please pray that each one of our 20 members would stand up for Jesus. Pray too that we would see students saved!’ – Nathan, JMU CU president

New life 31 July – 13 August ‘For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.’ Psalm 36:9 Join with us in praising God for the way that He continues to save students each term, bringing them to new life as they hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sun 31 John* came along to a KCL CU lunchbar in the autumn term, started attending an Uncover John follow-up course and was so keen to continue meeting that he studied Uncover Luke too. He came along to events during the CU’s mission week last term and came to faith shortly afterwards. CUSW Connie Keep says, ‘We are very thankful to God for using the CU over time to bring John to faith. Please pray for him as he joins a local church.’ Mon 1 At their events week last year, Swansea CU met an international student who seemed very interested in the gospel. Since then, she has been going along to a local Bible study and has now given her life to Jesus! Praise God for the way that He brings new life through His Word. Tue 2 ‘I’m so encouraged by Jack* who, in his words, “made a full commitment to following Jesus” during Plymouth CU’s mission week. This is a culmination of a year-long journey and his hunger to know more of Jesus as we have been studying Galatians together. Pray that he will continue to pursue Jesus fervently in the summer and beyond.’ – Andrew Larkin, CUSW in Plymouth

Wed 3 ‘I had the pleasure of meeting one student during Kent CU’s mission week who said that “it all made sense”. He came along to the follow-up course and has since joined a local church. Praise God!’ – Chris McBurney, CUSW in Canterbury

  Thu 4 Give thanks for Esther*, a student who has come to faith this year through the witness of Aston CU. She was baptised at Easter in front of friends and family. Please pray that she would put down deep roots in Christ. Fri 5 Following this year’s mission week, CU member Fiona read through Uncover John with Jo* from New Zealand who had been to a few events. They crammed all of the six studies into a few meetings and by the end Jo wanted to become a Christian. Please pray that as she returns home Jo would stand firm.

Sat 6 ‘Among a group from Bristol CU at Word Alive was Toby*, a non-Christian. Through the witness of the group, he felt compelled to go to the Just Looking session, looking at Jesus through the Uncover John studies. Through this, he gave his life to Christ on the final evening! Please pray that Toby would grow more in love with Christ and be able to testify to his family of the hope that he has in the Lord.’ – Tom Wilson, CUSW in Bristol

Sun 7 Praise God for the way that He is at work in Chester. A Muslim student came along to the CU’s mission week, and said afterwards that she had had ‘an experience of Jesus’ and took away a copy of Uncover John. Please pray that she would meet the Lord Jesus as she reads His Word. Mon 8 Sarah*, a student at Cardiff Met, came along to the CU’s mission and came to faith during the week. CUSW Hannah Jacob says, ‘Sarah’s hunger to grow is a big encouragement to us and is a constant reminder of why we do outreach at every opportunity.’ Ask the Lord to grow Sarah in knowledge and love of Him. Tue 9 James* went to Edinburgh CU’s follow-up course brimming with questions about Jesus, saying he was ‘on the way to becoming a Christian’. Later on in the course, he prayed a prayer of repentance and on Easter Sunday was baptised. Please pray for James as he starts his life with Christ, that he would hold firmly to the truth of the gospel. Wed 10 A student converted during Birmingham CU’s events week this year led a friend to Jesus just before Easter. There is now one remaining member of their trio who describes her own future coming to Jesus as ‘annoyingly inevitable’! Give thanks for the boldness of disciple-making followers of Christ and please pray that they would witness with gentleness and respect. Thu 11 Praise God for the growth of new Christians at UEA. One student became a Christian through the witness of the CU last year, and is now part of this year’s committee. After attending Forum Central he said, ‘It was the most important weekend ever in terms of strengthening and deepening my faith.’ Fri 12 CUSW Ed Preston says, ‘Ellie* became a Christian during Leeds Beckett CU’s mission week. She met the CU in freshers’ week and has been along to most CU meetings and events this year because she wanted the friendship. It was a real joy to welcome her as a sister in the Lord, and for her to know not just the friendship of the CU but the friendship and grace of God too.’ Pray for Ellie to settle quickly into a local church. Sat 13 Praise God that Lucy* became a Christian last term through the witness of LSE CU. After attending a CU event at Christmas, she read Uncover John and gave her life to Jesus during the spring term events week. She has now joined a local church; please pray for her to grow in her knowledge and love of the Lord.

