(GERMANY) "Exams in Studies, Exams before God": Karlsruhe UBF's "Faith and Science" Series at a German University

 
By James Kim
 
On November 4, 2025, the third meeting in the "Faith and Science" series took place at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. Following last year's topic "What Is Truth?,” this time we met with students to discuss "Exams in University Studies, Exams Before God.” The theme was based on Psalm 26:2 “Test me, O Lord, and try me!”
 
Preparation
 
This meeting was officially registered with the dean of the university by Andreas and approved as a registered event. He personally created invitation posters and distributed them throughout campus and to his students. It was a blessing to see him courageously identify himself as a believer before his colleagues and students. The day before the meeting, missionary Esther and I met Andreas on campus and prayed together. We also learned that Andreas' daughter is studying the same subject as her father – applied mathematics – at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) this year, and we prayed together for Alina. 
 
Main Lecture 
 
At the beginning of the event, Andreas introduced the speaker, Dr. Tobias, and shared a story from 20 years ago: “A shy student approached me and invited me to a ‘Bible study evening.’ I didn’t throw the invitation away, but placed it on my desk. A few months later, I saw this same student in the cafeteria, saying a prayer of thanksgiving alone before dinner. Deeply moved by this testimony of faith, I attended the first Bible study evening. The Bible study I began then has now lasted 20 years.” It was a brief testimony, but it contained the story of 20 years of faithful one-on-one Bible study, woven together by God. 
 
Dr. Tobias is currently a research assistant at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. He delivered his message using a PowerPoint presentation, exploring two questions: "Why do we have to take exams during our studies? Why does God allow trials in our lives?" By exploring these two questions through the Bible, he explained that God uses trials to help us understand His will more deeply, molds us according to the character of Christ, and allows our faith to grow. He then encouraged us to "examine" ourselves and, in times of trial, to look to Jesus and rely on Him. Above all, he proclaimed that Jesus glorified God through his perseverance and victory over the trial on the cross and invited the students to the Gospel. 
 
Q & A Session
 
After the lecture, serious questions were asked about the relationship between human effort and God's blessing and the difference between testing and temptation. Although the preparation time was only three weeks, God sent 10 students. From the back, I could see that several students had their laptops open and were taking notes intently. Sincere discussions and questions followed the talk. When Dr. Tobias asked, "Is there anyone who would like to attend Bible study? Should I send you the lecture materials?" several hands went up. Invitations to campus Bible study, which starts next week, were distributed to everyone, and among them, one female student, after exchanging contact information with Esther's Bible student, said, "I'll be there next week." Another student, who had participated in our campus Bible study last semester, also came to this meeting and was greatly encouraged. 
 
Conclusion and Prayer Topics
 
This meeting held special meaning for me. Twenty-three years ago, Tobias began studying the Bible. And now, together with Professor Andreas, he shares his faith with students. Seeing how one-on-one Bible study, which started as a seed, has grown over the years into an official campus lecture, I was overcome with indescribable gratitude. I can only praise God's faithfulness and patience. 
 
Starting next week, a Bible study group titled "Who is Jesus?" will begin in the campus student center. We will be studying the Gospel of John in eight lessons. Maria, Andreas, and Tobias will lead the group Bible study and invite more students to join. Maria has personally prepared invitations and is praying to begin a Bible study with her friend Daniela. 
 
Please pray with us: 
  1. That the 10 participating students will be led to continuous Bible study.
  2. That God grants Professor Andreas wisdom and that he is valued as a Bible teacher and shepherd in his relationships with colleagues and students. 
  3. That God may continue to give Dr. Tobias the strength and ability to proclaim the word of God. 
  4. That the "Faith and Science" series will continue as a campus ministry. 
  5. That God will send and resurrect more workers for the harvest of souls in these end times.
I pray that God will grant us grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom to minister to the souls on campus and to preach the Word. I praise God, who uses our humble obedience and opens the door of the Gospel right here on campus. Please continue to pray with me for God's work on the German campuses. I pray that a Father of Faith will be raised in Zurich, Switzerland, where I am working and visiting once a week. Thanks be to the Lord in His name.

 

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