International Student Friendship Ministry - This is Not Rocket Science

By Jerry Gibson

Missions is not about geography or plane tickets. It is about a willing heart and awareness to reach out to people who may be different from you. This is why International Student Friendship Ministries (ISFM) has been included in Expeditions. Eric Treuil, veteran campus pastor and long-time proponent of missions, says it this way: “We need to all feel the burden of reaching international students. … If we are going to encourage all students to experience a crosscultural overseas experience during their university career, we need to encourage all students to develop at least one international friend for Jesus. Our groups should be the most culturally diverse group on campus!” It would be inconsistent to think about spending thousands to travel across the globe and not consider the nations in your dorm.

So what does it take to reach out to internationals? Simply put, this is not rocket science! International student ministry requires consideration of these three issues:

• ISFM is relationship based. It is out of relationships, expressed through service and friendship, that foundations of ministry are established. What must be avoided is making international students a “project.” Remember, the Kingdom of God is built on relationships. By having a clear motivation to love and serve, your new friends will find open acceptance. Consider this testimony from one international student.

“I was worried about new life here at Sam Houston State University, because I did not know anyone and could not speak English fluently. This new friend helped me. ... I asked him ... why he was so kind. His answer was, ‘Because I am a Christian.’ At that moment, my questions switched from, “Why are they so nice?” to “What is this Christianity?” ’ — Ryota

• ISFM is time intensive. Because relationships are the core, by necessity, you will need to make yourself available to these students. Many cultures have different views of time and friendship. Be sure to be spontaneous and flexible, guided by the Holy Spirit.

• ISFM must be intentional. You must be strategic and intentional to contact and maintain these relationships. In general, relationships in American culture tend to be relationships of proximity. When we’re together, we are fully involved in building the relationship. However, when we move away, the relationship is put on hold. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” oftentimes reflects this value. As the host, you can take the initiative to do the inviting and internationals will respond. (Note: Be sure to ask more than once with any gesture of friendship. For many cultures, to accept on the first offering is impolite.)

If you will practice these simple principles and bathe all your relationships in prayer, you will see your group become more diverse and the Lord will touch the nations through you.

Jerry & Gwen Gibson serve as the International Student Ministry Directors for National Chi Alpha