Where the World Comes to the Table: IFI Cleveland Update
For over 15 years, IFI Cleveland has been waiting at the door when international college students step off the plane, often disoriented, jet-lagged, and without so much as a meal plan or a city bus pass. That initial welcome has quietly become the heartbeat of everything the ministry does. DJ Bradley, IFI staff member who […]
Quality Over Quantity
It all started when Henri and his wife Marguerite heard about IFI through connections at their congregation in Columbus. “This couple was picking up people from around the world,” Henri said. “We got interested because we thought what a good thing for our kids to be exposed to the nations like that!” They signed up […]
Helping as She’d Been Helped
In 2024, Trazzy, originally from Kenya, moved from her university in Turkey to attend Purdue. As she tried settling in, she was quickly faced with challenges. “As an international student, it takes time to find your place,” Trazzy explained. “Housing was an issue and I also struggled with the individualism.” Researching options, Trazzy remembered she’d […]
The Magic of Hospitality and Friendship
This article is by one of our IFI students, Amita* from South Asia. Read how an IFI volunteer, Ms. Jenny, made all the difference to Amita’s journey to the US. My time at Ms. Jenny’s was nothing but magical. Her warmth and kindness enveloped me when she greeted me at the airport. Her home gave […]
From Loneliness to Leadership
In 2019, Joy left her home in Zambia to pursue social work in Michigan. It was a huge shock for her, as she felt American culture clash with her Zambian culture. She felt alone and pleaded with God to give her a community where she could be loved and could give love. Weeks passed and […]
Treated as Their Own: A Family’s Embodiment of God’s Love
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The Hospitality-Mobile
Why on earth would you buy a seven-passenger van?, Randy thought to himself, as his dad purchased a red 2013 Chrysler Town and Country. Granted, it was in really good shape, but what was the need? Fast-forward some years, and Randy is now involved with serving international students alongside his wife, volunteering with the IFI […]
I Think or We Think?: Individualistic vs. Group-Oriented Cultures
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Me or We?: A Closer Look at Private Cultures vs Inclusive Cultures
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The Definition of a Miracle
Daniel stepped off a plane earlier this year with a mix of emotions. He had come to pursue a Postdoc in Mechanical Engineering, but leaving his young family behind in Nigeria was hard for him. Thankfully, before his arrival in the US, Daniel had done some research. “I wanted to meet the Nigerian community here […]