Help Your International Friends Identify Cults
Much of this article is based on “Distinguishing Between Christianity and Cults,” a pamphlet written by Rich Mendola, CEO of IFI. — For many international students, studying in the United States presents them with the first real opportunity to study the Bible. As they are invited by various people to study the Bible, it is […]
“Dinner After Dark” – Serving Muslim Students During Ramadan
[fusion_alert type=”general” accent_color=”#808080″ background_color=”#ffffff” border_size=”” icon=”” text_align=”left” text_transform=”normal” dismissable=”no” box_shadow=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””] With the current situation of COVID-19, an in-person event like “Dinner After Dark” may not be possible. How could you support your Muslim friends during Ramadan online this year instead? [/fusion_alert] Location Update: Cleveland, Ohio Since 2014, IFI […]
A Conversation that Led to Many Introductions
One of the most rewarding ways volunteers can get involved in IFI is by requesting an international student to befriend and meet with on a regular basis to practice English. Sometimes these relationships will lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities for volunteers to share God’s love. When Nathan Persons in Columbus, Ohio signed up to […]
Canceled Plans Led to a Conversation about Truth
Snow was coming down hard in Columbus in the winter of 2019 and church services had just been canceled. With her morning now open, Qin*, an ISEED intern at IFI, felt God asking her to call her brother back home in China. As Qin talked with her brother, she realized he was searching for something […]
A Last-Minute Decision Turned into a Life-Changing Step
Mei kept hearing how awesome the Vision Conference would be. She didn’t realize God would use it to open her heart to Him. Mei* came to the U.S. from China a year ago to double major in Sociology and International Relations. Her knowledge of God was limited. “At that time, I was just playing the […]
Hosting a Halal Thanksgiving
Have you ever wondered how to share a holiday with international students in a culturally sensitive way? Some IFI volunteers in Columbus, Ohio took a step of faith last year and did just that by inviting some Muslim students to a halal Thanksgiving celebration in their home. Here are some tips that helped them create […]
3 Hints for Holiday Hosting
During school breaks and holidays, while their American peers go home to be with family, many international students will remain on campus. Being away from family and homeland can be hard enough for an international student. Breaks often serve as additional reminders that they are a foreigner in a foreign land. Leviticus 19:34 tells how […]