May 5th 2009
The Kirby Laing Foundation are pleased to confirm their £1m pledge to support IFES and UCCF in their endeavours to co-locate to a new facility in Oxford. “We regard student Christian ministry in the UK and throughout the world as being one of our foremost priorities. Being able to support the important work that takes place on University Campuses in which IFES and UCCF engage themselves with everywhere in this manner is a signal privilege” says Simon Webley, a director of the Kirby Laing Foundation.
May 5th 2009
Some of the World’s most influential and active people in the world of evangelical Christianity have rushed to support the IFES/UCCF Oxford project to find and occupy a building to be owned jointly by both movements. “It will be very exciting to see IFES and UCCF not only share the same building but sharpening and encouraging each other’s vision for ministry” says Rebecca Manley Pippert of Salt Shaker Ministries, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Dr. R. Kent Hughes of College Church, Wheaton, Illinois, USA is also amongst the many high profile supporters the project has attracted. He says: “This is a smart, efficient move which will at once enhance the ministries of both UCCF and IFES-- and do so prudentially!” Common amongst the views that all supporters express appears to be the opinion that worldwide student Christian ministry will benefit enormously from the plan to work together in the same building. “Genuine "win-win" situations are rare, but this is one of them, with great potential for multiplying the gospel as the British organization is constantly exposed to worldwide needs and strengths, and IFES has better access to students who are willing and able to serve cross-culturally” says Dr. Don. A. Carson of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, USA.
May 5th 2009
“With 2 years to go before a planned move to a new building in Oxford which we plan to share with IFES, we are pleased to announce that 40% of the necessary funding has already been identified” says Peter May chair of UCCF - the UK member of IFES. “As UCCF and IFES jointly commence our next phase of fund raising by speaking with our loyal major donors we hope to share our optimism as well as the attractions our shared vision has to offer,” says Peter, adding: “our target is to have spoken to the donors who are responsible for more than 50% of our traditional annual income by the beginning of the Summer”.