Feeling Pain and Hope

In this Voices of IFES, we speak to David Velkovski, a pharmacy student and part-time staff worker with SEAM, the IFES movement in North Macedonia. David shares his journey from shy newcomer in Skopje to active leader in SEAM. As IFES celebrates 50 years of World Student Day this October, David also shares how his movement marks the day and what it means for him.  David speaks of the power of prayer in connecting students across the world and notes how it helps SEAM grow in faith and community. He also offers insights into what it’s like to share Christ in his context, a predominantly religious culture, and how important it is to build deep relationships. David’s story is a heartwarming testimony to the call of IFES to be part of something bigger – locally, nationally, and globally. 

🙏 In the latest Prayerline, meet students from the Middle East and North Africa. Hear firsthand from some who recently participated in a regional conference and get a sense of the pain and hope they experience in their context. They need your prayers

In this Voices of IFES, listen to David (“Monty”) Montgomery (Regional Secretary for IFES Europe) open up Matthew 28:16-20 on the closing night of the European Student Festival (August 2025).   Having established the need for obedience and worship, he then unpacks “the Great Commission” with four words: proclaim, produce, presence, and power. He urges around 500 students from across Europe and beyond to return to their campuses to boldly proclaim the gospel and produce whole-life disciples – in the presence and by the power of Jesus Christ. 

🙏 In the latest Prayerline, discover what happened when a team from North America visited IFES Eurasia’s camp for student leaders. What did they take away? How did perspectives change? Learn how “missions” got real, with real faces and real relationships

🙏 The latest Prayerline offers words from IFES movements in South Asia to guide your prayers for students in the region. From the threat of excommunication to the impact of blood donation, discover the challenges and blessings – and pray for students

📏 How much growth did you see last year?  In the latest Prayerline, discover a story of growth. 🙌   Learn about graduates in FOCUS Uganda who are meeting a huge need for discipleship by giving just one year to campus ministry. Learn how they’ve grown as they helped students grow in discipleship and outreach.   Students mentored. Staff mobilised. It’s remarkable how much growth God can give in one year!  Listen and pray for them today.

🙅‍♂️ No one is beyond God’s reach 🌍 The gospel is still for every nation 🫵 And you are uniquely called to serve In the latest Voices of IFES podcast, Femi Adeleye closes his “Rooted” series with three reminders to shape our lives and mission. 🎧 Listen and be inspired to pray for those far from faith, to go wherever God sends, and to serve faithfully in your own God-given identity. 🔗 https://ifesworld.org/en/podcast/ Recorded by @UCCF: The Christian Unions at and for Forum, an annual training event for student leaders run by UCCF Great Britain.

In the latest Prayerline, find out how TSCF Papua New Guinea have been helping students discuss undiscussed issues – from a biblical perspective.  Learn how honest engagement with Scripture has been challenging cultural norms, encouraging accountability, and calling students to Christ-centred love. 

From Kyiv to Oxford, from courtrooms to campus - meet Andriy Hnidets, a follower of Jesus with a passion for justice, truth, and student ministry with CCX Ukraine. 🧑‍⚖️ He’s worked in law, health, and anti-corruption. 📚 He’s studied in Ukraine and the UK - and faced some real setbacks along the way. 🙏 But through it all, his faith has stayed firm. Tune in to hear Andriy’s honest reflections - full of wisdom, encouragement, and hope for anyone trying to follow Jesus in hard places.

🙏 In the latest Prayerline, discover why a boat trip down a Latvian river and a continent-wide student festival are creating more space for organic conversations. Find out how lives have been changed and pray for more transformation.