Leading small groups with SciVet has been an absolute blast during my time as a Howie across 2025 and so far in 2026! 

I’ve also had the privilege of leading the Veterinary small group every week, which adds a unique element to the collection of small groups I have among my fellow Howies. SciVet students have incredibly varying timetables, as the discipline is so broad, which means that outside of AnCon or Faculty Days Away, you might only see the particular students in your small group each week!

One thing that could not be ignored last year, going from Semester 1 to Semester 2, was the effect that AnCon had on students. AnCon really established and deepened the relationships that students had with one another, and also stirred conviction, leading to Sem 2 small groups becoming melting pots of growth and encouragement, more so than in Sem 1! 

It was great carrying that accrued momentum into Faculty Days Away last December, where SciVet alone came together in fellowship and encouraged one another. In turn, students started 2026 on the front foot with small groups, both as participants and leaders.

It has been a joy seeing students enjoying the time they spend together under God’s Word. Some students were flaky and inconsistent throughout Semester 1 of 2025, but then during the second half of last year, they were present week in, week out! SciVet at the end of last year had one of, if not the highest, attendance rates amongst all the faculties, which was really encouraging! Seeing their love for each other really encouraged me, especially when students would convey that they were saying no to other things they were invited to, to come to small groups. 

Over my time leading small groups with the EU, I’ve really learnt how precious it is to have students present together under God with His Word. Some people really get caught up with numbers and can get discouraged if people are treating the group loosely, but I’ve tried to be thankful for anyone and everyone who has come and been a part of a group. Seeing each small group time as a blessing from the Lord, in turn, makes me want to make the most of every group time I have left as a Howie. 

I’ve also been encouraged to see the beauty of students learning more about the depth of our Lord’s love, having some big ‘WOW’ moments, and then being hungry to ask more questions! My hope is, as I leave SciVet in someone else’s hands next year, that the leaders, faculty and systems I leave behind will be able to serve and support SciVet for the years to come! 

I am incredibly thankful to the Lord for my time with the EU! I am so thankful to SciVet for the joys I’ve experienced and all the things I’ve learnt, and I am keen to serve the Lord through small groups for the remainder of my time with SciVet!