As real needs are met and genuine care is shown, spiritual openness will develop among internationals and ministry opportunities will result. >>MORE

Why serve the international?

• We are fulfilling God's command in the Scriptures to show love to the "stranger" and the "alien." -- Leviticus 19:33-34; Hebrews 13:2
• Meeting "felt needs" opens the door to meet the "real needs" of internationals
• Acts of grace often make the message of grace more understandable.
• Christ modeled and commanded "servant leadership."

Giving tangible help to internationals shows God's love and validates our faith

• help with housing
• help with furniture
• help with language
• help with transportation
• provide friendship

In a ministry to internationals, serving should not be the exception but rather the rule.  This takes time, effort, and a growing army of people to meet the needs that exist.  As the leaders serve from the heart, a serving spirit is "caught" and spreads throughout the movement.  

One veteran minister among internationals has determined that he will never say ‘no' to a legitimate need.  "If I hesitate while thinking of how to help the international," he says, "that will make the person embarrassed to have asked.  So I just say, ‘Sure, I'll do my best to help you,' before I even think of how to help.  Then I ask the Lord to show me the person in our movement or in the overall Body of Christ who has the ability to meet this particular need."

Questions to consider:

1. Do the staff and student leaders demonstrate a joyful spirit in serving others?
2. What are several tangible ways your movement serves the international students on your campus
3. To what extent do the international students and members of the campus administration recognize this contribution?