Thankfully, both conferences took place earlier than usual this year, narrowly escaping the uncertainty over travel and large gatherings as a result of COVID-19.
We were pleased to welcome 20 medical students from Asia, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe, Oceania and South America to the CMF office on 26 January. This was for a week-long programme of leadership and discipleship training, culminating with the national student conference at Yarnfield Park. The international students were able to visit the Houses of Parliament and Cambridge for the Christian heritage tour. As always, strong friendships were formed, which may well last a lifetime. It was encouraging to hear what God is doing in other parts of the world. But it was also sobering to hear about the tough challenges that many overseas students face. The National Student Conference theme this year was 'Shining like Stars', based on the book of Philippians. Peter Saunders, the former CMF CEO, was the keynote speaker. As always, there was a great atmosphere and a stimulating selection of seminar choices, including such topics as the transgender agenda, abortion, evolution and creation and self-care.
Thanks to the addition of Ashley Stewart - a trained counsellor as well as a former doctor - to the student leadership team, we were able to offer a more structured pastoral care programme to individual students, and many took advantage of this. The issues arising from these conversations confirm yet again the urgent need for CMF to develop its pastoral care services to both students and graduates. We are grateful to all the speakers and volunteers who took time out of their busy conference schedules to support students with prayerful counsel, sometimes late into the night.
We were pleased to welcome 20 medical students from Asia, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe, Oceania and South America to the CMF office on 26 January. This was for a week-long programme of leadership and discipleship training, culminating with the national student conference at Yarnfield Park. The international students were able to visit the Houses of Parliament and Cambridge for the Christian heritage tour. As always, strong friendships were formed, which may well last a lifetime. It was encouraging to hear what God is doing in other parts of the world. But it was also sobering to hear about the tough challenges that many overseas students face. The National Student Conference theme this year was 'Shining like Stars', based on the book of Philippians. Peter Saunders, the former CMF CEO, was the keynote speaker. As always, there was a great atmosphere and a stimulating selection of seminar choices, including such topics as the transgender agenda, abortion, evolution and creation and self-care.
Thanks to the addition of Ashley Stewart - a trained counsellor as well as a former doctor - to the student leadership team, we were able to offer a more structured pastoral care programme to individual students, and many took advantage of this. The issues arising from these conversations confirm yet again the urgent need for CMF to develop its pastoral care services to both students and graduates. We are grateful to all the speakers and volunteers who took time out of their busy conference schedules to support students with prayerful counsel, sometimes late into the night.
