EveryFresher4Jesus Campaign

1. Introduction

Every student has only one chance of being a first-year student. Our primary goal for evangelism is to give every student an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. One of the ingenious ways of meeting this goal is to ensure that every student in the first year hears the gospel at least once. For this reason, CUs strategize their Evangelism to attain 100% evangelization of first years in their first 30 days on campus. The EveryFresher4Jesus campaign is designed to help the CUs meet this goal. Being 30 days, the campaign must be urgent, intense, and focused.

1.1 Why first years are strategic.

1. They are new and vulnerable: They can be easily influenced by their surroundings.
2. They are available: In the first few weeks, they are not too busy on campus.
3. They are open to the gospel: They are eager to learn and experience new things.
4. They are crucial for the growth of Christianity in the institution.
5. They are the future transformation agents for the church and society.
6. This campaign is in obedience to the command of our Lord to preach the gospel to all creation.

EveryFresher4Jesus Evangelism Idea

2.1 Prayer for EveryFresher4Jesus

Evangelism without prayer does not work. We need to pray for at least two reasons; to motivate the goers and to stir the hearts of the unbelievers. To go share the gospel, we are not merely stirred by our thoughts or pity for the unbelievers. Believers are compelled by the love for Christ to go despite the shame, unpopularity, fear, rejection, and other obstacles to share their faith. So, we pray that every believer will be burdened to go. Sharing the gospel is the most selfless and caring thing anyone can do. This is the most hospitable act we can have. So, I pray that I can have the confidence to go.

We also pray because salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Only God can create hearts of flesh out of stone. So, we pray that the most stubborn of sinners can have a repentant heart at hearing the Good News. We pray because no number of strategies or sweet talk can change a heart. Only God can. So, I pray for the unbelieving heart to believe.

Practical ways of including evangelism in prayer.

1. Have a Kesha early in the semester to pray for first years, their salvation & discipleship journey on campus.
2. Organize fasting weeks/days for the salvation of the first years.
3. Include first years in the semester prayer items in all prayer meetings.
4. Team up small groups of CU members to pray for specific first years by name for the whole semester.
5. You can use the list of the first years you registered. Endeavour to have a team of members who can pray patiently for them by name.
6. Use the CENT’s idea to promote intentional prayer for salvation among CU members.

So the first pillar of EveryFresherforJesus is prayer. Let us pray.

Person-to-person evangelism

The next most important pillar for evangelism to first years is person-to-person evangelism. It is the most reliable way to evangelize since you have a fist hand contact with the person you are sharing the faith with. Door-to-door evangelism is part of person-to-person evangelism but it is not limited to it. In person-to-person evangelism, consider the following ideas to evangelize.

2.2.1 Traditional door-to-door evangelism.

1. Map out places you are most likely to find first years. These areas will include their hostels, common unit areas, where they take meals, activities that commonly gather first years etc.
2. Plan your person-to-person evangelism in such a manner that is most likely to find first-years present. Also, plan it in a systematic way so that as many first years as possible hear the gospel.
3. For example, It could take 10 people, 2 weeks of daily 2-hour evangelism to cover a hostel with 100 rooms.
4. This assumes that they visit 3-5 rooms daily in pairs. It could be better to allocate each pair 45 rooms to visit in two weeks and help them come up with a plan to reach out to them. They could also take a whole month and plan to reach out to the students in the 45 rooms.
5. This way, they can work hard to track the rooms they have not found the owners present and visit them at other times.

2.2.2 First years’ hang-out zone evangelism.

There are places on campus known for first-year hangouts. These are places prime for person-to-person evangelism. A certain period of the campaign should target such areas for evangelism of the first years.

2.2.3 First Years’ Sports Evangelism

A CU can organize a tournament for first-year students where they compete amongst faculties or courses. You can plan to give a small trophy to the winners. Use the CU members to popularize the tournament, especially to first years who would least likely attend the CU services. Also, remember to give it a good name since something like ‘sport evangelism’ will be unattractive.

The most important part of the day is to share the gospel with those who come. Here is how to share the gospel during the sports evangelism day:

1. Have one or two 10 – 15-minute gospel-packed sermonettes by the gifted evangelists in the CU or even a guest speaker.
2. Mobilize many CU members to share the gospel one on one with those who attend when as they watch the games.
3. Have gospel tracts with you and share them with the attendees.
4. Have some fliers to popularize the CU and the CU services.

