Resource Topic: International Student Ministry

Giving international students a good send off and finding ways to stay connected is so valuable in keeping an ongoing relationship with them. It is encouraging to see God at work in their lives, even beyond the time they spend on your campus.  As the semester is ending, here are things to consider as students are graduating or transferring to another college.

1. Determine the best way to stay in touch – Signal, Whats App, Instagram, Telegram, etc. Some of these communication tools need to be set up before the student leaves the country.
2. They may need help distributing items they are not planning on taking with them, such as household items, bedding, etc. If you have a place to store them, you can offer them to incoming students in the fall. If not, you can help them get the items to a donation spot.
3. Plan a recognition service where you can thank them for their time with your ministry. Provide some type of gift. The BCM where I served had a picture of the city of Atlanta with the verse Numbers 6:24-26 imprinted on it.
4. Set up time to meet where you can make sure they understand the message of the gospel.
5. Connect them with any Christians you know in their home country if they are graduating or at another university if they are transferring. If you need help finding a connection, you can contact me at troyall.bcm@gabaptist.org.
6. Pray that these students will connect with Christian community at their next destination. I had a student from Malaysia who heard the gospel message several times but was not ready to profess faith in Christ. However, after returning home, she connected with a Chinese Christian group who reached out to her. Through involvement with this community and her being aware of the gospel message while in the BCM, she became a follower of Christ.

Teresa Royall is the Campus Expansion Consultant for Georgia.

Developing the Vision in Our Students and Congregation

In today’s fast-paced world, the need for clarity and engagement in our communities has never been more important. Whether we are speaking to our students or our congregation, establishing a strong vision is paramount for fostering genuine participation and growth. 

The Importance of Developing the Vision

To effectively engage our students and congregations, we must illustrate what they are joining in on. The first step in this process is to articulate a compelling vision. In our organization, Launch Campus Ministry, we have specific teams assigned to different aspects of our organization. Initially the team we had set aside to engage with international students was titled the “International Team.” The name of the team inadvertently conveyed a message that excluded many who might have participated. We learned this lesson through trial and error, transitioning to the more descriptive “Cross-Cultural Team.” This change not only clarified our purpose but also highlighted our mission to foster cross-cultural friendships rather than simply existing for only international students.

For a vision statement to resonate, it needs to be clear and simple. Overcomplicating our messaging can lead to confusion and disengagement. For example, one straightforward vision statement could be “Reaching students from all cultures.” This simple phrasing encompasses our goal without adding unnecessary complexity. 

Each group—whether it consists of students or members of a congregation—will possess a unique “DNA” that affects outreach efforts. This diversity should be embraced rather than avoided. For instance, our students on our campus identify with a certain culture; they are typically more “nerdy” than athletic. Thus, reaching out through sporting events may not be the most effective strategy. It is vital to assess the specific attributes of our international student body as well; for example, some Nigerian male students typically gravitate toward sports like soccer, while a lot of Bangladeshi female students often find joy in dressing up. Understanding these nuances not only allows us to tailor our outreach efforts but also equips us to engage meaningfully with those we serve.

Relationships Are Greater Than Events

While events can be a means of creating community, it is relationships that ultimately lead to impactful Gospel interactions and a fruitful community. Therefore, our vision should serve as a foundation for building these vital interactions. By prioritizing relationships over mere programming, we can create an environment where individuals feel valued and connected. The trust built within these relationships will allow the Gospel to be received with freedom. 

To facilitate this, we encourage idea-sharing conversations among our group members that can guide training and engagement efforts. These discussions can help us identify practical challenges and obstacles that may inhibit relationship-building with those we are inviting to join us. From there, we can work together on solutions while ensuring that our efforts remain grounded in shared purpose. To avoid these discussions, unity among the group will be impossible. 

Practical Challenges and Obstacles

Navigating the landscape of outreach and engagement can present specific hurdles. You may have different schedules than the students you are trying to reach? Strive to be flexible. Be willing to take advantage of small increments of time. Even making yourself available via texting or phone conversations can build open communications. 

You may struggle to find common ground? There is always common ground to be found. One way to begin conversations is with the two-handed approach (FFFFF & WWWWW)- family, friends, future, festivals, family & who, what, when, where, why. Any combination of an “F” and a “W” are simple ways to begin and sustain conversations. 

Simply being a learner will show a person that you want to be a true friend. 

