For a time like this, when the very fabric of secularism is challenged by the enforcement of govt.
acts like Citizen Amendment Act (Jan 10th), UESI thrust area for 2021- UNITY, LOVE and
PAYER is so timely. We,in UESI as a student relevant movement are standing at a very important
juncture in time. Because world over youth students are leading a change. We as Evangelical stu-
dents of India also need to prepare our biblical response to these situation and times. Lets pray
and act that the pages of history will remember us EU students as children of light whose lamps
were not put under a basket (Mt 5:14)
Dear Student , are you fully aware of whats happening around you?Read Gods word but also
read Gods world. Make your own stands. Prepare your defense (1pet3:15). We are under attack.
The very principles and foundations of Bible are. There is no in between stand (Joshua 24:14-
15).Youth across the world have taken to the streets world over and taken the charge of resisting
the change and in some nations leading the change too. Where are we?
Question: Why should i care?It is but natural that you ,the youth should be concerned, as you are
the ones who hold the future universe in your hands. Listen to 17 year Swedish environmental
activist Greta Thunberg who says beautifully in her TEDex talk- "I was diagnosed with Asper-
ger's syndrome, OCD and selective mutism. That basically means I only speak when I think it's
necessary. Now is one of those moments."...and she spoke . Google her name to check her
speech.
The point i am making is "she spoke in a time like this" and so should every believing EU stu-
dent take stand and speak. We all have been given platforms ,a stage in which God has placed us
to stand. Our friend circle, our phone contacts, social media acquaintances. RememberMt 5:14-
16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people
light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone
in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others.
Create awareness, bring dialogue, develop an action. Now action might mean even stepping up
to share your views,raise voice to create solidarity. And this is where digital media helps all
youngsters feel they finally have a voice and arm as strong as that of any adult.
Question:What change students have bought after all this years? Students have been at the fore-
front of political and social movements-candlelight vigils for violence against women for Jessi-
cal lal and Nirbhaya, agitation against Rohit Vemulas suicide or for kanhaiya Kumar and now
protests against the CRA+NRC+NPR.
One change is in the impact and reach of protests among the known world. Technology
makes communication far more effective not just for organising movements but also for assem-
bling information and raising awareness.
Now as i search for a biblical response to the unprecedented issues of our times, UESI thrust of
Unity, love and prayer draws parallel to the prayer in Johns chapter 17. Here in this chapter Jesus
in His high priestly prayer reiterates himself many times and also speaks to us the need and want
of love and unity, and how prayer can bring in this change.
Question : What if i dont want to bring the change?. What if i dont pray towards unity and love
in this nation. What if i am not involved? What if ....?
I am reminded of the prophetic and faithful words of uncle Mordecai to Esther in 4:14 " For if
you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another ... The fact
is, even if you remain silent now, someone else will help and rescue the Jews, but you and your
relatives will die. And who knows, you may have gained your royal position for a time like this."
My dear UESIO comrades, you have gained access to your friends, your smartphone, your privi-
leges for a time like this . Create awareness, bring dialogue, develop an action. Use every
platform you know towards this aim.”mimes,tik-tok,blogs,tweet,you tube,instagram,face-
book,WhatsApp” are just some of the ways. Get involved and engage the world around you. And
let our prayer be like Lord Jesus- "By this all men will know you are my disciples, when you
love one another"(Jn13:34,35).Unity, love & prayer in action- All in One for a time like this.!!
