Category: Engage People (Page 1 of 15)

Engage People of All Cultures and Ethnicities

Filled with hope and wonder

December 8, 2022 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Every 3 (sometimes 4) years we join together as a movement for the Urbana missions conference. It is a space where “one generations commends God works to another; telling of God’s mighty acts.” (Ps 145:4)

Generation after generation of students have heard and responded to God’s call to give their whole lives to God’s purposes around the world. I responded as a 21 year old in a way that still impacts my life 26 years later.

Hundreds have been praying regularly for this event, focused on the book of Acts. They sense that we will experience a powerful move of God in our midst. Please pray with me towards this end. It is not to late to join me in Indianapolis. Reach out to me for a discount and register soon.

Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers

May 10, 2022 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

This is a season of many invitations.

There are some that are quite regular for us to make: to serve as small group leaders, Campus Staff, or Volunteers. There are some that are unique opportunities – to lead our ministry to Graduate students and Faculty There are also invitations from colleges and universities to potential students and faculty to choose their campus.

In each case whether inviting or receiving these potential workers, we look to God to send out workers for the harvest field. As when Jesus first spoke these words, the Harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Join us in praying for students, faculty, and others to hear God’s invitation and say yes to the field he has for them.

What might God want to do

May 3, 2022 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

At Urbana 1997, I heard God speaking to me. “I have given you gifts for this, if you will follow me, I will use you.” At Urbana I said Yes to God’s invitation, to join staff with InterVarsity.

25 years later, I will will join 10,000 others invited to surrender all to Jesus and join in God’s global mission. We will do this through multiethnic worship, creating space for all peoples to come before God. We’ll have time of Scripture exposition and Bible study in Acts. We’ll hear testimonies from the global church. And everyone will have the opportunity to connect with top mission organizations, receive prayer ministry, and get next steps coaching to discern their calling.

Do you know someone (or yourself) who should consider joining me? Send them Urbana.org to register now.

Now is the time

April 20, 2022 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Every few years, students from around the country gather to consider God’s invitation to be a part of His work around the world. Every Urbana participants are invited to surrender all to God and to take a next step to engage in mission.

We are blessed to join together in Indianapolis this December for Urbana 22. Pray for God to move during these days and share this opportunity with college students you know.

Its harder then it looks

December 22, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

We have an amazing group of leaders working to see students and faculty from every corner encounter Jesus. Each bring expertise and experience that enable us to focus our outreach. But how do we work together for the benefit of campuses across the US?

Last week we gathered staff in the Every Corner program to discuss this collaboration. They highlighted bright spots and challenges in this work. Please pray for me and Henry Lucey-Lee, director of InterVarsity Arts Ministry, as we lead this program and learn together how to collaborate in ways that most effectively expand our work.

A powerful foundation

December 22, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Ezra 3 tells the story of Israel rebuilding the temple. At the laying of the foundation many celebrate with joy, while some of those who saw the former temple weep. The various responses are indistinguishable but can be heard far way.

Many of our staff are in a space like this, rebuilding work well established in the past. Our invitation to them is like the Israelites, hold the joy and weeping together as worship before God. And our prayer is that this sound will testify to the work of God in this place.

As you could imagine, the weeping can overcome the hope that foundation represents. Pray that God would help our staff to see and celebrate the new thing growing in their midst.

“I don’t know if I can do this”

November 11, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

In the midst of the pandemic, nurses have been under particular stress. This study reports that 2/3 of nurses surveyed reported decline in physical health, 2/3 experienced symptoms of depression, and 2/3 are considering leaving nursing either now or within a year.

Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) is stepping into this gap. Recently, NCF held an online webinar about the challenges facing nurses and how to cope. 101 participants joined! In front of everyone, a first semester nursing student asked, “Is it worth it being a nurse? I don’t know if I can do this…”

The whole online audience froze. Then another nursing student relayed how Jesus had helped her through the past year and a half of school, excitedly sharing how much she loved nursing and being used by God. After that, a nurse, still working at the bedside in her 70’s, testified to God’s sustenance through 50 years of practice. Finally, all 101 joined in prayer for the student, whose vulnerability allowed that holy moment.

Join me in praying for the important work of NCF in this season amongst their 130+ student chapters and 45+ professional nurse chapters across the country.

A New Beginning

October 5, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Our students, staff, and volunteers come back to campus this fall with a different group then they left with in February 2020. On campus we experience continued change with classes of students arriving and graduating. In addition, in most places the pandemic accelerated the change.

Some groups are starting from the ground up. Others have students leading things, like in-person Bible studies, that they have not experienced. This work takes a mindset shift from leaders to start fresh, training core skills. Things like leading Bible studies and sharing the Gospel.

It can be discouraging to start over, though it is so encouraging when a new student begins to grasp these core skills. Pray with me for our leaders as they train this generation of students.

Where is the next throw

October 5, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

Over the last month students, staff, and volunteers hosted gatherings, stood at welcome tables, and served incoming students. This is a physically and relationally demanding season for our community. In addition our staff continue to navigate changing realities and regulations on campus.

As I sat on campus praying with one of these staff, he remembered a conversation before the year began. One of his prayer partners shared the story of Jesus calling Peter (Luke 5:1-11). In it Jesus invited Peter to throw out the net one more time after a night of fishing. We then prayed asking where Jesus was inviting this group to reach out next.

Join me in praying for InterVarsity leaders across the country to respond to God’s invitation, like Peter, to throw the net again.

Double the opportunity

September 7, 2021 / Howie Meloch / 0 Comments

In the first two weeks on campus, students make connections that shape their time in college. After a year plus of primarily virtual interaction, two classes of students walk now through those two weeks.

For InterVarsity groups across the country, these are critical weeks inviting students to engage with God in life-giving community.

Preparing for these weeks we gathered to pray, compiled resources (check them out!), and bought a lot of supplies. Join us in praying for great connections and many to say yes to Jesus.

Do you know a student heading to a campus this fall? Go to Everycampus to find the Gospel communities on the campus or resources to start a new one.