Evangelism and Bible Study Ideas

As we engage our students and congregation, provide opportunities for evangelism training and spiritual growth. Some potential strategies might include:

• Creating Events that Facilitate Gospel Conversations: Design gatherings that encourage open dialogue about faith in a relaxed setting. Some examples include: movie nights with discussion questions, taking international students to church as observers, even weddings.
• Training and Engaging in “Raw” Street Evangelism: Approaches such as the “3 Circles” method can help prepare our community for real-world discussions about faith. Training on different religions and how to engage them with the Gospel. 

When it comes to Bible studies, there are several engaging formats we can explore:

• Discovery Bible Studies (DBS): These studies allow participants to explore Scripture collectively and draw personal insights.
• Investigating Christianity: Our version spans the fundamental aspects of faith in an accessible way.
• Christianity 101: A foundational overview of the Christian faith.
• “What Do Christians Believe?”: This format invites questions and provides solid answers.
• “Story Friday”: A narrative-driven approach to sharing faith stories.
• Works by Lee Strobel: Titles like “Case for Christ” and “Case for Easter” offer investigative insights into Christianity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, developing a clear vision amongst our students and congregations is essential for fostering engagement and facilitating genuine friendships. By emphasizing relationships, understanding the unique attributes of each group, and providing practical strategies for outreach and spiritual training, we can effectively guide our groups toward a shared purpose: making disciples of Jesus. 

Dennis Runner works at Purdue University as the International Team Minister for Launch Campus Ministry. You can learn more about the ministry at launchcampusministry.com.

I’m sure you know that the nations come to the United States to study on our campuses every semester. They are excited to pursue a higher education abroad, and experience American culture close up. Students have all kinds of expectations of making new American friends, visiting American places, and trying American food! However, because it is often easier for them to connect with people like themselves or from other international cultures, they often find it difficult to connect with American students. 

Did you know there are international students who come to the United States for their degree and never get invited into an American home? We can change that during this holiday season! Below are a couple ways we have done this. We hope you will be creative and discover your own ways to connect!

International Thanksgiving:

Our BCM has hosted an international Thanksgiving every year, this will be our eighth year.  We cook a traditional Thanksgiving, dinner, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and lots of pies! We invite international students to come and learn about why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what we eat. We have this cute Peanuts video which talks about the pilgrims, fleeing for religious freedom on the Mayflower. Then in small groups at our table we talk about if there was a religion in their family and what that was. We also talk about who they believe Jesus to be? Great conversations have happened. We have even had professors from other countries join us with their families. Great opportunities to connect in table fellowship with good food! 

Christmas Tour: 

Why not open your home to a Christmas tour?  International students love the decorations. Don’t forget to tell them about the Nativity and what it means to you! Share a meal? A cookie exchange? International students love to share their cuisine. Why not have a potluck? Or games and appetizers? 

Welcome international students into your home, into your life, into your heart and into a relationship with Jesus!

Chad and LaDonna Wilkin are Co-Directors at the Indiana State University BCM.

Acts 17:26-27 – “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.  God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”

In the international student population on our campuses, God brings the nations to us.  Just as God brought Paul to Athens to teach across cultural lines, this is so they would have the opportunity to find Him.  An International Student Ministry is directly aimed at cross cultural ministry in light of such opportunities.  

Here are some practical tips to seek out international students, structured in light of Jesus’ instructions on persistently seeking God. 

Luke 11:9-10 –  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Ask – Pray and ask God for His help:

• “Please open my eyes to see the internationals on my campus.”
• “Please give me courage.”
• “Please equip me for your Kingdom task.”

Ask and you will receive

Seek – Be intentional to place yourselves in locations to meet international students 

• Place yourselves in high traffic places for internationals
• Observe where you see international students.  Are they in your classes? Dorms? Apartment complexes?

Seek and you will find

Knock – take the initiative and interact 

• Most international students want to interact with American students. Most would be honored to have you speak to them. (We highly recommend maintaining these interactions with students of the same sex.).
• Ask the international student at an appropriate time if you can visit with them. Exchange names, majors and classes.
• Ask questions and listen. For instance: what brought you to this university/college?  Why are you studying your major field?
• Ask them about their Family, Friends, Faith, Festivals, Food and Future.  You will likely find that they are more comfortable talking about their faith/religion than most American students.

Knock and the Door will be opened

A Helpful Resource:

The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus by John R Scott
https://a.co/d/1IgCaxs

This book is an easy read that explains major Biblical themes clearly and logically. The author chronologically combines the Bible into one wonderfully woven story. It leads the reader to the question: “Do I believe this or not?”

