Handing over the baton...
Relay changes...
Relay is UCCF’s mission and discipleship training year for graduates who love CUs and are passionate about seeing students come to know Jesus. Over the past 24 years, Relay has trained, equipped and encouraged over 1,200 people to love Jesus more, live out the truth of the gospel and pass it on to others.
Relay Workers are directly supervised by a CU Staff Worker through one-to-one Bible studies and prayer, ministry direction and feedback, and discipleship towards establishing a strong relationship with Jesus. Relay Workers go on to serve the Church in a huge variety of ways and in all kinds of workplaces, both in the UK and abroad.
For the past six years, the Relay Programme has been coordinated by Lewis Green. This January, we say goodbye to Lewis and welcome Ben Harding as Relay Coordinator. We caught up with Ben to get to know him a little better...
60 seconds with Ben Harding
1. Favourite place in the world?
Dubrovnik in Croatia. Clear blue sea, amazing and unspoilt historic architecture, great Dalmatian cuisine and the warmth of the sun – what’s not to love?
2. What and where did you study?
Theology at Kings College London.
3. The ideal Saturday?
A lazy start to the day followed by pancakes, bacon, maple syrup and various fresh fruit for breakfast, with the all-important cup of coffee. A trip to a National Trust property or a leisurely walk (maybe with a stop at a pub for lunch). Time to read a book in the afternoon, before having people over for dinner and a board game. Bliss!
4. Most recent job?
I have had the great privilege of being Staff Worker with Warwick, Coventry and Northampton for the past two and a bit years. I’ve been working alongside the CUs there, encouraging and equipping them to live and speak for Jesus on campus
5. How did you become a Christian?
I grew up in a Christian home, where my parents always taught me the central importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. They showed me the joy of having a personal faith and the need to live out our adoption as children of God every day. I was baptised when I was 14 and continue to live out my life in light of the fact that I’m a sinner saved by grace, pressing on towards the goal.
6. What are you looking forward to about being Relay Coordinator?
So many things! I’m looking forward to seeing Relay Workers grow in love and knowledge of the God who they serve through being discipled by Staff Workers. I’m looking forward to hearing how their studies have come to life and have grown their love for their Saviour. I’m looking forward to reading Relay Workers’ monthly reports and seeing how God is at work across the nation as they work alongside CUs, reading the Bible one-to-one, leading seminars, and publically proclaiming the gospel. And I’m looking forward to seeing how Relay Workers leave the programme and go on to be committed church members and gospel-centred leaders.
7. How can we pray for you?
Pray for the transition from being Staff Worker to Relay Coordinator, that I would depend on God for strength and wisdom. Pray that I would quickly find a new rhythm of work, as I work from home and commute to Oxford. Most of all, pray that I would continue to delight in Christ, growing in faith and love as He is magnified in my heart and mind.
Could Relay be for you? Applications for 2017-18 are now open. Find out more and apply.
