Richard Wilson with Fusion
Working with Fusion student movement
Whilst the percentage of Christians in universities across the UK is at an all time low, awareness, desperation and humility seem to be growing. I'm overwhelmed by the size of the task but encouraged by partnership, new strategies and a godly tenacity that won't let the status quo define the future and the willingness of many to be involved. The generation of students we equipped for student mission on the last Fusion weekend three years ago have now graduated. We realise we need to equip today's students consistently every year and would ask you to consider making this annual weekend a major part of your student programme.
Fusion student weekend 2004
There has always been something special about these gatherings and this was no exception. The passion and fire for seeing God move among students was fuelled in those who gathered and this warmed the freezing cold factory venue at Harpenden. Cell leaders gathered from across the UK to consecrate themselves to God, focus on His purposes, be equipped for the battle, devise mission strategy and respond to God's call. It was a valuable time together.
Mission strategy and Fusion cells
We invited Daniel Stenmark from Kensington Temple to share some ideas from New Generation. Daniel talked passionately about creative evangelism and witness that is characterised by boldness and risking reputation for God, something we need more of in student mission today.
Alongside this, three specific mission ideas were presented to encourage Cells in their witness:
Prayer of 3: a simple idea to help students pray for their friends
Worldview surveys: to engage conversation, listen to people's stories, inform strategic prayer and give God opportunity to connect people outside the cell's natural community sphere
Alpha courses through cells
Churches
A growing number of churches are actively partnering with Fusion to invest in student mission. This is allowing us to be more effective in sharing good practice and developing the right resources for churches that send and receive students. A new framework for student mission is being built across the UK and I estimate we have 20% of the churches involved that we need in the first instance. Please do pass on any contacts that you think would be interested in helping to myself or to a local Fusion Networker. Thanks.
Future dates
Student Evolution 31 March to 5 April 2005, Skegness.
Louie Giglio will be joining us. He leads a student ministry called Passion in the US that attracts 50,000 students. The reserved 500 places will almost certainly go by Christmas.
Student Worker Training 12 to 14 September 2005, King's Park, Northampton
National Fusion Student Weekend 18 to 20 November 2005, Philadelphia Campus, Sheffield
In Christ and for Christ,
Rich
