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.
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