FIVE EFFECTIVE WAYS ARKANSAS CHURCHES ARE REACHING INTERNATIONALS
There are 4,964 international students in Arkansas. The majority of these come from the 10/40 window. Many of these have no idea of what Jesus Christ has done for them. What can we do to help them really see and experience the love of Christ? The greatest thing we can do is bombard heaven with […]
Reaching International Students on Campus
According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), over one million students from countries around the world are currently studying in colleges and universities in the United States. When we think of taking the gospel of Jesus “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8), we can begin by reaching out to the international students […]
The Right Mix for International Student Ministry
With international student ministries (ISMs) across the country…it seems that the leadership pool is often entirely student leaders or entirely community leaders (i.e. non-student, adult volunteers). Or when both are in leadership, they still function separately from one another in the ministry. But leaders in their 20s…and leaders in their 70s…and everything in between all […]
BUILDING BRIDGES FOR GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
As we start out the new year, our students and ministries may be thinking of how to connect with international students. Sometimes we charge right in with spiritual conversations without knowing much about these students, what their context is, or what their spiritual needs and questions are. We often lack a bridge to help them […]
Five Reasons Why We Should Minister to International Students
I was in college before I remember ever seeing my “first international student.” I grew up in a small town in southwest Arkansas. I hardly remember seeing people of color or culture driving through our town. I do remember one Hispanic family that lived in our town. Things sure have changed in the past 30+ […]
Love Thy Neighbor: The International Student
The college campus is still one of the most diverse places in our nation. There is no other place where differing views, cultures and life experiences so come together in one place. We have more countries and cultures represented on our campuses than ever before. The nations have literally arrived in our towns and neighborhoods […]
Welcome is a Powerful Word
No one likes being the “new kid on the block.” Just thinking about it takes us back to those times when we experienced loneliness and unfamiliarity in the new places of our lives. It even makes me think about my early years of school as I tried to fit in and be accepted by others […]
Join Us in Welcoming the Nations this September!
Each year, millions of international students make their way to the U.S. and Canada to study at one of our many universities or colleges. God is bringing the nations to our doorstep! We must be found faithful in welcoming them! Over the past several years, the Baptist Collegiate Network has deemed September Welcoming the Nations […]
Spring Break Mission to the Nations…Right Here
Spring break signals a time of freedom and road trips for many college students, but spring break can bring the unique opportunity to spend extra time with international students. While there is an emptiness in campus life due to the quick exodus of most students, some international students remain behind with often nothing to do. […]
Internationals During the Holidays
Like many, Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy the food, family and festivities that seem to rule the season. I also enjoy taking time to reflect on the importance of the season, Christ and the hope that we have in Him. Maybe because I love connecting with […]