Bit Stephens serves as International Student Consultant for Arkansas Baptists. 

Looking for more resources or help with starting an International Student Ministry on your campus? Sign up here! ismbaptist.net/connect.

Recently, an Iranian friend contacted me years after we had last talked. It would become a life-altering experience for both of us that the Lord orchestrated!

Let me give you a bit of the backstory. My friend grew up in a mostly devout Shia Muslim home. Many of his extended family were very devoted. Once he entered college his doubts only grew, but for a reason that was difficult to understand. He believed that he had seen Allah answer his prayers for his friends. And because of the answered prayers, he came to the conclusion that he could not worship a god who would answer the prayers of a puny person, and if he did, that must make him a puny god. My friend went on to get married and go on with life. 

I met him in grad school. His wife was pursuing a PhD and he was pursuing another Masters at that time. He was in my home for Easter at that time. He had told me that he had become an atheist. We had a follow-up meeting later the next week and he conceded that maybe he was agnostic instead.

Fast forward to the fall of 2023, this friend reached out to me to meet with him as soon as I could, because things had gotten desperate. I met with him at a local restaurant. He informed me that the pandemic had been brutal in his life. He and his wife had gone through a divorce and she was already remarried. He had suffered a deep depression during the pandemic and because of that, he lost his student status in the university. There were other desolating things that had happened to him. He reached out to me because he had remembered our conversation from six years prior, along with conversations he had with other friends and colleagues regarding the Gospel. He had come to the end of himself with “nothing to show”, BUT he remembered that Jesus was the ultimate expression of love that he desperately needed. 

At the restaurant, I went back through the Gospel with him. He humbly understood that he was a sinner in need of a Savior and that Jesus wanted to be his Lord and Savior. We walked out to our cars, which were ironically and unknowingly parked nose-to-nose in a back parking lot. We prayed right there and my friend gave his life to Jesus! 

Since then, my friend has been actively involved in our local church. He is seeking asylum in our country. The process is long. He is being patient, knowing that the Lord will provide. He is seeing the Lord meet his needs in crazy ways. 

Often, when we share the Gospel with someone, we can have an expectation of an immediate response. If it’s a negative response, we can believe that it is a decision sealed for eternity. But, the truth is the Holy Spirit is at work and our patience is required because we don’t have the capacity to save a person. We are simply called to obedience to share and leave the results to Him, no matter how long that takes. 

Book Recommendation: Foreign to Familiar [1] is a book that I highly recommend for my students and volunteers to read first. It was given to me when I began to work with international students. It provides a sweeping view of culture in order to better understand where students are coming from. The book will provide you with questions you can ask to begin conversations as well as a glimpse into the priorities in each culture. It’s a simple read, but great information to begin with. 

Dennis Runner is the International Team Minister for Launch Campus Ministry. You can learn more about the ministry at launchcampusministry.com. 

Want more information about resources on connecting with international students? Sign up here: ismbaptist.net/connect.

[1] Sarah Lanier, Foreign to Familiar.  Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/h1HlWSt

International students are on our campuses this fall and in large numbers – one million studying in the U.S.  These students represent countries from all over the world, many of which are from countries where we could not openly share the Gospel. 

As fall approaches, it is good to develop a plan to reach out and befriend internationals. They have many needs: adjusting to a new culture, transportation, friendship, and an understanding of who Jesus really is. 

Here are some steps for to consider as you plan:

1. Find ways to make contact with students. The international office on campus can be a gateway to connecting with international students.  Making contact with leaders of international clubs can also help in meeting international students.
2. Find events where internationals will gather – attend these events and make international friends.
3. Plan an outreach event that internationals might enjoy – an outing to a local attraction or a meal at a BCM/BSM center or in a home. Then invite internationals to come. Avoid pork or beef entrees as these meats can be  offensive for some students.
4. Offer English classes to students who need extra help with English.
5. Enlist families to host students for meals throughout the semester.
6. Plan holiday events where internationals are invited.
7. Take time to get to know internationals, learning about their culture, family, dreams, and needs.
8. Let students know of the importance of your faith in Christ as you naturally have conversations.
9. Pray for ways to connect and ways to share Christ with international students.
10. Enlist a team of students and church volunteers who commit to engage with and care for internationals.

I have found that international students are some of the easiest to befriend and also very grateful for friendship. I have also discovered that many internationals have misunderstandings about Christianity and what it really means to follow Christ.  So, sharing life, friendship, and conversation can help internationals see the grace and truth of Jesus. 

