What would it look like to devote your life to making Jesus known?

That was the question we spent a weekend thinking about at Project200, as students and graduates from the Sydney University Evangelical Union gathered in Katoomba to consider whether they should dedicate their lives to full-time gospel work.

Project200 exists because the need for gospel workers is enormous. We want to see all students and graduates seriously consider whether God might be calling them to vocational ministry, particularly among those who are less-reached and less-resourced. The weekend allowed us to step back from the busyness of university and work, open God’s Word, hear from experienced gospel workers, ask honest questions and pray about how we might use our lives for the sake of the gospel.

This year, our theme was “The King’s Messengers,” reflecting the invitation in 2 Corinthians 5:16–20 to carry the message of reconciliation to all peoples and nations: the message that God has reconciled us to himself through Jesus. Over the weekend, we thought about what it means to be entrusted with this message and how that should shape the way we use our lives.

Our four main sessions took us through Matthew’s Gospel. We were reminded of the reality of God’s coming judgement and the need to proclaim clearly, compassionately and courageously that Jesus will return. We saw Jesus’ compassion for the harassed and helpless crowds and were challenged to share his compassion for those who are lost. And when we saw Jesus say, “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few,” we were challenged to pray that God would raise up more people to take the gospel to those who need to hear it.

For some of us, that means embracing vocational gospel work. For all of us, it means asking how we can make Christ known in our workplaces, families, and communities, how we can encourage others towards gospel ministry, and whether we are willing to pray and give so that the gospel reaches those who have not heard it.

Following Jesus’ mission also means being willing to count the cost. We were challenged to consider whether we are more concerned with the things our culture tells us to pursue – comfort, money, recognition and security – or whether we are prepared to make decisions in light of eternity. Gospel ministry will involve difficulty: dependence on others, opposition, being misunderstood and sometimes being rejected. Yet Jesus sends his people with the promise that he is with them.

These challenges are not just for students and graduates considering vocational ministry, but for every Christian – including those of us who support and pray for gospel workers.

Are we praying for more workers? Are we willing to ask how God might use our own lives? Are we helping the next generation see the needs of the world and the opportunities for gospel work?

Alongside the main sessions, electives explored practical questions around gospel calling, women in ministry, finances and support-raising, longevity in ministry, and different pathways into gospel work. Students and graduates also had opportunities to speak one-to-one with experienced gospel workers and ministry staff about the realities of ministry.

It was particularly encouraging to hear from staff about the many excellent conversations they had throughout the weekend with students and graduates thinking seriously about gospel ministry. A number also expressed interest in the Howie program, giving us much to pray for as they consider their next steps.

We also heard about the “40 for 2030” vision as part of the EU’s Big Kingdom Vision for our centenary in 2030. Our prayer is to see God raise up 40 Howies – men and women committed to long-term gospel ministry – by 2030. Could you be one of them?

Please keep praying with us: that the conversations from this weekend would continue, that students and graduates would have wisdom and courage as they consider vocational gospel work, and that God would raise up faithful workers for his harvest.

And, as you pray, consider the challenge for yourself too: How might God use your life, work, finances, and prayers for the sake of the gospel?

The need remains great, but the King is on his throne, and his messengers are still being sent.

Click here if you would like to financially contribute to the “40 for 2030” project.