At a student work local last week, we were chatting about the highs and lows of student work. All the good and exciting stuff, but also a lot of the time, the frustrations, the let downs and the difficult conversations.

Student work isn’t always easy, in fact a lot of the time it can be incredibly frustrating, but I was really encouraged that the morning of the student work local as i was reading John 3, this passage really stood out to me;

(adapted slightly to fit students)  ‘Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling Students who pass through your city, even though they are strangers to you. They have told everyone around them of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such students in a manner that pleases God. For they are studying for the Lord and they accept nothing from people are who are not believers. So we ourselves should support them so we can be their partners as they teach the truth’ John 3:5-8

This was an encouragement for me and I hope it encourages you too as you lead your students.

They are surrounded by non-Christians constantly (great stuff!! Let’s witness) but they will get no/little discipleship or Godly truth in that environment. Therefore, when we have those difficult conversations, when we challenge them, hang out with them, disciple them, hold them accountable and love them, we are not only serving them, but we are faithfully serving God. Yes there are frustrations in the job, but let us be their partners as they teach and live out truth to their uni mates.

So take a deep breath and gear up for the new term. 
Be encouraged. You are doing an excellent job.