International Student Track Reports
Helping International Returnees December 29, 2003
Ron Riesinger
Few international student workers have as much desire to see international Christian students thrive upon returning home as Nate Mirza, one of the co-coordinators of The Navigators International Student Ministry. Nate, a native of Iran, now living in California, has been working with international students for several decades. His years show in the grey flecks in his beard, but his enthusiasm is unflagging for the success of students as they return to often hostile homecomings.
He, along with David Bingei, an Indonesian financier, presented an Urbana Seminar today designed to assist returnees in these potentially spiritually devastating situations. Mr. Bingei started his section with the quote, "Man is like a teabag, it has to be dipped into hot water to show his true color". He pointed out that many returnees (those going back to their home countries and families) are soon MIA's, (Missing In Action). Despite having made apparent solid progress as young, growing Christians in USA or Canadan student ministries, they soon succumb to family pressures, the desire to find a high profile, lucrative career or even the bribery so common in much of the developing world. They find little time for their faith and often have no one to hold them accountable, such as they usually had in the fellowship on campus. Mr. Bangei emphasized that ones calling must be clear from the start. He asked, "Can I postpone my citizenship?". Clearly, he indicated, the answer is no! The calling of God "starts from today".
Mr. Mirza continued with some examples of students who have successfully returned and are making a difference in Indonesia. Jack (all names have been changed in these examples) has become sucessful in real estate, has taken on a role as a leader in his local church, provided training for leaders and is even mentoring local pastors! People have also come to faith through his ministry. Jane, who has formed her own school, is discipling her teachers, helping students and their parents come to Christ, training leaders supporting others ministries through money from the school and is opening yet another school on another island. Sam is involved in manufacturing and owns a restaurant. He is providing needed jobs, helping factory workers come to Christ, discipling youth in his church and training leaders.
He pointed out that there were commonalities among all of these sucessful examples. "They established foundations in:
- Learning to know God John 17:26
- Learning to lead Bible study groups Acts 11:19-21
- Memorizing scripture Psalm 119:9-11
- Receiving personal mentoring 2 Tim. 2:2
- Making a commitment to be like Jesus in the inner being Romans 12:1-2
- Sharing the gospel with unbelievers Mark 5:18-20
- Helping young believers learn how to follow Christ Matt. 28:19-20
- Beginning to develop God's vision for all peoples Gen. 12:1-3; Is. 49:6
- Beginning to develop their concept of church 1 Cor. 12-14"
Nate and David are passionate about helping returnees become successful for the Kingdom of God. With more dedication to the principles they outlined in this seminar, it seems likely that more internationals will be able to face the storm of hostility and come out victors in the end, building the Kingdom in their country.
Ron Riesinger
Print
Email
