International Student Friendly Meetings
by Katie RawsonIn the Old Testament, especially the Pentateuch, God insists that aliens, orphans, widows and the poor be treated with love and justice. Your chapter can obey these commands by becoming involved in international student ministry. Begin the process by using large group meetings to expose your fellowship to ministry among foreign students. Whether you have five minutes or fifty-five, you can discover creative ways to present this vision. In all you do with the large group, make fostering friendships among chapter members and internationals your goal.
If you have fifteen minutes or less, invite Christian internationals to share their testimonies or prayer requests for their countries. Or have American students - or an American/international pair- describe what cross-cultural friendships have meant to them. Highlight some of the Scriptures about the stranger, learn worship songs from other countries, or present skits or slides about international student ministry. InterVarsity's FRIENDS video paints a clear picture of the needs of newly arrived internationals. FRIENDS can fit into a fifteen-minute time slot, or you can use the accompanying discussion guide to make it into a training tool.
Consider focusing at least one large group meeting per year on international students. Seek out foreign students or scholars who can give your chapter members new perspectives on their nations. At North Carolina State, four Christian internationals were invited to respond to questions about the church around the world. When asked what blind spots they saw in American Christian thinking, they warned that our affluence could hinder our discipleship. Non-Christian internationals can make fascinating speakers, too. During the Gulf War, the InterVarsity group at Fresno State invited students from several Middle Eastern countries to share their views of the conflict.
Be careful in choosing international student speakers. Select people who are articulate and sufficiently acculturated to understand their American student audience. And prepare chapter members for the guests they will have.
Perhaps your chapter could co-sponsor social events with the campus international student association or a particular nationality group. North Carolina State enjoys square dances and talent shows with internationals. No matter what the program, try to have refreshments when you have international visitors. Food communicates caring and provides a non-threatening way for internationals and Americans to mingle.
Chapter members will catch the vision for friendship with foreign students quickly when they have chances to actually meet and talk to internationals. Enjoy the opportunity of increasing your world understanding while befriending internationals right on your campus.
By Katie Rawson, InterVarsity International Student Specialist, North Carolina
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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