As you are well aware, I am writing you during an unprecedented time in our country and the world where many unknowns lie ahead of us. The COVID-19 virus has impacted each and every one of us in some way. Our students are no exception to this. As you likely know, Princeton students received word to return home and to complete their classes online through the remainder of the semester. These changes have affected students’ lives profoundly—it has upended their lives, causing confusion and anxiety for many. International students, as well as seniors—who have had their final semester come to a rapid halt—have likely seen the greatest effect.
Though these challenges will have an effect on our ministry, we are confident of the goodness of the Lord—even during this novel time. As a ministry, we continue to serve our students. To do this, our Bible Courses as well as one-on-one meetings have moved to an online format. Additionally, our student leaders are designing a new prayer initiative for their peers to remain connected during this time. Ministry to our students will continue, and creative ways are being designed to make it happen.
Even as we navigate these new obstacles, we have been encouraged how God is working in the lives of our students. Many have expressed their desire to grow in their faith and to continue the spiritual practices started while on campus. The staff has also been encouraged by the many students sharing their excitement over Nova becoming a family to them during their time at Princeton. Our students have expressed a strong desire to return to Nova to continue what God is doing here.
We ask you to join us in prayer for the following as we finish this semester:
- Students—Please pray for our students as they experience many changes. Pray that the staff will be able to effectively minister to them during this time. Let us ask that God would use the effects of this virus to cause their faith to grow and deepen their reliance on God for spiritual growth.
- Revival at Princeton—We are asking God to use this national concern to bring revival to our campus and beyond. This is a unique time where our students can seek the Lord together and bring repentance and a movement of the Spirit upon the campus and beyond. Please join us in seeking the spread of the gospel of Jesus at Princeton.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support in these times when the need is so great.
Grace and peace,
Christopher Heslep
Ministry Director
Christian Union Nova
As a postscript, I wanted to share that Christian Union is encouraging Christians across America to join together in a 40 day fast for the coronavirus and that lives would be spared and people would be spared from economic calamity as well. You can sign up to participate online at: https://www.dayandnight.org/fast
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates on how to pray for Christian Union's work at Princeton, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
