Serving International Students

As the new school year begins in earnest, it is important to remember that hundreds of international students have come to our universities each year to study. Talk about making Christ's command to go to the whole world easy -- the world has come to us!

However, international students are often some of the loneliest students around. They are in a new culture, struggling with a foreign language and often know only a few people. Some of the people they spend the most time with are professors and administrators!

Did you know that it is estimated that less than 10% of international students in America ever see the inside of an American home? If they do get a chance to visit an American family, they often mention it as one of the highlights of their entire visit.

Have you seen a new international student around your department lately? Do you know how much they would appreciate an invitation to lunch, help with getting settled into their new routine, help with their class schedule, help with their English, or a chance to meet your family over a casual dinner? Think about how much you will learn about another culture!

Being of service to one of our international guests is a wonderful way to show the love of Christ. You can begin to develop a relationship that could literally change lives around the world. As an added bonus, you and your family will have a wonderful time.

Scripture: Matthew 25:35 - "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in."

Action Point: Take the initiative to be of service to an international grad student/family this week or next (i.e., invite them to have dinner with your family).

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