Roots of Faith: The Birth & Growth of IFI Grand Rapids
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” flex_column_spacing=”0px” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” first=”true”][fusion_text] Seven years ago, Rich Mendola, IFI’s Global Ambassador, presented […]
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 […]
Where to Begin: The Story of Two Strategic Location Start-Ups
Since IFI’s mission is to provide hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus, it would make sense to base ourselves in the areas with the most international students, don’t you think? For this reason, IFI has focused on 10 strategic locations– influential areas in the country where international students thrive and […]
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 […]
Heart for the Nations in the Sunshine State: Florida Location Update
On a small island far, far away, an unlikely partnership was soon to be born between two individuals with hearts for the nations. “I met him this summer and he invited us over and their church members hosted us for one night,” shared Craig Olive, Director of IFI Florida in an IFI staff meeting “They […]
Home, Sweet Home at the Lighthouse: Dayton IFI Location Update
Who would have known that running late to a church service could end up paving the way for the accomplishment of a God-sized dream? Esther Chan, Campus Minister in Dayton, OH, certainly did not know when she first moved to the area in March of last year. Moving meant finding a new church. As she […]
Hospitality Adds a New Family Member
Eric and Rebecca Vaas had entered a season of life that many empty nesters find themselves in. Recently retired with their children grown and moved out, they were looking for ways to steward their time and resources well. This led them to get involved with IFI. “We enjoy meeting new people,” the Vaases explain, “and […]
Reflections on Decades of Serving International Students
Bob Tanquist and his wife, Marilyn, began volunteering with IFI before it had a name! The church they joined after moving to Columbus in 1979 connected them to IFI founders Phil and Ruth Saksa and Mabel Bahler. Bob and Marilyn enjoyed helping at IFI dinner meetings, bringing food, and gathering with students until about 2005 […]
The Vibrancy of Volunteering
Kayla and Fatoumata became friends through IFI and both shared their side of the story with us. To read Fatoumata’s perspective, click here. Kayla, an IFI volunteer, and Fatoumata, an international student, crossed paths about 3 years ago in August of 2019. They both had signed up to help out at IFI’s annual furniture sale […]
Indian Friendship Team Loves in Culturally Relevant Ways
IFI seeks to offer cultural activities specific to the students it serves, whether Chinese, African, Middle Eastern, Indian, Latin, or a variety of others. For Indian and Nepalese students in Columbus, IFI has formed the IFI Indian Friendship team. This team is especially important because U.S. universities have seen an influx of Indian students compared […]