General Secretary, UESI

The recent natural disasters in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and elsewhere in our country have left us deeply troubled. It is heartbreaking to see families losing their homes and loved ones when rivers overflow and landslides occur. These events are stark reminders of life’s fragility and uncertainty. Rom 8:22 tells us that, “the whole creation has been groaning.” These calamities call us to action and reflection, rather than to point a finger at others.

We should recognize our role as stewards of God’s creation amid this turmoil. We can stand in the gap through prayer, presence, and service, displaying Christ’s compassion. May these challenges deepen our devotion and urge us to bear witness to the hope of an unshakeable kingdom.

As we celebrate the Foundation Day of UESI on 18th September, let us express heartfelt gratitude to God for His unwavering faithfulness over seven decades. UESI’s journey exemplifies God’s presence, power, and provision. From humble beginnings to a nationwide fellowship, UESI’s commitment to spreading the gospel among students and graduates is a testament to God’s guidance. Rooted in Scripture and dedicated to witnessing for Christ, UESI’s legacy inspires us to continue sharing His love.

Scripture inspires us with examples of faithfulness in challenging environments: Daniel and his friends boldly testified to the living God in Babylon, while Esther leveraged her position for the deliverance of her people. Paul’s discipleship of Timothy demonstrates the power of mentorship in passing on faith. Similarly, we are grateful for contemporary examples of students courageously standing for Christ on campus, staff members sacrificially investing in mentorship, and graduates faithfully guiding the next generation. These testimonies embody the enduring impact of faith and mentorship.

UESI’s journey is marked by inspiring stories of faithfulness. A student bravely led a Bible study in his hostel room, despite potential isolation, which blossomed into a vibrant fellowship that nurtured committed leaders. A staff worker in South India tirelessly invested in students, walking miles through villages and towns with little recognition, yet his quiet labor has yielded a rich harvest of thriving campus fellowships. These testimonies remind us that God delights in using ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes.

Let us not despise the small beginnings.

Universities and campuses are hubs of ideas, culture, and leadership, shaping future thinkers and decision-makers. In a generation marked by rapid change, moral confusion, and spiritual emptiness, UESI’s mission is clear: to engage with the university world and share the transformative gospel of Jesus Christ. As Eph 5:16 encourages us to, “seize every opportunity”, we can demonstrate our faith in various environments as students and graduates. UESI thrives on student enthusiasm, campus engagement, mentorship, and stability, fostering a strong, intergenerational fellowship. Building on this, the UESI Board and Annual Conference have strategically focused on urban centres, premier institutes, and institutions of national importance. The FDD is spearheading urban consultations and training for Study Forum sessions, aiming to bridge theory and practice across campuses.

As we engage students on campus, let’s stay focused on integrating faith with academics, providing godly alternatives that foster deeper thought and active participation as representatives of the Kingdom of God. UESI’s mission extends beyond Bible study; it’s about transforming every area of campus life. Ignoring this calling would be a missed opportunity and disobedience to the Great Commission. Complacency or inward focus risks our relevance and responsibility to this generation. On Foundation Day, we renew our commitment to living out and sharing the gospel on every campus, trusting the Lord to continue this movement. We express gratitude to past and present members, students, graduates, and staff for their dedication, recognising that each of us contributes to UESI’s ongoing story through active participation.

I invite graduates to participate in the ongoing Study Center at Highfield, currently engaging 23 participants. I encourage you to attend one or two modules, tailored to your schedule and interests.

I also encourage planning Foundation Day programmes at local, regional, or state levels, providing an excellent opportunity to invite pastors and mission leaders to witness the Lord’s work through UESI’s ministry.

God bless you all!