The steps above are just suggestions and not all inclusive. You may want to be more educated on more ways to relate to internationals and how to best reach them. Here are some resources I suggest you check out – they provide excellent information.

1. Every International | Everyinternational.com (You will need to create a free account to access webinars, etc.)
2. Arkansas Go2 International Student Ministry | Argo2.org/ism
3. Association of Christians Ministering Among Internationals (ACMI) | ACMI-ISM.org
4. Reaching Internationals |  reachinginternationals.com

Teresa Royall is a Campus Expansion Consultant in Georgia. You can email her at troyall.bcm@gabaptist.org. 

Want more information about resources on connecting with international students? Sign up here: https://ismbaptist.net/connect.

As we befriend international students, inevitably they will graduate or transfer on to another college. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare them as they leave:

1.) Prepare them to be alert for facing culture shock as they leave their current college. If they go back home, they will have experienced change and it may take some adjustment being back home. If they transfer to another college, they will have another setting that most likely will not be like the college they are leaving. Help them be aware that all colleges are not the same.

2.) If they are an unbeliever, share the gospel with them and give them a way to access the Bible (an actual Bible or on through an app – the NLT is a good translation for international students). Even if you have already shared the gospel with them, it is good to share one more time.

3.) For Christians leaving, cast the vision for them to see the need to share Christ with people where they will be going – whether back home or another college.

4.) Help them give away any items they have accumulated but cannot take with them.

5.) Find ways to stay connected – there are many ways available – what’s app or Signal. Get their contact info and make plans to keep in touch. If you use Signal as a communication method, have the students download the app before leaving the country. Be aware that Facebook and Instagram may not work in their home country.

6.) For students transferring to another college, you can find out where the students can find Christian community.  ACMI (Association of Christians Ministering Among Internationals) has ACMI Link which gives info on Christian groups on various campuses. To access the Link you need to be a member of ACMI. Here is info on ACMI – https://www.acmi-ism.org/. If you decide to become a member, you will need an endorsement and you can contact Teresa Royall at troyall.bcm@gabaptist.org for this endorsement. You can also email Teresa who has access to our Baptist ISM workers and can try to find a BCM at the college where the student is going.

7.) For students going home IMB can sometimes find someone on the field who can connect with the returning student. You can contact John Barnett at jbarnett@imb.org.

8.) Celebrate their time with you before they go. You can do a special time of recognition and memory sharing one-on-one or in a group setting. Find out ways to pray for them and to encourage them as they go.

This information was discussed on last month’s International Student Ministry Call. If you have international students on your campus, you can greatly benefit from these calls! The next one is “Change: How can we face it well?” Join us at Thursday, April 11 at 2 pm ET. Sign up at ismbaptist.net/connect. 

There are thousands of Indian students coming to campuses in the United States. Most of these students are not Christians and come from a Hindu background. Our International Student Ministry team had Andy Pearce, with ISI, give some valuable insights on engaging Indian students at a recent zoom gathering. Here are some insights he shared:

Community:

To engage Indian students and build a friendship, it is good to remember that Indian students come from a collective culture, meaning that community is vastly important to them. Their community involves extended family and affects many decisions they make. 

Time:

Sharing the gospel in words does not make sense to Indian students. It takes living life with the students, sharing meals, showing care for their practical needs, in order to help them see the reality of the gospel. So, time is needed in order to effectively minister to them and build meaningful relationships. 

Spirituality:

Hinduism embraces many gods, and Indian students are fine with having Jesus as a god in their lives. But they have problems with believing that Jesus is the only God to worship. The students appreciate having Americans come to their festivals and gatherings. They like to share their food, but be aware it will most likely be spicy!

Resources:

Here are some worship songs that make sense to Hindus:  https://www.youtube.com/@aradhnamusic

Here is a website that is good for Hindu students to read about Jesus using familiar terms: https://muktimarga.com/

Here is a website that has articles, podcast and a video course: https://margnetwork.org/

What a great opportunity we have to engage Indian students while they are in the U.S. While it takes time to develop deep friendships, it is surely worth it as these students can encounter the grace and truth of Christ through us! -Teresa Royall, GA BCM

