Columbia International University students have set up a prayer tent on campus and are praying for the nations of the world nearly non-stop this week.  The “Prayer for the Nations” is part of the annual World Christian Week at CIU.  During the student-organized World Christian Week, CIU focuses on its core value of World Evangelization – reaching every nation with the message of Jesus Christ.  An important part of that task involves another CIU core value: Prayer & Faith.  

At the Prayer Tent, students sign up to pray during 20-minute slots between 7 a.m. and midnight.  A different nation of the world is assigned to the slot.  The tent was set up and is being managed by Mu Kappa, a campus organization of Missionary Kids, or MKs – students whose parents are missionaries.

Heading up the Prayer Tent is senior Chris Stevanus of Mu Kappa, whose parents serve as missionaries in Italy.  While he’s confident God will use the prayers to move people’s hearts around the world, Stevanus is hoping the prayers will make an impact on campus.      

“I pray that God will do a work in the hearts of the students to see the burden of people around the world through this exercise,” Stevanus said.  “I do believe that God will use our prayers.” 

Stevanus says the plan is for the whole world to be prayed for by midnight Friday. 

Other World Christian Week events include international foods in the dining hall, special chapel services and seminars, the opportunity for students to meet with missionary organizations and a concert with Proskuneo, an international worship band.  

All chapel services begin at 10:50 a.m. in Shortess Chapel and are open to the public. CIU Chancellor George Murray will be the chapel speaker for the week.