Welcome to Sydney Mission (WSM) was an opportunity in week one of the semester for the EU to actively extend the welcome of Jesus to those on our campus. Every semester, thousands of new students start at the university from many different places and backgrounds. Some are Christians, but lack the knowledge or confidence to explore how they can grow together with other Christians on campus. Some are unbelievers open to exploring deeper questions of life and truth. There are even some who have never heard of Jesus! 

WSM aims to welcome these people (and more!) by prayerfully approaching strangers and meeting them where they’re at, and as those who know Jesus, extending His welcome. There were 15 2hr sessions across the week that involved prayer and briefing, walk-up in pairs, and debriefing and prayer.

We would love to invite you to join us in giving thanks for what God has been doing through WSM, as we were able to share the love of Christ, see Him opening hearts and fostering connections that have the potential to bear lasting fruit.

During the course of the week, over 60 people from across the EU dedicated their time to come together to pray, and (in humility) overcome feelings of fear or discomfort and intentionally go out to approach strangers. In doing so, EU students extended the welcome of Jesus and invited strangers to take steps to draw near to Jesus, whether through personal action, by getting involved with the EU, or through ongoing personal follow-up. 

Together, we were able to approach over 155 people, many of whom were new to the campus environment and unfamiliar with the Christian community here, and some who had never even heard of Jesus. In total, 80 of these interactions led to substantial conversations, sometimes going for over an hour! These interactions were moments where seeds of hope and truth were planted in the hearts of students, some of whom had never experienced a personal welcome from a Christian before. 

We met people from all different faiths and non-faith backgrounds, and were able to help people hear the gospel, find answers to questions, and challenge assumptions. We saw people wanting to explore more, wanting to grow by getting involved with the EU, and some who want to keep meeting to discuss further and read the Bible.

Perhaps one of the most exciting outcomes of this mission was the fact that, of the 155 people approached, 50 students expressed an openness to ongoing connection; whether by checking out Public Meetings, Come Home Dinner, joining the EU, or simply staying in touch for more personal conversations. These connections open the door for deeper engagement and the chance to walk alongside new students on their spiritual journey. It’s humbling to see how God is working in the lives of these students, and it is such a joyful encouragement to be invited into that by God’s sovereign work, using our simple acts of willingness for His purposes in people’s lives.

As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to continue praying that God would bring enduring fruit from our conversations and connections formed. We are praying that the seeds sown will continue to grow, that these students will encounter the love of Christ in profound ways, and that their hearts will be open to further opportunities to meet Christians or open the scriptures. We are praying that students may come to know Christ as Lord and follow Him.

Looking ahead, we prayerfully ask that in future semesters, God would raise up more and more EU Christian students to get involved in the Welcome Mission. We hope to see this initiative grow, with the opportunity to extend the welcome of Jesus to even more people on campus. Whether through building relationships with new students, reaching out to those who feel isolated, or simply by being a visible presence of Christ’s love, we believe that this mission is a great way for us all to start the semester, in humble willingness to go out to those who are lost, and be reminded of his intention to use us to welcome others not just in week one, but in all of life.

As we give thanks for what God has already done, we also look forward with great anticipation to what He will do in the coming months. Let’s pray for a growing movement of faith on campus — one that embraces all students with the same welcome that we have so graciously received from Jesus. Let us continue to pray for more opportunities, more connections, and more hearts to be opened to the transformative power of God’s love.

To God be the glory for what has been accomplished, and for the fruit that will continue to be seen in the days to come.