2.2.4 Relational evangelism strategies

This will range from CENTs, Evangelistic Bible Study, and other strategies where we target long-term friendships with the individuals we are evangelizing. Relational evangelism is the most natural and every believer should be involved in some ways. Consider the following methods of relational evangelism;

1. Mobilize a few mature believers to invite non-believing first years to live in close proximity to them. This may even mean they pick them for roommates. This will give the non-believing first year an opportunity to observe a believer walk with the Lord. This is easily the most powerful evangelism tool.
2. Using the Evangelistic Bible Study method as explained below.
3. Using the CENTs Method as explained below.

2.2.5 Evangelistic Bible study (EBS)

Evangelistic Bible Study is a careful and systematic look with non-Christians at the person of Jesus- who he really was and what the bible says about the good news of Jesus; what he said and did; why he said and did those things; what he means to me and with the intention of persuading or drawing them to Jesus. FOCUS has developed a study guide called ‘The Invitation: Come and See!’ for Evangelistic Bible Study purposes.

1. How is EBS different from normal bible study?

• In EBS, Non-Christians are the majority in number and for the purpose of the study.
• EBS usually on the focus on the four gospels and specifically focusing on Jesus Christ.
• The members of the study group might to believe in the authority of the bible. They come to search the truth.

2. Implementing EBS

• Come up with a list of a few non-Christian friends (first years in the case of EveryFresher4Jesus) an invite them to explore Christianity with you. The CENTs group when its grown in relationships could be a good platform.
• Pray that the Lord gives you connection with the appropriate people for this exercise.
• When you find a group of 2 or more people interested, agree on a meeting time and place. Also find ways of deepening the friendship besides the Study.
• Meet in a setting that allows you to be comfortable, focus, and freely share and pray.
• Pray for and have others pray for the meeting.
• Choose a text. Pray over, study, and become familiar with it—but most of all ask the Lord to apply the text to your life.
• The FOCUS App has a bible study guide called ‘The Invitation: Come and See!’ It is specifically designed for EBS. The 8 Study topics will give you a guided way to facilitate the conversation.
• Anticipate questions or hard-to-understand points, and provide some basic cultural background, but don’t overdo it; this isn’t a seminary class.
• Focus on the person of Christ in the passage and think of questions that will help your friends encounter Jesus rather than accumulate theological knowledge.
• Your job as leader is to guide people in discovering what the text says about Jesus and to provide opportunities to respond to Him.
• You don’t have to have all the answers; the authority rests with the text. Relax, ask questions, listen, don’t preach, and let God surprise you.
• Read the passage together and take time to study the text.
• Ask people to note things they find interesting, puzzling, or bothersome.
• Create an atmosphere of openness and interaction. Encourage everyone to participate. Don’t be too concerned about agreeing with every comment or answering every question that is brought up. Listen to their opinion and thank them for their observations: “That’s interesting, I’ve never looked at the passage from that angle.” Then refocus the discussion on the text.
• If someone has a question that stumps you, thank her for the thoughtful question and invite her to discuss the answer one-on-one after you’ve researched the issue. You’re learners together.

3. Stay in touch after the meeting

• What happens in between meetings is as important as the study itself because the study is just one aspect of your relationship.
• Meet with participants one-on-one (especially if the study has more than two people) to continue to nurture the friendship and also provide an opportunity to debrief the study. Enjoy your times together and ask lots of questions about what’s going on in their lives, what they are doing, and what they think about the study and Jesus.
• Also, take time to listen to their questions and thoughts. They may have things they’d rather discuss in private with you instead of in the group.
• If you have prayed for your friend during the Bible study, ask him what has happened as a result of that prayer. This is a powerful way for seekers to experience God’s care and power.

4. Closing evangelistic conversations well

• When you come to the final meeting of your Evangelistic Bible Study, invite everyone to continue the spiritual journey together.
• If your friend is open to continue studying the Bible, suggest starting another four-week series, meeting one-on-one for Bible study, or attending a fellowship small group.
• If your friend indicates that he’d rather not continue with Bible study, assure him that you really enjoyed your times together. Then continue to meet on a social basis, and pray for further opportunities to share your life and faith.
• If you sense your friend may be open to take the next step in following Jesus, ask if you can share a summary of the central message of the Bible with him. There’re many helpful tools to share the Gospel. Familiarize yourself with these tools and take time to practice them with one of your prayer partners or a Christian buddy.
• When sharing the gospel, pray that the Lord would touch your friend’s heart. If he’s not yet ready to surrender to Christ, thank him for letting you explain the gospel and for allowing you to share your beliefs with him.

