April 28, 2003
by Janet Walker

Hundreds of thousands of students attend Europe's 65 major universities, creating one of the continent's greatest mission fields.

During the past five years, Students for Christ has formed ministry groups on campuses in European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Poland and Spain. SFC is the international equivalent of Chi Alpha, the U.S. Assemblies of God campus ministry. Several U.S. A/G missionaries direct one or more of these groups, assisted by John Koeshall, coordinator of Europe's campus outreaches.

Last year 300 university students attended a five-day conference sponsored by SFC in Nuremberg, Germany. Seventeen students attending the conference came from SFC groups in Belgium, where missionaries Steve and Deanne Turley and Blair and Dina Bonin are endeavoring to reach and disciple university students through Bible studies, outreaches and personal evangelism.

One campus, Free University of Brussels, will not allow SFC meetings on its property. To reach these students, the Turleys invite them to their home - a 10-minute tram ride or a 20-minute walk from campus - for a weekly meeting and to other special activities and events.

In an effort to make their ministry more accessible, the Turleys are searching for property near the campus to serve as a coffee shop where students can study, eat, visit or listen to music. Within this setting, students can learn more about Christ.

The Turleys have found two types of evangelism to be especially effective in drawing students: coffee giveaways and a meal-and-movie night. Outside the university gates they set up a table and offer free coffee. As students show interest in their message, they give them a Gospel of John and a pamphlet with information about SFC. Once a month, the Turleys invite students to bring their friends to their home for a meal and a movie. As many as 33 students have attended.

"This is a crucial time in the lives of these young students," Steve Turley said. "We know that God has called us to bring them the good news that Jesus cares."

Currently, SFC is active on five campuses in Belgium. The Free University of Brussels has more than 18,000 students.

A/G News & Information Service