For the last three years, I’ve had the joy of serving alongside the Science & Vet faculty in the EU, and one of the highlights of every year is going to Annual Conference together.

For most students, AnCon is one week in July. For us as staff and student leaders, it’s something we’ve been preparing for all year.

Before semester even begins, we’re encouraging leaders to register as soon as possible, to make the most of early-bird discounts. This isn’t simply about saving money – it sets the tone. When leaders commit first, they’re able to confidently invite others from their small groups to come along too.

Even more importantly, we’ve been praying. Since the beginning of the year, our staff team and faculty committee have been praying that students would come, that those teaching God’s word would be well prepared, and that God would use AnCon to grow students in their love for Christ. Prayer is perhaps the most important preparation of all.

Throughout the semester, registrations steadily increase. At the time of writing, 57 students from Science & Vet are registered to attend – our largest in recent history! Along the way, we’ve been encouraging students, helping them access first-time discounts and financial assistance where needed, as we don’t want financial concerns to prevent people from missing out.

One particularly encouraging moment this year came when a group of first-year students discovered that one of their friends couldn’t afford to attend. Without being asked, they collected money among themselves so their friend could come to AnCon for the very first time. After only one semester together, it was a wonderful picture of Christian generosity and love.

Now that semester has finished, the pace hasn’t slowed down. Howies spent days studying Psalms 103–105, writing talks, and receiving feedback so they can teach God’s word faithfully. Prayer & Reflection Group leaders are trained to lead discussions and pastorally care for groups of six or seven students throughout the week. Staff prepare electives (I’ll be teaching one on forgiveness), faculty committees finalise logistics, music teams rehearse, and registrations and payments continue to trickle in.

All of this preparation serves one purpose: helping students get the most out of a week immersed in God’s word and Christian fellowship.

Most of the major preparations are now in place, but the greatest work is still God’s to do.

Would you please pray with us that:

• Students would arrive with hearts ready to hear God’s word;
• Talks, Bible studies and electives would clearly point people to Jesus;
• First-year students would be warmly welcomed and deeply encouraged; and
• God would use this week to grow many students in their knowledge and love of the one true and living God.

If you’re able, we would also love for you to join us at Annual Conference for Supporters Night: Wednesday 29 July, 7:30 pm at KCC or online. 

More details here: https://gradsfund.org/ancon26-supporters-night/