Movement History

SVM2 is a cross-organizational, cross-denominational united movement calling a new generation of Message Bearers to a life of Abandoned Devotion to Jesus Christ, and the urgent Global Proclomation of His gospel.

But where did it start? Read on.

A Movement Begins

Five students gathered to pray for revival on their campus and in their generation.  Samuel Mills, a freshman, shares his passion about world evangelization.  He challenges his peers to offer their lives to world missions.

A movement begins.  Foreign missions is born in the United States.

When these students prayed, there were no mission organizations or sending structures in the United States.

But in 1812, through the efforts of students, five missionaries sailed to India.  This marked the beginning of foreign missions in the United States, and gave birth to the mission organizations of today.

In the next 60 years, over 500 students joined prayer groups, and over 250 set sail to other parts of the world, committing their lives to missionary service.

The first Student Volunteer Movement

251 students gather for a summer of Bible to renew the spirit of their generation.

Robert Wilder, a recent graduate, unites students with a common call:  to take the gospel to the least evangelized parts of the world.  He gathered 100 students for prayer and commitment to spread the gospel to all nations.

A movement begins:  the Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions.

At the time of the conference, there were 2,000 protestant, cross-cultural missionaries serving around the world.

Over the next generation, nearly 100,000 students joined campus SVM groups, and over 20,000 of them sailed overseas to serve God among the least evangelized.  The SVM gave rise to many of the campus fellowships we have today.

Student Volunteer Movement 2

These who consecrated themselves have set an example for us today. Jesus has waited thousands of years to come and retrieve His global bride.  The baton has been passed to us. It’s time to make our mark as a generation.

In August 2002, a group of eight leaders from various mission organizations and church denominations gathered together to seek God and together discern what “feet” could be put to the vision. During these meetings, the foundations of SVM2 were laid. Since this time, SVM2 has continued to expand through the commitment of students around the world and through partnerships with various denominations and organizations.

The hearts of students have beat with the vision of SVM2 for generations.  Leaders and young people across the globe have been crying out for a movement.  Student Volunteer Movement 2 gives a unified voice to the passion of thousands.

Join the movement.  Start a movement.