National Student Conference (NSC), at Swanwick, 10-12 February.
About 400 gathered together for an excellent weekend conference. John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford and well known for his debates with the New Atheists, spoke superbly from Genesis about Joseph. Abi Boys, a max-fax trainee currently studying dentistry, inspired everyone in her conference address; 'Developing World Mission', 'live out the love of Jesus in overseas medical mission', 'see the one, love the one'.
There were great seminars, a brilliant bookstall from 10ofthose, and a lot of fun. Pray that the enthusiasm of these students to live and speak for Jesus would carry on back in medical school and F1, at work and at home, in the UK and abroad.
International Medical Student Leaders' Conference (IMSC), at CMF in London, 6-10 February.
This year's IMSC was the largest we've ever held. 26 international student leaders attended, from 21 countries: from South Africa to Russia, from Norway to Jordan. Half the delegates were from former Communist countries, but this year we also targeted countries in the southwest of Europe: France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal. In some of these countries there is very little Christian witness, and no Christian medical group. It was wonderful to be able to help connect and equip these young leaders for service back home. We started each morning with readings from 2 Timothy, studying what it means to be a young leader in difficult circumstances, keeping a clear focus on the gospel. Let's pray that they use what they learned as they work for the growth of God's kingdom in healthcare in their own countries and beyond.
Looking forward
Do pray for our deepening partnership with UCCF and IFES Ireland. And please pray for the leaders of CMF student groups across the UK and Ireland, as they work together with their CUs to reach others for Christ and learn what it means to be a Christian medic.
Student testimonials
'It was a life changing weekend and God has already started to open doors to share my experience with others'.
National Students' Conference delegate
IMSC
I loved the conference, it [was] a blessing since the moment I arrived. It made me reflect about what means to be a Christian doctor and it gave me the opportunity to talk to amazing Christian doctors and see how they live their faith and their practice. Definitely it challenged me to be a better doctor, to be more open about my faith and to build my national CMF. IMSC renewed my vision for our CMF and it also made me think broader than before. It remembered me [sic] that God is God and even if we are a few, He can use us to encourage more Christian doctors, to join CMF and also to reach more doctors for Christ. I realise I have to pay more attention to students, spend more time with junior doctors and encourage all of them to follow Christ and share him with our patients and colleagues.
International Medical Students' Conference delegate
A new Christian doctor says 'Thank you'
A recent graduate writes: I'll be the first to admit I was a late starter to CMF. I knew of it in the first year at Queen's University Belfast but never attended any events. As my second year progressed I went along to a doctors' panel night and then a weekly prayer breakfast meeting for CMF's week of prayer and I was hooked! I saw how CMF met the needs of Christian medics. I had my eyes opened to the challenges that constantly face Christian healthcare professionals and how CMF endeavours to be that supporting link and guide towards Christ.
I became more involved, first as a rep then starting up weekly prayer meetings. My time serving Christ through CMF at Queen's could not have been better. I cannot express how great CMF conferences have been either. I can wholeheartedly say that they have strengthened me in my Christian walk in areas where I didn't even know I was weak, and have challenged me on issues I hadn't even thought about. They were great fun too!
And so now as a graduate and a working doctor I know I would not be the Christian doctor I am today without the role CMF has played in my life over the last four years. Thank you for your service and support to me.
