This school year has brought about some new challenges in our world of international students. Across the United States, the number of international students has greatly declined because of the political climate. It wasn’t a surprise, but we have seen its effects now. However, this past Thanksgiving was wonderful! At Purdue University, we have a program created by our university called, “Host-A-Boiler”. In this program, international students can sign up with it and be assigned to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with a family from the community.
For our organization, Launch Campus Ministry (formerly known as the Purdue BCM), and families, we hosted over 60 students between two homes. We had students from 16 different countries. Between two homes, we prepared over 34lbs of turkey and 10lbs of ham. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
One Korean grad student shared, “Thanks so much for your invitation! I truly enjoyed the food. I was alone and lonely, but you helped me a lot.” Another Columbian grad student shared, “Thank you so much for hosting us! It was a wonderful Thanksgiving day and a great opportunity to learn from different cultures. God bless you and your family!”
Some Gospel conversations were had, but hospitality speaks loudly as well. We would highly recommend finding ways to show the biblical practice of hospitality to the “foreigner” as often as you can. It is a sacrifice, but a rewarding one at that. Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Dennis Runner is the International Team Minister with Launch Campus Ministry at Purdue. Learn more about the ministry at launchcampusministry.com.
