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 […]
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 […]
Include Internationals in an Easter Egg Hunt
The day before Easter, some IFI volunteers and their small groups host an Easter Egg Hunt and brunch for neighbors and their international friends. One volunteer, Nancy, says, “The Easter Egg Hunt and brunch is a great way to bring our home church together to serve and host others, including international students. It is a […]
Trusting God for a Purpose-Driven Life
God has always shown Donna and Jerry Sauder what He has for them next, and they’ve trustingly said yes. In 2016, the Sauders moved from New York State to Columbus, Ohio, where a new job awaited Jerry, who had accepted an early retirement package from his former employer. Jerry would become the CFO of a […]
Making the Most of Your Life Stage
Refilling the empty nest Peter and Karen Huling are empty-nesters who desire to serve the Lord in this new stage of their lives. With their two children out of the home, Peter and Karen realized it was time to “reinvent themselves” and determine what to do with the next step of their lives. They became […]
Serving Internationals Despite Setbacks
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Meet Jasmine Martin: Growing Spiritually
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Conversation, Culture & Cuisine
Once a month, Paul and Mary Beth Dubuc’s weekly home group in Central Vineyard Church (Columbus, Ohio) obeys Isaiah 54:2: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back…” They invite international students whom they’ve met through IFI to join them for an evening of Conversation, Culture & Cuisine […]
Meet Daisaburo and Hedy Matsuura: Contagious Hosting
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Meet Carole Kindle*: English Conversation Partner
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