The International student ministry team has monthly Zoom calls in which they discuss and share helpful information like this. Recently on another call, Mike Shipman, IMB/Diaspora Ministry Collective, met with those in attendance to share about his book, Any 3, and share his experience in engaging Muslim students and people groups. The conversation was inspiring and encouraging as we develop relationships with students from this faith background. Mike challenged us from Scripture to not be ashamed or hesitant to begin spiritual conversations. Students from this background are open and willing to have these conversations. Several participants asked Mike questions about how to encourage fellow believers to join us in having Gospel conversations with Muslims as well as with those from other faith backgrounds, being aware of miscommunication of biblical truths, and what are the specific truths to remain focused on. Find a link to his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Any-Anyone-Anywhere-Muslims-Christ/dp/193912400X

Join us for our next International Student Ministry Zoom call! Thursday, March 14, 2 p.m. ET. Topic: Preparing international students for graduation/returning home. Sign up at this link! http://ismbaptist.net/connect.

As international students step onto college campuses, they are taking in all the sights and sounds of a new place. They are figuring out where to hang out, where they belong, and learning different customs. International students anticipate learning new things about a new place and culture. They want to learn and connect with others. There are certain cultural moments that can create open doors to connect with International students. Holidays are always a great way to share culture, memories, special traditions and to include international students in the regular rhythms of your life. Easter is an incredible opportunity to leverage gospel conversations as the death and resurrection of Jesus is the entire reason we celebrate Easter. So, the gospel naturally comes up in the conversation as you discuss Easter. 

In 1 Peter 1:3, we are reminded, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Easter is a time where we get to celebrate the living hope we have in Jesus. We can share that living hope with international students in a variety of practical ways. 

Inviting Students into Your Church and Home 

Out of the 1 million international students in the United States, most international students never step foot in an American’s home. I believe the church can and should change that fact. Easter is a great time to invite international students into your home. Many international students are not invited to church either. Easter is a great time to invite students because most churches are expecting guests and are even more in tune with the needs on that particular day. You can invite them to church for Easter and then, have them in your home for Easter lunch. If that is not possible, you could invite them over for a dinner or lunch leading up to Easter and discuss the meaning of Easter at dinner. Family traditions are a great thing to share with International students to build trust and relationships. You can dye eggs, put together Easter baskets, have an egg toss, make cookies or whatever your family tends to do together at Easter. 

Host an Easter Party 

In addition to having students in your home, you can host an Easter egg hunt because even college students like to hunt for eggs. This could be at your home, a local park, etc. You can include some fun prizes like gift cards or candy. Ask people in your church or small group to donate or to join you to host. You can incorporate the Resurrection Eggs into the egg hunt or 

use them to explain the meaning of Easter afterward. Resurrection Eggs are a great tool with a different object inside each egg that helps to explain the biblical events that led up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. If you incorporate these eggs into a normal egg hunt, you can mark 

them with tape and number them. Instruct your guests not to open them until you all gather together. Then, go through each one in number order and explain them. This is a great tool and visual for people of all ages to understand the true meaning of Easter. Recently, our family has enjoyed making a resurrection garden where you gather things like soil, grass, twigs, rocks and create a tomb setting in a pot that can be seen daily and can be a reminder of what Jesus has

done for us. This could be a neat thing to do with International students that they can take back to their dorm or apartment and function as a reminder each day of the hope we have in Jesus. 

Cook Together 

There are some things that are traditional Easter foods for many families such as ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, etc. Invite International students over to cook with you in your home. It doesn’t have to be the whole meal but maybe one or two items. You could cook Resurrection Rolls together which are just crescent rolls filled with a marshmallow rolled in sugar and cinnamon. Once they are baked the marshmallow disappears into the crust of the crescent roll. This is a great teaching tool to show that Jesus was put into the tomb after his death but when they opened the tomb, He was not there. He had risen! This is an easy visual that can open up a gospel conversation and it tastes good too. Remember “food is a language we all speak.” Sharing meals together can be a great way to connect and often leads to open doors and builds trust. A mentor once told me that as we minister to International students, “We want to build a bridge of trust that can bear the weight of truth.” We should carry this mindset as we minister to International students. It is often a type of ministry where you have to be in it for the long haul and relationship building is key. 

As you engage and connect with International Students, remember Jesus has already done the work and He wants us to be faithful to tell others about the life-changing work He has already done.

Lindsay Venters loves God, His Word, and the world. She currently serves with International Students at the University of South Carolina at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM). She has a Masters in Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where she also met her husband. She is married to Adam Venters who serves as the BCM Director at USC. They love to serve together to reach college students to know and grow in their faith in Jesus. She loves to connect and welcome international students and strives to mobilize the local church to love on international students as well.

