"Michael, a Christian student from Flanders, the Flemish (Dutch)-speaking region of Belgium decided to study in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium. He wanted to do what he could to help bring unity to this divided country. Feeling isolated and discouraged with learning French, Michael prayed that God would help him find other Christians. One day as he was sitting on a park bench at the University of Liege, Therese, a member of the SFC group there, passed by singing a Christian song in English. He realized too late that God was answering his prayer because by the time he got up the courage to approach her, she was gone! He begged God to give him another chance and the rest of the week he searched everywhere for Therese. Sure enough, God allowed their paths to cross again, and this time Michael did not hesitate to introduce himself. He is now plugged in to SFC-Liege, very happy with his new-found friends, and encouraged in his walk with God.

Svetlana grew up in Russia and was taught Atheism at school. She met Erica, our missionary associate, in a French class they were taking together. They became friends, but with Svetlana's one condition: 'Don't talk to me about God.' After months of being around people who loved God and showed love to her and her family, she is now sayng, 'I've been looking for something to believe in all my life, and I've finally found it." Svetlana gave her heart to the Lord during our recent Alpha course and is now evangelizing others! An exchange student from Italy, Patrizia attended a concert we sponsored in October. A self-proclaimed atheist, she was looking for friends and opportunities to practice her French and English, but was NOT interested in God. Several months later, Patrizia is one of the most faithful attendees at SFC-Louvain-la-Neuve. She still has not made a commitment to God, but consistently brings others to the meetings. Recently, Bity, her Muslim roommate from Senegal, told us that the 'lasting peace' we were discussing during her first visit was exactly what she was looking for in her life.

We have been praying since the beginning of SFC-Belgium for God to send us fellow harvesters, and it's happening! Lara came to faith in Christ through SFC when she was a student at Louvain-la-Neuve. She completed her law degree and worked for several months. Through a series of circumstances, she is now convinced of God's call for her to go into full-time student ministry and is now stepping out in faith, believing God for provision as she works as an intern with SFC. When Carmelo felt a burden for the young people in Belgium, he approached his pastor about ministry opportunities. His pastor, knowing the work of SFC, suggested he contact us. Little did Carmelo know that we had been praying for quite some time for God to send us workers in his region of Namur! He is now excited about what God is doing among students, following SFC training courses, and will be instrumental in re-launching SFC Namur this fall." Student ministry in Belgium is expanding!