Almost 30,000 people from more than 130 countries and territories united in prayer for “Immeasurably More” of God’s work in the world’s universities and colleges on Oct. 16.
Students, ministry staff, and supporters from national movements that are part of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) were joined by churches, Christian ministries, and individuals for World Student Day (WSD) – a wave of global intercession that started in the Pacific and swept across the global to the Americas.
“It was a deep joy to see students from our national movements supporting each other in prayer and an absolute delight to see supporters and churches standing with them,” said Annette Arulrajah, IFES Associate General Secretary.
Participants were praying on every continent, with more than 12,000 in Asia, and at least 10,000 in Africa, according to an IFES press release.
Many student movements in difficult circumstances were strengthened in their witness.
John Bedit Kanywar, the General Secretary of FOCUS, South Sudan, where armed violence continues, said students had shared their personal stories.
“Students have been sharing their testimonies of how God has been faithful in their campus fellowships and in their own spiritual growth,” said Kanywar. “Students have joined the event from nine universities. It was so amazing for all!”
An unnamed student in Madagascar wrote: “Glory be to God for giving us the resilient heart to pursue preparations for [World Student Day] this year despite the social and political troubles.”
Students in isolated contexts were encouraged to be part of a global fellowship.
“One of our women said she was so encouraged to see that there are student groups all over the world and that she's part of something so much bigger,” noted Bill Colyer, Acting Director for GNYF Vanuatu.
A new feature for accessing WSD Prayer Cards — requests sent in by students and staff — helped groups of all sizes get involved.
“I work with a tiny group of students at Auckland University of Technology South,” said Robyn, a staff worker in TSCF New Zealand who was only referred to by first name. “So, the randomized Prayer Card Pop-up was a great way for the three of us to engage with WSD and pray for students without feeling overwhelmed by how many countries there are to pray for. We used an inflatable globe ball to locate each country then took turns praying.”
The 185 Prayer Cards came from all eleven IFES regions.
A Palestinian Christian student in FCSI Israel asked: “Let us pray for the courage to lead the way toward peace and justice in a region burdened by hatred and hostility.”
Reji, part of UESI India and only referred to by first name, requested prayers for Pune in Maharashtra (known as “the Oxford of the East”), which currently houses 500,000 students in 21 universities. “In the past, we had student groups in many top institutions. Pray for more student groups and that our students may engage the universities with God's thoughts on their academic disciplines.”
The global event was also an opportunity for IFES movements to connect and support each other. IVCF Canada in Quebec and IS/IVCF Belize posted Instagram reels with messages for each other, including prayer requests.
Following the global prayer day, participants are being encouraged to continue their prayers for student ministry by using the fortnightly Prayerline.
