Stop for a minute as it all begins…I’ve only visited two locations so far this year but we’ve already discussed at both how easy it is to get into a rhythm of day to day organisation and before you know it you’re at Christmas. 

I want to encourage you to stop.  Just for a minute, if that’s all you can spare, stop and meditate for a minute on these words…

You have been placed in this place, with this responsibility. 

You have before you students, maybe two, maybe twenty, maybe two hundred.  You have before you lives to encourage, challenge and help lead through the challenging and wonderful years ahead. 

Your engagement with them will matter.  It will, in part, shape them.  It will, in part, guide them into the people they will be in their future; the impact they will have on the world. 

Who will you be to them this year?  How will you allow your life to influence theirs?  Your life will influence theirs. 

Take a moment to picture those students who have been through your church community in the last few weeks.  

Who you are to them will matter.  How you are with them will matter, is already making an impact. 

Thank you Lord for those who are committing themselves to serving students this year; committing themselves to seeing your kingdom come amidst this growing, catalytic, ever-changing community.  Reveal to them more and more your love, your calling and your gospel for the students of the UK in this time.  May they know you close to them as they walk into this territory and see you bring transformation in the lives of those they encounter. 

Amen.