Hiraeth is a Welsh word. It is so distinctly Welsh that it cannot be translated into English. Its meaning is along the lines of passion, a longing, an earnest desire for Wales.

Moving away to uni caused me to realise two things; 

ONE...how much my heart ached for Wales. I loved living in England for three years but I awoke to a passion for Wales, our people, our churches, our culture and our Welsh Cakes. Hiraeth!

TWO...how much my heart ached for students. I had the best time at uni. I made incredible friends, learnt so much, grew up, was challenged, stretched and had fun! I got stuck in with my local church from day one and absolutely loved serving and being involved. It IS possible to live well as a Christian student.

Knowing that 73% of Christian students never connect with a church in uni makes my heart ache. Church in uni is not a burden or a chore. It is family!

I want to connect with all churches in Wales so that when a fresher downloads the Student Linkup app, they find a church. A church ready to welcome, love, nurture and challenge them. A church which prepares their students for uni life.

I would love to see students and churches working together to see the culture in the universities of Wales change. I want to help churches train their students to be leaders wherever they are at. To show Jesus to their course mates and housemates, to see miracles, healing, salvation. 

It’s all kicking off with the students in Wales. 

Students - download the app, connect to a church.

Churches - start connecting to students. Register here