Hi friend!

Whoop whoop, check out this month’s Loop! Many of us are only just getting into the hang of lectures this year and assignments are already piling up (gosh... how did that happen?!) – but, the great news is that many exciting things have been happening in our TSCF groups around the country!

From lolly-giving, great conversations, T-shirt prizes, food events and new friendships to many new sign-ups, orientation this year has been a great success!

[ UP NORTH ]

We had Nigel speak at a joint meeting with all the Auckland groups on the incredibly thought-provoking topic of ‘Is Christianity an Intelligent Faith?’ It was timely topic for those of us embarking on integrating our faith and university study life. This was over pizza - and EVERYBODY loves pizza! And at AUT:

‘AUTCF just had our welcome back party today and we were grateful for the diversity of students that turned up (approx 20 came along). We had a good mix of international students, Kiwis, non-Christians, first-years and a few mature students in our midst! Quality conversations were had, and I had a great time getting to know a first year student who was keen as to come along to our weekly Bible Studies.’
– Sarah Kwok

[ FURTHER DOWN IN WELLINGTON ]

We had 60-70 students turn up at our first CU meeting, with many new friendships made. There was also a diverse range of students from different countries at the first ICF ‘KIWI 101’ meeting! Our lovely AOCF sister group came down to support and help out at this event, which was such a great help!

‘God has blessed us with many new students and we are becoming more and more multicultural. It’s so awesome to see how faithful God has been to our group and a great reminder that He is completely in control!’
– [Wellington International Christian Fellowship].

[ IN CHRISTCHURCH ]

Pauline reports, ‘We had a great opportunity to meet new students during Enrolment Week before the earthquake and around 100 students expressed interest in hearing more about Christian Union and International Christian Fellowship. It was blessing to have met these students before the quake as we were able to contact them and check how they were doing, and also let them know what's happening with CU and ICF this year.

The past few weeks have been a chance for us to practically show God's love to others by digging up silt, moving bricks and making and delivering baking to those in need. For the majority of first year students, lectures have started again either in tents or online and the returning students are still waiting to start back at uni.’

[ BIG NEWS IN DUNEDIN ]

Is that VCF, the Kiwi group, has just restarted! There was a good amount of interest in the group, and James Allaway had a good-old BBQ at his house to share with the students about the vision of TSCF and making God known on campus!

There are many more stories like these of how God has been at work across New Zealand. Be encouraged and please continue to pray for the groups.

[ NEW WEBSITE! ]

Finally, a note from Mel about the new TSCF website:

“Hey guys – we’re really excited about the new website! Now you guys can see events, prayer points, photos and news from student groups around the country much more easily, as well as access some great resources! Make sure you check it out – it looks seriously awesome!”
www.tscf.org.nz

Mel Mylvaganam, TSCF Communications

‘Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses’. 1 Timothy 6:12 [NIV]