2.2.6 Cyclical Evangelism Triangles (CENTS)

If your friend is ready to follow Christ, lead him in a prayer of repentance, welcome him into Christ’s family, discuss next steps for spiritual growth. And celebrate!

This is a concept where 3 students commit to target two first years each individually through the semester. They meet regularly and report of how their interaction with the people they are sharing the gospel with and pray for them. This can go on for a whole semester. If a CU has 5 groups totaling to 15 people sharing the gospel, a total of 30 first years will be targeted by this method. This will also ensure that the first years have a place where they receive support.

1. How to form a CENTS (Cyclical Evangelism Triangles) group.

• Agree with two other CU members to venture into a CENT group. The three of you take the number 1 2 3 in the team.
• Each 1 2 3 comes with the two names each of specific non-believing first years in the case of EveryFresher4Jesus.
• Together 1 2 3 take time to pray for and about the six non-believers by name.
• Each person builds solid bridges or a working relationship with the two based on other things other than the gospel e.g., knowing their room, visiting them regularly, joining them on their hobbies.
• The three could begin an EBS (evangelistic bible study) group and welcome the others at some moments.
• Any one member can join any of the CU members in an evangelism venture and be introduced to one of the two seekers or even create a conducive environment for the gospel presentation. So that in a cycle they can act as catalysts of discussions and engage the seekers in turns. It will build reinforcement and synergy.
• The one who was not present can also pick it up and seek an opportunity to engage the first-year student further.
• Together the three people maintain friendly contact with the evangelized people for ongoing follow-up.
• The cycle begins and continues where all the 6 are well known and are being engaged at different levels.
• Later, the three main CENT members grow and form many more separate CENTS, which will begin their own cycles. New believers will be taught & mentored on evangelism at the initial stages of their faith.

2. Why Cents

• It ensures that we are deliberate and strategic in planning to evangelize.
• It will be happening at small group levels therefore encouraging individualized commitment and promise to evangelism.
• The triangle becomes an accountability group for the three- keep each other on check
• Prayer for the lost will be central to evangelism- it will include cooperate prayer and individual prayers.
• Evangelism will be on going and continuous and not an event/program activity.
• Follow-up of a new believer is incorporated. Infants in faith are well taken care of
• Each seeker can be taken at their own pace.
• Different categories of CU members can be involved to reach their colleagues on campus for 1-6 years depending on the course.
• Since CU members are gifted and endowed differently, they are able to engage deeply with the seekers

3. Managing CENTS

• Encourage members to take it up voluntarily.
• Coordinate it centrally from the mission’s and evangelism desk.
• Allow it to take time rather than rush it. It’s a long-term view of evangelism on Campus
• CENTS should NOT compare results, but opportunities be created to share ideas and experiences. In fact the group should rejoice or cry together for the results giving praise and all glory to God
• Mixed gender would make them more natural and diverse.
• The CU leadership or discipleship arm be informed of any conversion so as to include the person into the regular discipleship programs. Even as the members involved form other CENTS with those who get saved.

2.2.7 First-year Class Evangelism

The first years are all gathered in classes. Where is our window to share the gospel with them? Some classes fail, others are known to begin late and so forth. A few CU members can be trained to share the gospel in such circumstances. This would mean being able to share the gospel clearly in 3-5 minutes and inviting them to attend the CU or other platforms of sharing the gospel.

2.2.8 EveryFresher4Jesus Evangelistic Fellowships

These are examples of fellowships organized with evangelism in mind.

1. Individual CU members gathering small groups of friends to share the gospel with them.

During the EveryFresher4Jesus Campaign, individual CU members create platform to gather their friends such as birthdays and any natural celebrations. Among them should be non-believing friends. At such platforms one member shares the gospel briefly as part of their devotion. A critical part of this is to promote a culture change for having devotionals in the meetings where believers host and building the capacity of some of the members to share the gospel in such contexts.

2. CU gatherings for first years with the gospel in mind.

The CU can promote gatherings for first years with the sharing of the gospel as one of the primary objectives. Examples of such activities can include worship experiences, sports tournaments, retreats, talent shows, career mentorships, etc. They can be organized in such a manner that non-believers come in large numbers.

