DO include the international student in your ordinary way of life.
DON'T focus on formal, special, or costly entertainment.
DON'T assume that they want you to use the American name they have taken for the time they are here. Rather, discover their real names and ask which name they want you to use. Ask about their families, friends, favorite activities, holidays, foods, religion, and customs. Avoid controversial political discussions and projecting an attitude that "America is best."
DO listen with understanding, not judgment. Seek to appreciate their different points of view and values.
DON'T argue with or condemn an international's point of view.
DO take the time to read and discover what is taking place in your international friend's home country. Ask informed questions.
DON'T assume you know all about a country without some added time spent learning.
DO lovingly offer unconditional friendship accepting the international's different views of life, the world, and religion.
DON'T base your time with the student and your offer of friendship on how interested he or she appears to be in Christianity.
DO openly share how you handle the difficulties in life through the presence and power of Jesus Christ. Model how you make decisions based on God's value system.
DON'T judge or condemn them for how they choose to handle a situation.
Remember, in most countries of the world, religion is a very acceptable topic of conversation. It does not carry with it the stigma that it does in the United States. Don't be afraid to bring up the topic. Most internationals will welcome the opportunity to tell you what they believe. This will allow you a chance to share with them what you believe.
DO have realistic expectations.
DON'T expect a quick conversion.
DO learn about their religious beliefs and values.
DON'T focus on telling them the Gospel only.
DO clarify the meaning of terms.
DON'T assume you both mean the same thing by the words you use.
DO pray without ceasing.
DON'T assume that knowing the facts about Christianity is enough. First pray for yourself. Ask the Lord to enable you to have a special sensitivity from the Holy Spirit to know what to say and when to say it. Pray for your international friend. Ask the Lord to show Himself as the Living God at work in his or her life.
DO share your own personal experience with Christ.
DON'T just focus on what your international friend believes. Tell how Christ has made a difference in your life. How did you come to believe that Jesus is really who He says He is?
DO focus your conversation on who Jesus is.
DON'T deviate from the person of Jesus Christ. You will want to focus your conversations on who Christ is and what He has done for us.
DO introduce your international friend to other Christians.
DON'T be possessive and isolate your international friend.
DO invite your international friend to church and relevant Christian events.
DON'T misrepresent the religious event in any way.
DO provide appropriate Christian literature.
DON'T pressure your international friend to take or read it.
DO explain the cost of becoming a Christian.
DON'T press for a response or commitment to Christ.{1}
{1}Taken from Becoming A Friend With An International Student, a training publication of International Students, Inc. ©1990. Used with permission. Additional publications that offer practical help for relating to international students are available from International Students, Inc., P. O. Box C, Colorado Springs, CO 80901. Telephone: (719) 576-2700.
© Copyright 1996, Campus Crusade for Christ.
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