FAITH MATTERS

On arriving in a new country there is so much to experience and organise, it can be easy to neglect our spiritual lives.  However as Christians we believe that faith really matters. You may not be a Christian, but we hope that you will take this opportunity in your life to explore spiritual matters further and consider the claims of Jesus. If you are a Christian we want to encourage you to make your relationship with Jesus a priority during your time in Amsterdam. 
Read on to discover resources and practices that can help you.

CHRISTIAN RESOURCES ONLINE

Bible Gateway Access, read and search multiple Bible versions in thirty languages. Also features audio readings of scripture and verse of the day.
Wordlive A new multimedia Bible experience online, or via email, RSS or podcast.
The Jesus film  A two-hour docudrama about the life of Christ based on the Gospel of Luke. Watch online in a number of languages.
Bethinking.org aims to bring together the best possible resources for thinking about and communicating the Christian faith - with articles, downloadable audio talks and more
Operation World Information on every country in the world from a Christian perspective. A great source of information and also inspiring fuel for prayer.
IFES World Information and news from Christian student movements across the world
IFES.nl the Dutch IFES student groups (in Dutch), plus international student groups across the Netherlands

and more... at many ISMA events you will have the opportunity to take information or borrow books on the Christian faith. Some great books are recommended here. Please talk to an ISMA team member if you can't find what you are looking for.

Click here to read more about what we believe...

6 practices to help you grow your relationship with Jesus:

1. Make time to listen and talk to God each day by reading the Bible and praying. This can be a great way to start or end the day. There are many resources available to help you do this (see online resources above)
   
2. Join a church community. As well as a place to hear teaching from the Bible and worship God, at a good church you will find a community of people who can help and encourage you in your spiritual life
   
3. Join a small group. Meeting regularly with a small group of Christians is a great opportunity to  Many churches have small groups, alternatively you could join an ISMA Bible Meeting
   
4. Find ways to approach your studies and daily tasks with a sense of God’s purpose and presence.
   
5. Find ways to offer your time, energy or money to serve others. Everyone has something to offer! Please contact the ISMA team if you’d like to find a way to serve with us!
   
6. Keep in touch with Christians back home. If you have Christian friends or a church family back home, let them know how things are going and what they pray for you. Its always great to have people praying for us and this will also make it easier to fit back into church life when you return home.

Notes on recommended resources: please note, ISMA does not necessarily endorse specific authors or organizations - a link to an external document or website does not necessarily imply a full agreement with the author or organization. As with all things please remember to read with biblical discernment. Take the good; leave the bad.