2.2.9 EveryFresher4Jesus Digital

There are many ways of sharing the gospel digitally. Proposed for EveryFresherforJesus Digital is a week with a cocktail of online evangelism activities coordinated nationally. The student Ministry Department will share details about the meeting. But individual CUs are free to run their own digital evangelism campaigns. Activities within the week can include.

1. Coming up with sufficient content for all the popular social media platforms; WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram etc.
2. Coordinate a WhatsApp EveryFresher4Jesus Digital Evangelism Day or Days.
3. Organize the release of gospel content for 7 days in a coordinated manner in various platforms.
4. Source short videos explaining the gospel for sharing on social media.
5. Popularize useful evangelistic movies for use by the CU.

One downside of this is that it cannot target First Year Students only. That will not prevent our sharing of the gospel to all.

3.0 Evangelism tools

Evangelism tools are tools that can help you share the gospel simply and effectively. They should not cage our evangelism conversations but rather guide them. Consider the following tools that are at your disposal to share with the first years.

3.1 Bibles

Despite the availability of free softcopy bibles, the place of hardcopy bibles as evangelistic tools is the most valuable evangelistic tool. Here are some of the ideas that can be implemented:

1. Avail bibles for sale at the CU Desk during orientation.
2. Avail bibles or parts of the bible to hand out to first years during witnessing. 

3.2 CU Evangelism Tract

Sharing the gospel using and evangelism tract makes the process easy. FOCUS will provide an evangelistic tract to use as you share the gospel during the campaign. Other tools will be the tradition tools that will help students ins haring the gospel which would be original or adopted ones like the four spiritual laws, the roman road to salvation etc.

4.0 How to involve first years in the campaign

First years are a critical part of the Campaign and must therefore be mobilized, trained, and sent to reach out to fellow first years. The committee should provide the necessary materials and information for first years to reach out to fellow first year students. First years should be trained for the forefront relational evangelistic campaigns.

5.0 EveryFresher4Jesus Data keeping

It is important to keep a record of what is happening for your CU. The CU executive committee should be briefed on a weekly basis with a report of the following details;

Activity	Report
Number of students involved in the EveryFresher4Jesus Campaign.
The type of activity they were involved in e.g., door to door, EBS, CENTS etc.
Number of students reached through each of the activities.
List of students that got born again.

Besides recording data for the CU, it is important to especially note the people that come to Christ for follow-up.

6.0 EveryFresher4Jesus; keeping the momentum

Being a 30-day intentional evangelism, below is a sample implementation strategy. The CU can adopt and modify it for their own use. As much as is possible, give priority to EveryFresher4Jesus Campaign over other CU programs at this point. This is because First years are so critical for the continuity of the CU.

6.1 EveryFresher4Jesus Plan

Time frame	Activity
Before the month	Choose from the strategies which ones to employ. Come up with a 30-day EveryFresher4Jesus plan.Prepare/solicit the materials you need for the success of the campaign. Plan for the trainings/inductions that need to be done for the success of the Campaign
Week 1	This is preferably the week that first year get to campus. Ensure the CU orientation desk has a clear way of inviting the first year to the CU. Have bibles for sale at the CU registration desk. Hand out gospel tracts to first years during orientation.  Mobilize the continuing students available to carry out a door-to-door campaign to first years.
Since in some campuses/colleges, first years come a week after first year’s report, you can make the second week of the campaign to be the second week when the continuing students have come. This is because you depend upon them to carry out the EveryFresher4Jesus campaign.
Week 2	Mobilize both continuing and first year students for induction training. Your FOCUS Staff will be available to induct you for the Campaign. Choose from the list of strategies what you’ll implement. Ensure as many CU members as possible take part in the campaign. Roll out the EveryFresher4Jesus Campaign. Launch the data collection strategies.
Week 3 & 4	Continue EveryFresher4Jesus Campaign strategies; intense targeted person to person strategies, digital evangelism, relational evangelism strategies.
Week 5	Evaluate the progress of the campaign to this moment. CENTs and EBS plans will need to continue. Invite your FOCUS Staff to carry out an evaluation with them. Carry out a closing evaluation, report writing and celebration of the outcome.Link the new believers for discipleship

Sample budget for the CU EveryFresher4Jesus Campaign

Item	Unit cost (Sh.)	No of Units	Total cost (Sh.)
Purchase Evangelism Tracts	Sh. 10	800	8,000
Subsidize Firm Foundation Manuals for new believers	Sh. 50	100	5,000
Host a sports evangelism event	Sh. 80	200	16,000
Total			29,000