Decode for Sydney Universities

The Sydney Adventist Student Society (SASS) was recently involved in an ambitious, on-campus evangelistic outreach project at two of Sydney’s largest universities, the University of Sydney and Macquarie University.
In response to the widespread interest in The Da Vinci Code, leaders from SASS teamed up with a non-denominational on-campus Christian organisation, Student Life, to organise outreach seminars at the universities.
SASS organised for Pastor Grenville Kent and Dr Philip Rodionoff, who co-authored the book The Da Vinci Decode, to present seminars giving a Christian response to the issues raised by the The Da Vinci Code. The Student Life Club hosted the events and promoted them heavily on the campuses. The seminars were well received, with approximately 45 students attending at Sydney University.
Copies of The Da Vinci Decode were given free to attendees, with the option of making a donation. In response to the presentations, some students expressed an interest in finding out more about Christianity and took up an invitation to further explore the issues raised.
James Etwell, the president of SASS for 2006, said he was “thrilled” with the opportunity to reach out to university students. He says, “One of the key goals of SASS is to further God’s kingdom, focusing on tertiary students in Sydney. Much attention and publicity has recently been given to Dan Brown’s novel, so having the opportunity to be involved in an outreach like this one is a perfect example of what we are all about—living Christianity through relevant, practical evangelism.”
Joanne Kim, a member of SASS who attended Sydney University, had similar praise on the day, saying, “It’s so great to attend things like this and see so many people here. Hearing about all the historical evidence of Jesus’ existence makes you all the more excited about your faith.”
In addition to running outreach programs, SASS is a community of tertiary students that offers many opportunities for students to become involved in a variety of events and activities, including Friday-night programs and social gatherings. SASS also offers support services including assistance in dealing with Sabbath exams.—Record staff/Samantha Ireland/James Etwell

More @ www.sass.asn.au