Holiday discipleship support for our university students
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
As the university academic year came to an end, we were delighted to welcome our university students back to Hope Skills Centre for two days of discipleship, encouragement and fellowship. This included three students who will begin their university journey later this year through our sponsorship programme, having graduated from the Youth Development Programme last month.
The training was planned and led by Andrew, Youth Development Programme Manager, with support from other members of the Hope4Development team. Over the two days, the students explored what it means to live lives that honour God, looking at topics including God's grace and discipline, discovering the difference between a career and a calling, and developing a deeper relationship with Jesus through worship.
Through teaching, group discussions, games and prayer, they were challenged to think about how they can use the gifts God has given them to serve others wherever He leads them.
One of the themes that resonated most deeply from the day was the difference between a career and a calling. The students shared that it challenged them to think beyond simply earning a living and instead consider how their future professions can be used to glorify God and serve their communities.
Matthews, a third-year university student, explains that "a career can become a calling when we use our daily work to serve a bigger purpose and help others."
One student reflected that "understanding the difference between a career and a calling makes studying much more meaningful because it gave us a real reason to work hard every day."
"I learned that my career should be used as a tool to fulfil my calling and ultimately glorify God." - Elizabeth
Discussions around grace and discipline reminded students that God's grace calls us to pursue lives of integrity, responsibility and perseverance, especially during the independence and challenges that university life brings.
Many students also reflected that worship isn't confined to church but is something lived out daily—in studying, working and serving others.
Andrew says that "Giving this kind of guidance early on will help them build good habits, deal with hard times, and see that university is not just about getting a degree, but about finding their purpose and growing as people."
It was wonderful to be back together. Everyone enjoyed catching up after the university semester, sharing stories from the past few months and encouraging one another.
The returning students also had the opportunity to share their experiences of university life with those preparing to begin later this year, offering practical advice and encouragement as they take their first steps into higher education.
The students are home from their various universities for the holidays. Alongside enjoying some well-earned rest with their families, many of the students will be giving back by volunteering with Hope4Development's programmes, supporting our staff and serving younger children in the communities where they once stood themselves until they return for a new year at university.
We are incredibly proud of these young people and grateful to everyone who makes their sponsorship possible. Your support is not only opening the door to higher education but also helping to raise a generation of Christian leaders who are equipped to serve their communities with compassion, integrity and hope.
Can you help a child in Malawi?
Thanks to the support of our partners, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Hope4Malawi's Youth Development programmes, building projects, resourcing initiatives, and student sponsorships continue to provide life-changing opportunities for children in rural Blantyre.
Contact us for further information on how to get involved.
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