New staff 14–27 August ‘Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’ 1 Corinthians 15:58 From 22 August, at least 11 new Staff Workers and one new Team Leader will begin to work alongside the CUs across Great Britain. As they join the fellowship and begin to build relationships with the CUs, please join us in giving thanks to the Lord for His provision of each of them. Sun 14 Simon Attwood will be working alongside the CUs in Glasgow, specifically Glasgow Caledonian University, Strathclyde University and UWS. As he begins this new role, please pray for Him to grow in his confidence in the power of the gospel to save.

Mon 15 This year, we have created a new Staff Worker post in West Yorkshire in order to more effectively train and support the CUs in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. Praise God for the way that He has made this possible, and as Andrea Dalton begins this new role, please join us in praying for the Lord to bless the relationships that she will build with the CUs. Tue 16 Praise God for His provision of Seb Rab as the Staff Worker in York. As he supports the CUs at York University and YSJ, please pray that he would continue to grow in his love for the Lord Jesus and passion for sharing the gospel. Wed 17 Peter Harris will be working alongside the CUs in Reading and Surrey. During the past year, Peter has worked as a sabbatical officer for a Student Union; please pray that he would be able to use his experience and knowledge to support the witness of the CUs. Thu 18 Join us in giving thanks for Sammi Lammy, who will be working alongside CUs in central London, including City University, SOAS, LSE and University of Westminster. Sammi has studied and lived in cities across the world; please pray that this would help him to encourage and equip the CUs in the centre of London to reach the thousands of international students around them. Fri 19 Praise God for His provision of Abby Morrison who will be working in Edinburgh, alongside Heriot Watt, Napier and Queen Margaret CUs. Please pray for a smooth transition as she finishes as a Relay Worker in Wales and joins the UCCF Scotland team as a Staff Worker. Sat 20 Jim Murkett will be working as a Team Leader in the Midlands, leading a team of Staff Workers and Relay Workers across the region. Please pray that he might know the Lord’s strength and guidance as he begins to care for and lead the team. Sun 21 Please pray for Charlie Pearce as she prepares to begin her work alongside CUs in Birmingham. Charlie was a student in Birmingham and served on the CU committee too, so please pray that this would help her to equip the CUs across the city to share the gospel in their specific contexts. Mon 22 Today is the first day of Orientation, a training conference for all first year staff in Oxfordshire. Please pray for an encouraging time together as they receive Bible teaching and practical training. Tue 23 Give thanks for the Lord’s provision of Hannah Scoones, new Staff Worker in Cornwall. Hannah was a student at Falmouth University and a member of the CU too; please pray that she would be a great help and encouragement so that the CU witness amongst art students might be effective. Wed 24 During the past academic year there hasn’t been a Staff Worker in Sheffield, but praise God for the provision of Katie Shaw who will start there this August. Please pray for Katie to effectively support the CUs there as they seek to live and speak for Jesus on campus. Thu 25 This summer a wave of new students will begin their studies in south-east London, and many will join the CUs there too. Please pray for good communication as Jake Tasker begins to build relationships with the CUs there as the new Staff Worker. Fri 26 Danielle Teeuwen has spent the last year as a Relay Worker in Cambridge, and will now be working as a Staff Worker alongside the CUs in south-west London, including Kingston, Roehampton and St George’s. Please pray for a smooth transition as she joins the London Team.

Sat 27 Pray for the areas where we have been unable to fill a Staff Worker post this year. As regional teams of staff seek to provide support to the CUs in these areas, please pray for energy so that they might be a helpful guide to the CU witness.

Looking ahead 28 August – 10 September ‘But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy because I am holy.”’ 1 Peter 1:15-16 Praise God for the way that He has sustained the CUs this year. Let’s lift them up to the Lord, asking that His hand will be over all that they do, and that they would continue to grow in knowledge and love for Him. Sun 28 ‘Please for Dundee CU to see evangelism not just as a CU activity but rather part of who they are, having been made in the image of a missionary God. Pray too that the students would strive to live holy lives and persevere to the end.’ – Craig Anderson, CUSW in Dundee Mon 29 ‘I’ve been particularly encouraged by the passion of CICCU’s new International Team to reach international students. Thank God for this gospel-heart and please pray that this would continue to grow amongst the whole CU.’ – Will Zong, CUSW in Cambridge Tue 30 This year, the numbers in the CUs in Aberystwyth and Lampeter will be significantly reduced as many students graduate. Please pray that the Lord would send new students in September that might be willing to take on leadership roles in both CUs in the future. Wed 31 Please pray for Canterbury Christ Church CU as they begin weekly outreach events this year. One CU member says, ‘Please pray that the missional vision of CU would be firmly established through this.’ Thu 1 ‘Summer can be a period where students often drift in their faith as they have several months away from Christian peers. Please pray that the Lord would sustain each member of Newcastle and Sunderland CUs in their faith through the summer.’ – Emma Wyatt, CUSW in Newcastle and Sunderland Fri 2 Give thanks for the Lord’s provision of Tom, Stephanie and Grace, new leaders of Wolverhampton CU. Over the summer break, pray for a lasting joy in the gospel and a desire to share the good news with others as they return to campus.   Sat 3 As we come to the end of the long summer break, please pray for members of Heriot Watt CU to stand firm in their faith, keeping Christ central so that they might live their lives for His glory. Sun 4 Please join us today in praying for the CUs in Bristol and Gloucestershire. CUSW Tom Wilson says, ‘Please pray for the Bristol, UWE, Gloucestershire and Hartpury College CUs, that Christ would remain precious to them and they would be encouraged and refreshed as they return for another year of study and mission.’  

