We give our students the opportunity to experience a five-week long block placement in their second and third year of study. This helps them develop their skills and giftings; discover new opportunities; and apply their theology within an intensive, practical context. We chatted to a handful of our students to hear where they’re travelling, and what they’re looking forward to in their placements.
Simon Howling, third-year campus-based student
“I’m going to Bolivia, to a city called Potosi. During the week, I’ll be serving with the charity Compassion in a centre working with vulnerable children, helping with their education, leading Bible studies and mentoring. Over the weekend, I’ll be working in a new church plant called Villa Mecanicos Church where I’ll be leading youth work and outreach events. I’m most looking forward to seeing God move in a different culture and to meet other Christians across the world as we love and worship God together. Serving in Bolivia will enable me to carry on developing skills and knowledge of working in mission in a real and practical way. It’ll allow me to continue seeking God’s calling on my life in the country that he has placed on my heart.”
Emma Taylor, second year campus-based student
“I’m off to Hope Church in Luton, somewhere I’ve never been before and I won’t know anyone, so it’s going to be an adventure! I’ll be doing a lot of community outreach such as helping at a homeless food kitchen and working with a charity called FACES (Faith Against Child Sexual Exploitation). The charity go into local schools to create awareness about child sexual exploitation and give greater empowerment to faith communities, helping them prevent and respond to abuse. I’d love prayer for knowing the right words to say when speaking and evangelising to people from all ethnic backgrounds; to grow in confidence in my own ability; to gain great lasting relationships with the people I meet and that I make a positive impact on my church community.”
Lucy Richmond, third year campus-based student
“I’m super excited to be serving God’s Kingdom somewhere new, and getting involved in wherever they need a spare pair of hands! The focus of my time out in Melbourne, Australia is to focus on children’s ministry in church, with playgroups and TRIBE on Sunday mornings. I’m aiming to learn from people’s different styles of team leadership with the children over the five weeks and I’m aiming to take these ideas forward with me into my future ministry! Please pray that I can get over the jet lag/time difference quickly, and that I make really great friendships with people out there!”
Jacob Tyers, second-year campus-based student
“I’ve decided to come to complete my block placement in Bournemouth. I wanted to stay local as I’ve developed a real heart for the area. I’ll be working with Coastline Vineyard Church and will be supporting missional work in the community, as well as meeting up with people in a one-to-one and discipleship capacity. Whilst I’m on block placement, please pray that I’ll be a part of seeing God changing people’s lives through the power of the Gospel for the glory of his name.”
You’ll also find our students in places such as Germany, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Estonia, Belfast, Plymouth, Lebanon, Sunderland, Bristol, Berkshire, London and many more national and international locations.
Please continue to pray for our second and third year students as they take out time from lectures to serve Christ across the globe. We’re very thankful for their service and look forward to hearing their testimonies upon return.
