Coffee, Community, and the Call to Finish Well

Dear Reader,

September opened with three reminders of what this mission is really about: one conversation over coffee, one gathering of student leaders, and one pulpit moment in the heart of London. Each points to the same Kingdom truth: God is building peace, community, and perseverance here in this city.

Shalom and Friendship

Some of you may remember Ibrahim, my Syrian friend. This month we caught up again over coffee, and our conversation turned toward Israel and Palestine. What struck me was how naturally we both leaned on words that carry the same longing: Shalom in Hebrew, Salam in Arabic. Both mean peace.

We’re setting up another lunch soon. Please keep this friendship in prayer — that it would grow in trust, and that God’s peace would not just be spoken but lived.

UCCF Forum: Challenges and Opportunities

Campus challenges, Kingdom opportunities

At the UCCF London Student Forum, we named student challenges: commuting, cost of living, lack of CU engagement, loneliness. But we also saw opportunity: create community, joint events, networks, training. And the best part? Churches working together in unity.

Preaching at Christ Church London: Finishing the Race

It was an honor to preach recently at Christ Church London on Finishing the Race. You can listen here: christchurchlondon.org/talk/finishing-the-race.

The race isn’t about speed, but endurance. And endurance is what London requires — both for students facing unique pressures, and for us as missionaries.

Prayer

Pray for my continued friendship with Ibrahim — that trust and peace would deepen.
Pray for students in London as Freshers Week begins, that Christian Unions and campus communities would flourish despite challenges.
Pray for wisdom, health, and endurance as we keep running this race.

Why this matters

This month reminded me again that the Kingdom advances in quiet but powerful ways: a friendship marked by peace, a citywide gathering of campus workers, and a message about endurance. Each one points to the same truth — we are not building events or platforms, but people, peace, and communities that last.

And you’re part of this. Every prayer, every gift, every message of encouragement — it’s helping us keep the pace, finish the race, and see lives transformed. Thank you for walking with us.

With gratitude,

Ian, Van & family

P.S. A song I’ve been praying with this month is “You Have My Heart” by Every Nation Music. It’s been a steady reminder to stay surrendered in every season. I hope it blesses you too.