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TESTIMONIES
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...Back
... Bristol University Christian Union (BUCU). It was Mission Week at that time, and our Hall Fellowship (Hall Fell) was organizing a 'Grill-a-Christian', which involved a panel of Christians being questioned by any non-believer who cared to come and voice their doubts about Christianity, obviously lured also free food and drinks. I will not forget the encouragement of heart that God gave me during that week as I observed how a couple of friends became more receptive to the gospel and Christians alike! At the end of Spring Term, I was asked to be one of the leaders of my Hall Fell, and that was a huge lesson in Christian leadership and servanthood for me, and I was apprehensive at first.
However, I really thank God for the opportunity to be involved with the Hall Fell and the CU, and it was only in the second year that I discovered what the CU is really about. The CU in Bristol is made up of mostly Brits, and their aim is really to make Christ known in the university, and to do that by first building up Christian maturity of its members through equipping them with a knowledge and deeper understanding of God's Word. 'Mission and Maturity' is their mission statement. I was moved by the enthusiasm and passion that these British Christians had for God, and their desire to make Him known. Through the CU and leading the Hall Fell, I have begun to really appreciate how central evangelism is to our faith, and my increased understanding of the Bible has also helped me to present the gospel more accurately when I share my faith with my friends. My experience with the CU also made me appreciate how all the children of God are united by the love of Christ, regardless of differences in race, culture and personality etc, and we do not need to feel inhibited with our fellow British brothers and sisters.
I could just go on and list out the way in which dear lord has opened my eyes and encouraged me in the last two years, but this has to end somewhere I suppose. Not least I am encouraged to see friends who have drawn themselves closer to God after periods of backsliding and running away from Him. Not everything was smooth sailing though. There were periods of self-doubt, doubts about God and many times when I have disobeyed God in my folly. It is just amazing how He draws me back to Him each time I stray away from Him and play hide-and-seek. Many times God allowed me to grope around for a long time before calling me back to Him, even just as I am now going through a period of apathy But at the end of the day, I know that I have tasted the Living Water, and never will I thirst or want any other. Only Jesus Christ can satisfy.
Finally, my last encouragement to you who are going over to the UK for your studies is this: Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It is not possible to follow and serve Lord Jesus wholeheartedly by staying within our comfort zones. Jesus wants us to take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). What are the things that God wants you to give up for Him today? And how willing are you to give up these things to serve Him? Do not be afraid to live for Christ, no matter how others may look upon you. For Jesus said, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of Him when He comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels" (Luke 9:26). But He who said this has also promised to be with us always, to the very end of age (Matt 28:20).
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Copyright � 2002 Overseas Christian Fellowship (OCF) Bristol.
All rights reserved.
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