UESIs Vision Statement is: Transformed students impacting the campuses
and the nation as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ
2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us
that we are being progressively transformed as we devote time to be in the
presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in unobstructed communion. Therefore when we
speak of ‘Transformed Students’ we refer to those believing students who like
Mary have not allowed themselves to be caught up in the rat race of campus life,
but have chosen that while remaining faithful in their academics, they will
make it a daily habit to remain at the feet of Jesus Christ in humble
communion.
Romans 12: 2 tells us that we are transformed
by the renewing of our mind. Transformation begins in the mind. What we believe
determines how we live. Joshua 1:8 exhorts us to meditate on the Scriptures day
and night, so that we may be careful to do according to all that is written in
it. In doing so we are promised that we would be conducting ourselves wisely
and will have good success. Therefore when we speak of ‘Transformed Students’
we also refer to those who are committed to a regular habit of personal
devotional Bible Study, not merely done as a ritual out of compulsion, but done
with such longing and earnestness knowing that in the Holy Bible is the moral will
of God revealed.
When we speak of ‘impacting the campuses’, we consider how these
‘Transformed Students’ will be the ‘salt’ and the ‘light’ (Mathew 5:13-15) of
their gang, of their class and of their campus. Salt is required in very small
quantities to give taste or to preserve many times a larger volume of food.
Such is the expectation we have: that these ‘Transformed Students’, even if
they are a minority in the campus, will shine as lights in the midst of a
crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15). More importantly, that these
‘Transformed Students’ could see themselves as Gods designated missionaries to
that campus, being ready in season and out of season not only to defend their
faith but also to make verbal witness of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to
everyone who believes (Romans 1:16)
No wonder the Hand book for UESI, ‘Witness for Me’, delineates
three spiritual disciplines as required of an EU member: Quiet Time and Prayer,
Personal Bible Study and Personal Evangelism.
Once the students complete their studies, UESIs expectation is
that the impact of these graduates will now not be limited to the campus alone but
would encompass the whole nation as they continue to serve as disciples of the
Lord Jesus Christ in whatever work situation God has placed them in. Even the
presence of just one committed disciple of Jesus Christ can have ripple effects
in the workplace by the difference in attitudes and values which that disciple
has chosen to live by. As graduates, our calling is to serve, to be available
and to get involved in the lives of the students.
In order to accomplish its vision of seeing transformed students
impacting the campuses and the nation as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ,
UESI has delineated two prime activities in its mission statement: UESI seeks (1)
to evangelise students and (2) to nurture them as disciples of the Lord Jesus
Christ. These are the two activities that should consume our focus, for in
doing so the vision will be accomplished. Quoting again from the handbook: ‘UESI
is spiritually centred. We recognise the great need in India for economic
improvement, medical relief and educational advance. We rejoice in all that is
being done along these lines....yet we insist that mans greatest need here, as
everywhere is spiritual – to be restored to fellowship with one’s Creator
through confession of sin and faith in Jesus Christ. This problem is central
and others peripheral. Spiritual health is the first step towards physical and
mental well being.’ Let us not forget that our primary calling in UESI is to
evangelise students and to nurture them as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
