Im getting to grips with final semester and although feeling the stress of studies,the end is in sight. It’s more in defining that “end” that I am writing to you today. To just take a moment to share some thoughts with you on my plans for next year and in doing so, ask for your prayers for it!
It was 4 years ago that I packed my bags and began my journey of discovery into the student world. The location? Not necessarily the first of my pickings:
- The place where men wear skirts and women wear trousers (I will accept my scottish punishment for that)
- The place where they sell animalpieces in a sheep’s stomach and call it a delicacy… the place where they produce the most addictive orange drink of the century and label it Irnbru… but, perhaps more uniquely, the place where the wonders of the Beano and the Dandy began….a city called Dundee.
So…. Have my 4 years been enough to ready me for agoodbye? Maybe not just yet…
As president of the Christian Union this year, my involvement has not only brought challenges in an organisational and practical front, but what I would describe as a moulding process: one of refinement to my faith and of re-shaping the values I hold as a Christian. To understand what it really means to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, not just on a one-off basis, but EVERYday!
Our vision and mission statement for the year has been to Known Christ Intimately, Know eachother deeply and make Him known passionately. We have tried to focus our meetings each week to enable us to actually get to grips with the gospel message and understand what the Bible is really saying, so that we can know the God we believe we were created by and be equipped to share that knowledge with others. Planning for next year… I only want to know more!!
UCCF (the organisation that works to support all of the CU’s in the UK) run what is known as a RELAY programme. This is basically a year of studying theology, as well as working alongside a particular CU, taking on female students to mentor, discuss and pray with about their faith. I signed up last semester after being approached about taking it on in the Dundee area. I had my interview just before Christmas and received confirmation of acceptance for the next academic year. In accepting the position I will be assigned to a UCCF staff worker who will supervise my studies, stewardship of money and time management. Taking part in the programme is completely voluntary. I will have to raise funds of up to approx £6000 to cover my living expenses for the year.
To be honest, practically, I don't know how it is all going to work out. I just know that I believe and trust in a God of provision so I would ask you to please pray for guidance in taking these next few steps: in working out accomodation and even confirming that Dundee is the place God actually wants me to be. That its not just in my "comfort zone" to stay, but that it would be the desire to further the work that God has already been doing and being able to build upon relationships and friendships already established, as well as my own personal growth and maturity through church life.
If not in Dundee, there is the potential for me to be placed in Edinburgh,working with the Queen Margaret CU, which would also be a fantastic ministry to be involved in. Currently however, I am also awaiting feedback from an interview I had for a pgce in primary school teaching for next year so this opens another door where waves of indecision will flow.
I turn to you for support. For all of your prayers,thoughts and comments at this stage as I seek God's direction in the year or years to come
Galations 2v19+20 “For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified withChrist, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself for me.”
With love in Christ, Claire
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