Before Covid-19 took operations online, the EU was already seeking to welcome and equip International Students.

Even as a not-yet-Christian, Harry* was a regular member of euFOCUS throughout last year. He is well-loved by the euFOCUS family and well-known for his great capacity for rice at our weekly Come Home Dinner. Late last year, after a gospel conversation with a local student, Harry made a decision to follow Jesus.

Having spent his summer break at home in Hong Kong and through the first wave of coronavirus, the first thing in Harry’s Sydney schedule was the training event for welcoming international students. He had his mask on when he arrived, luggage in tow, eager to welcome new international students to Sydney.

We were in the middle of training students to share Christ through their testimonies. With no notice, we asked if Harry would like to share his testimony with us as an example. Nathan*, another international student, spent time to train Harry with his newly acquired testimony skills. Harry was the newest Christian among us. We all rejoiced at hearing his story, and praised God.  The training moment between Nathan and Harry was also a glimpse into the new mission of euFOCUS –  “Grow, Go, Sow”  – at work. The euFOCUS community is seeking to see God build a movement of disciple-making disciples among USyd international students, mobilised to obey Christ and proclaim Christ wherever He sends us.

As the euFOCUS community navigates the uncertain waters of the coronavirus pandemic and the implications on international students, the story of Harry is a clear witness of God’s unassailable, faithful love at work in and through the lives of international students.

Please join us in praying for God’s continuing work among international students as euFOCUS seeks to not only welcome them into the community but also to send them out as Christ-honouring harvest workers.

Footnote: *pseudonym