“What do you do after the end of the semester?”

Over the summer, the University of Sydney may slow down. But the ministry of the EU doesn’t! Students and staff enjoy a season of days away for teaching, training, and planning to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next year and beyond. We’d love you to join us in praying for this.

Faculty Days Away (29 November – 3 December)

Most EU faculties go away for a few days of reflection, Bible teaching, prayer, and fun together in the week after exams. This year and next year, the Bible teaching focuses on an aspect of our 2030 Big Kingdom Vision of the faculty’s choosing. Pray that the days would further our Big Kingdom Vision areas, especially by enriching students’ grasp of the gospel through God’s word.

National Training Event (6–10 December)

Later that week, hundreds of students and staff will travel to Canberra for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students National Training Event. NTE is a gathering of AFES affiliate groups like the EU from across Australia for Bible teaching and training for subsequent missions. Pray that NTE would help make students more aware of the nature, needs, and challenge of Christian service intrastate, interstate, and overseas.

Missions (10–14 December)

Immediately after NTE, 11 teams of students and staff will travel to partner with churches in less-reached and/or less-resourced areas across NSW and the ACT for missions. These teams will help their churches to proclaim Jesus’ Lordship to their local areas and be great opportunities for members to serve in ways they never have before. Pray that students would prayerfully consider returning to these churches after graduation to resource it with the training they’ve received through the EU and their churches in Sydney.

Staff Annual Leave Zone (17 December – 18 January)

After a typically busy semester and year, students and staff will enter a season of rest over Christmas and New Year’s, with staff coming and going from leave. Pray that staff will be refreshed by time with family, friends, and the saints at their churches and return to work renewed for another year of faithful service.

Staff Conference (19–22 January)

Five weeks before Semester 1 begins, staff will gather for our annual Staff Conference to welcome new Howies to the team and continue planning for ministry in 2026. Pray that staff would be strengthened for the year ahead by this investment of time around God’s word and with each other.

Faculty Planning Days Away (31 January – 6 February)

Three weeks before Semester 1 begins, Faculty Student Committees and staff will go away to prayerfully plan their faculty’s ministry in 2026. Pray for wisdom as faculties make plans.

Leadership Summit (11-12 February)

Two weeks beforehand, student leaders will gather for Leadership Summit. Pray that this generation of student leaders would model joyfully giving their time, energy, and money for the spiritual growth of others.

Welcome Week and Launch Day (18-20 February)

The week before, the EU will run stalls as part of the USU Welcome Fest and a Launch Day to reach newcomers. Pray we would connect with 500 students.

Thanks so much for praying for us over the summer.

– Ryan Carter, EU Senior Staff