Faith
World Students Join in Global Prayer Day
Faith Facts
- Nearly 30,000 participants from over 130 countries united in prayer for God’s work on World Student Day.
- Testimonies from countries facing hardship, like South Sudan and Madagascar, highlighted God’s faithfulness and the power of student fellowship.
- New features like Prayer Cards helped Christians worldwide pray together for students in every IFES region.
Believers across continents joined hearts on October 16 to seek God’s immeasurable work in students’ lives and campuses. The event showcased unity in faith, transcending geographic and cultural boundaries for a common purpose.
National movements in Asia, Africa, and beyond gathered to intercede for academic communities, uplifting those who serve Christ in challenging environments.
“It was a deep joy to see students from our national movements supporting each other in prayer and an absolute delight to see supporters and churches standing with them,” said Annette Arulrajah, IFES Associate General Secretary.
Christian students, from isolated corners to troubled regions, found encouragement and strength through a fellowship that pointed to God’s enduring presence and love.
“Students have been sharing their testimonies of how God has been faithful in their campus fellowships and in their own spiritual growth,” said Kanywar, from South Sudan. “Students have joined the event from nine universities. It was so amazing for all!”
One student in Madagascar wrote: “Glory be to God for giving us the resilient heart to pursue preparations for [World Student Day] this year despite the social and political troubles.”
Stories of encouragement, such as a student in Vanuatu realizing her connection to the global family of believers, showed how the body of Christ reaches across every border.
Tools like Prayer Cards empowered groups both large and small to lift up nations by name, praying for spiritual influence on campuses from Israel to India.
A Christian in Israel requested, “Let us pray for the courage to lead the way toward peace and justice in a region burdened by hatred and hostility.”
Reji from India also asked for prayer, “Pray for more student groups and that our students may engage the universities with God’s thoughts on their academic disciplines.”
As these students and ministries move forward, they remain committed to regular intercession, shaping future leaders for Christ with Christian unity and hope.
Let us continue to lift up students worldwide, trusting in God’s power to use faithful hearts for His glory in every nation.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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