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‘Turning the World Upside Down!’ ‘What?’ ˜Surely this is impossible, how can I make a difference in the world I’m just a Christian Student?

Around 25 brave students from across Munster battled against Ophelia and Brian, to enjoy a thrilling BIG weekend together. Throughout it they considered the main theme, how it is possible to make a difference in the world and “Turn it Upside Down!”  Talks, workshops and seminars all digging deeper into God’s Word, revealed how with God nothing is impossible and we all can play our part in ‘Turning the World Upside Down’ by making an impact through witness and mission across the Globe.

The first evening we kicked things off with worship and prayer for the weekend. It was great to be joined by members from IT Carlow, for the first time, at the Munster weekend, Izzy their Staff Worker interviewed the two students and it was encouraging to hear how God was working in that campus through the CU.  Peter Grier, (Munster Staff Worker), rounded night one off with an introduction to the theme of the whole weekend.

Grace from Irish Bible Institute (IBI) commenced Saturday morning with a talk on ‘How we should read the Bible’. This session helped the students think through any passage of the Bible, in terms of the type of text used, who the author was and who he was addressing. Students then had time within a workshop, Reading, Exploring and Responding to the words of Psalms 1-3. To conclude Johnny, the local pastor of Carrigaline Baptist came and preached from Psalm 2, helping us dig even deeper into understanding the Word. 

Three great seminars, three great speakers! The students were really spoilt for choice for the afternoon. Each of the seminars was shaped around the theme ‘Turning the World Upside Down’ in terms of ‘Social Media’, ‘Christian Leadership’ and ‘Sharing the Gospel’.

Free time called for a game of EXPLODING KITTENS! Friendships on the line as each Kitten (Student) battled it out to avoid lifting the dreaded deadly ‘Exploding Kitten!’

Throughout the weekend it was such a blessing to have Alan Cousins as our missionary in residence. Alan led our ‘World Celebration’ evening; he shared stories of those coming to Christ across the world and performed a short drama based on the diary entries of Hudson Taylor. This was such a challenging and encouraging evening for all present, as we joined together in worship and prayer, praying for The Lord’s work to be done across the World! Our last evening together drew to a close with a campfire and time of praise with our minds all set on how we can actively play a part to ‘Turn the World Upside Down for Christ’.

The weekend was almost over, but on Sabbath morning we had the privilege of joining together for worship with Westside Baptist Church in Bandon. Alan yet again shared the great message of truth, preaching from John 18 ‘The betrayal of Jesus’ and during the service a couple of students shared updates of what is happening in their CUs. After the service the Students and the congregation enjoyed tea and coffee sharing with each other different stories of God’s grace in their daily lives.

Due to Peter Gs’ and my lack of experience cooking for a large group, dinner was delayed by two hours which meant plenty of time for a Q&A time. Once this concluded and before the BIG weekend was officially over we finally enjoyed dinner together, with the students going home physically and spiritually full from a great weekend!

Student highlights:

‘I was reminded of the high calling of the great commission of Christ, to go out into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, and of the joy that will come from one sinner repenting.’ Nathaniel Volfango (University College Cork)

‘A real highlight for me was getting to spend lots of time getting to know the people in my CU better. I loved playing card games and having a laugh with people I wouldn’t normally hang out with in my CU. Another highlight was the seminar I attended, on social media. Which I found very helpful and relatable for my life. Overall, I feel blessed to have been able to go to the CU weekend away and encourage anyone who hasn’t gone before to go next year. ’Sarah Quinlan (University College Cork)