Join us for our next International Student Ministry Zoom call on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 2-3 ET. Our top is “Engaging Muslim students” led by a guest from the IMB. You can sign up here: http://ismbaptist.net/connect. 

When you think of holidays, one of the words that may come to mind is family. Holidays tend to give us more time to connect with family for food, recreation, and celebration. International students also think of family during the holidays. Yet many cannot be with family during the holiday time. Most schools shut down during the holidays, so campus can be a very lonely place. Inviting international students to experience family during holiday time in America, such as during Thanksgiving and Christmas, is a wonderful way to show hospitality. These times of hosting also give a chance to show Christian hospitality, can create friendships and gospel conversations, and can replace isolation and loneliness with joy.  Here are some practical ways to do so: 

Offering a meal helps the students experience American holiday food and traditions.

Most internationals have never experienced a turkey and dressing meal or cranberry sauce. Most like to try new food. However, if you host a group of Indian students who are used to spicy food, provide some spices or salsa for them to heat up their meal. Meals can be hosted in a home, church, or Baptist Center setting, depending on the availability of hosts and size of hosting spot. One note on providing meals is to always have a vegetarian option for those who do not eat meat. It is always best to avoid pork and beef as these foods may violate some of the religious norms from their country. Here are some ideas you might try regarding hosting meals:

Taste of Thanksgiving Event

The BCM at Ga. State hosts Taste of Thanksgiving the week before Thanksgiving. A traditional meal is served with local churches providing the food and church members and American students as hosts. Students and church members welcome the international students and offer friendship. A speaker will share why  Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. International students are recognized, and they are given a gift bag to thank them for coming. 

Have a local church host a meal during Thanksgiving or Christmas week

On a day that works for the church and the students, host a meal together during Thanksgiving or Christmas week. They may also need to provide transportation since most internationals do not have a car. 

Host students in a home.

My husband Bob and I often invite internationals to our home for a Christmas meal. Many times we invite them to help decorate our tree. One year, we were having a tough time getting all the lights on our tree working. One of the Chinese students offered to try to fix it and she did! We also build in time to share what Christmas means to ones who follow Jesus and read the Christmas story in Luke. This lets students see there is more to Christmas than the commercialism they encounter in the United States. We also ask students to share what is meaningful about their holidays as well, so it turns out to be a rich cultural time of conversation and sharing. Enlisting church members, students in BCM, or alumni to host students makes for a meaningful time for all. It only takes an invitation, transportation, a meal, and a willingness to be a friend and family to international students. I remember one year a student from Japan told me that being in an American home was the fulfillment of his dream in coming to America! Many international students hope to be welcomed into an American home, yet many go back home after their education without ever having this opportunity.

Here are some other ideas for holiday connections:

Invite students to a Christmas musical at a local church

Many churches have Christmas pageants or plays. One of the local metro Atlanta churches, Woodstock First Baptist, provides transportation to students to attend their annual Christmas pageant. This gives students the Christmas story in a manner that engages the students and gives opportunity for follow up conversation.

Host students in homes for a few days during the holidays

Having students stay in homes is more time intensive, but it really makes for deeper conversations and opportunities to share faith in Christ. Students staying with families really feel a part of the family, and it takes away the loneliness they can feel during the holidays. If it is over a weekend, the student can also be invited to church.

Host a holiday baking day

For those of us in the U.S., we know that holiday sweets are so delicious during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Inviting internationals to bake and decorate cookies or make cake cakes or candy is a great way to engage students and have conversations along the way. And they can have goodies to take home to enjoy.

Take students to a light show

Many cities have light shows at Christmas time. Even some neighborhoods provide a show of their homes that students can see without paying money. Offering transportation to see the lights and hosting a hot chocolate and cookie time afterward can be lots of fun. And it gives time for conversation and friendship building. 

The holidays offer many opportunities for Americans to be family for the international students who come to study in the United States. I encourage you to enlist students, church members, alumni to be part of your hospitality team and connect them to students who are excited about experiencing holidays in a family setting. I think you will find that long term relationships will be built between the students and families and also with the students and Christ!

Join us for our next monthly International Student Ministry zoom call to talk about this very topic! We will meet Thursday, October 12, 2-3 EST. Click this link to sign up to join: ismbaptist.net/connect

Teresa Royall is the Campus Expansion Consultant for Georgia Baptist Collegiate Ministries. You can follow her on Instagram @teresaoncampus or e-mail her at troyall.rep@gabaptist.org.