Mon 5 Today is the start of Forum, UCCF’s national training conference for CU leaders. We expect more than 1,100 students to attend this crucial time of mission equipping for the year ahead. Ask for God’s Spirit to be at work strengthening and emboldening students for mission on campus over the coming year. Tue 6 ‘Please pray for the leadership of UWL CU, that they would continue to be encouraged by the gospel. As they return to campus in the next few weeks, please pray that they would be invigorated for mission.’ – James Bunyan, CUSW in south-west London Wed 7 Please pray that Salford CU members would grow in their love for Jesus and their commitment to submit all areas of their lives to Jesus as Lord. Thu 8 Praise God for Bangor CU’s faithful witness on campus last year. As they look forward to a new academic year, CU member Jacob says, ‘Please pray for good communication so that events would run smoothly.’   Fri 9 ‘Pray for the committees of the Cumbria CUs, both Carlisle and Ambleside campuses, that they would continue to grow in their love for Jesus and each other.’ – Jamie Haxby, CUSW in Lancaster and Cumbria Sat 10 ‘Please pray for the inaugural OICCU Freshers’ Getaway which will be happening in mid-September for freshers heading to Oxford in October. Pray that the freshers would be equipped to live and speak for Jesus together at Oxford, and for good relationships to be fostered.’ – Ollie Lansdowne, CUSW in Oxford

Freshers’ weeks 11–17 September ‘And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”’ Romans 10:15 Over the next few weeks, 500,000 new students will arrive on the campuses of universities and colleges across Great Britain. This week, please join us in praying for the many opportunities that freshers’ weeks present to share the good news of Jesus. Below are the freshers’ weeks taking place this coming week.       

Edinburgh Glasgow Guildhall School of Music & Drama Plymouth Royal College of Music St Andrews York St John

Sun 11 The start of uni can be a pivotal time for students as they decide whether to continue in their faith. Today is the first Sunday away from home for many; please pray that they would settle quickly into a local church and would grow in their faith as they enjoy fellowship with other Christians. Mon 12 During freshers’ weeks CUs run packed weeks of creative events in order to share the gospel; as they finalise plans for pudding evenings, cooking classes, finger painting and many other creative events, please pray that they would be bold in making the most of all the opportunities to share the wonderful news of the gospel.

Tue 13 Praise God for the opportunity for CUs to pray together regularly throughout the year, and particularly during freshers’ weeks. As they begin a new year of mission, please pray that they will bring everything before the Lord in prayer, in the knowledge that He alone can save. Wed 14 With the arrival of so many new Christian students, each autumn term is a wonderful opportunity to build the CU mission teams. Join us in praying for Christian freshers to meet and join the CU at freshers’ fair and to strengthen the team for mission over the coming year. Thu 15 Almost half the number of undergraduate students in Great Britain each year are international. As the CUs run international-specific welcome events in the next few weeks, please pray that many would find the gospel attractive and would respond to the offer of new life in Christ. Fri 16 Please pray for boldness as CUs run first-contact evangelism, including question boards and tea and coffee stalls. Pray too for wisdom and compassion as they seek to engage with questions from students passing by. Sat 17 During freshers’ weeks, CUs practically care for and love new students by handing out washing up liquid and sponges and also help them move into halls by carrying bags. Please pray for this to be a powerful witness of the self-giving love of Christ.

Contact details UCCF: The Christian Unions Blue Boar House 5 Blue Boar Street Oxford OX1 4EE [email protected] uccf.org.uk 01865 253 678 Find UCCF’s daily prayer point on the PrayerMate app. For the most recent news and prayer points from the CUs, visit the UCCF website or find UCCF on Twitter and Facebook. Registered Charity No. 306137