...Because it’s God’s plan!
God’s One Purpose
Genesis 12:1-3: God’s desire to bless the nations
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household
and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I
will make your name great and you will be a blessing. 1 will bless those who bless you and
whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ”
It is God’s desire to bless “all peoples” on earth. The word “peoples” refers to ethnic groups.
God’s desire to bless all peoples is repeated in Genesis 22:18: “...And through your offspring all
nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Matthew 28:18-20: God desires that “all nations” (ethnic groups) will be His disciples.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given me. Therefore go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age.
God’s Twofold Strategy
In order to fulfill His desire, God has a twofold strategy:
• Sending His people to the world
• Bringing the world to His people
Most of the teaching on world missions in recent times has concentrated on the “going” (or
sending). Yet God has always brought the world to where His people are located. In the Old
Testament, God brought foreigners to Israel, and He commanded the Israelites to love them.
Old Testament Examples ...of God Bringing the World to Israel
The Queen of Sheba
Came to hear Solomon’s wisdom (2 Chron. 9:1-12)
Kings of the Earth (1 Kings 4:34)
“And men came from all the peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the
kings of earth who had heard of his wisdom. ”
New Testament Examples ...of God Bringing the World to the Church
International Visitors
Devout Jews from “every nation under heaven” were visiting in Jerusalem during the time of
Pentecost. The historian Josephus estimates that there were between one and two million visitors
in Jerusalem at this time. (See Acts 2:5)
Fifteen areas are listed from which these Jewish and Gentile converts to Judaism had come. (See
Acts 2:9-11)
High Ranking Government Official
The Ethiopian eunuch, treasurer for Candace, Queen of Ethiopia, came to Jerusalem to worship
and to seek the truth. After Philip preached Christ to him, he believed, was baptized, and went on
his way rejoicing. (See Acts 8:26-40)
A Graduate Student
Saul came from Tarsus to Jerusalem to study under the teacher Gamaliel. While there, he had an
encounter with Christ and was strengthened in his new faith by Ananias and other local
believers. He went on to become Paul, the great missionary and early church father.
(See Acts 9:1-19)
A Military Officer
Cornelius was a Roman centurion (possibly a captain over 100 men or a commander over 100
captains) stationed at Caesarea in Israel. After Peter preached Christ to him, he became the first
Gentile believer. (See Acts 10:1-40)
A Businesswoman
Lydia, the purple dye seller, is often mistakenly called the first European convert. Actually, she
was from the city of Thyatira in Asia Minor, the area Paul had planned to visit before he received
the call to go to Macedonia. Some Bible authorities feel that Lydia is the explanation for how the
church got to Thyatira (mentioned as one of seven churches in Revelation 2:18-29).
(See Acts 16:13-15)
A Seminary Student
Apollos, from Alexandria, Egypt, was “adopted” by Priscilla and Aquila—the first “Friendship
Partners”—while in Ephesus. He was well educated in the Old Testament, but knew only the
teachings of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquila explained the way of God more accurately to
Apollos, who then went to Achaia and helped establish the church there. (See Acts 18:24-28)
God’s Three Tactics... for reaching out to those “aliens” whom he has sent to us
Treat them kindly -- Show them love -- Share God’s Word
• Treat them kindly
Old Testament:
Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him for you were aliens in Egypt (Exod. 22:21).
Cursed is the man who withholds justice from an alien... (Deut. 27:19)
New Testament:
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without
knowing it. (Heb. 13:2)
• Show genuine love to them
Old Testament:
When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must
be treated as one of your native born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am
the Lord your God. (Lev. 19:33)
And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. (Deut 10:19)
New Testament:
Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ
it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Pet. 4:9-10)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall
not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
• Share God’s Word with them
Old Testament:
When all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place which he will choose, you
shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing...(Deut. 31:11-12)
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the
people could understand what was being read. (Neh. 8:8)
As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land
because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when he comes
and prays toward his temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the
foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as
do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your name.
(2 Chron. 6:32-33)
New Testament:
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard from the Word of
Christ (Rom. 10:17).
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart
(Heb. 4:17)
Paul’s Model of Friendship Evangelism in I Thessalonians 2:1-12
Paul modeled a godly life...
I Thessalonians 2: 5, 10
5 “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our
witness.”
10 “You are witnesses and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among
you who believed.” NIV
Paul’s holiness and righteousness were obvious by his behavior. He “walked his talk,” he lived
out in his actions what he believed in his heart. The testimony of many internationals is that they
first saw a difference in the lives of believers, before they were willing to investigate the
Christian faith.
Paul willingly shared Christ verbally, at appropriate times...
I Thessalonians 2: 4
4 “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We
are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” NIV
Paul spoke God’s Word... not as pleasing men but God. No student accepts Christ, seeing only
our actions. We must at some point, when we have convinced them of our love, share Christ and
the way of salvation verbally.
Paul viewed evangelism as corporate in nature...
I Thessalonians 2: 1-12 (Note plurals.)
1 “You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered
and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you
his gospel in spite of strong opposition....” (continue) NIV
Paul was a part of a team and that team had a profound spiritual impact upon the Thessalonians.
Internationals benefit by...
• seeing large groups of Christians
• seeing the love of Christ demonstrated among Christians
• being recipients of various spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ
The Power in Friendship Evangelism
The Power of Prayer (See Col. 4:2-4; James 4:2; and Phil. 4:6)
Why pray?
• I need supernatural love, sensitivity, and wisdom to be the kind of friend/mentor the
international student with whom I have been matched needs me to be.
• My international friend’s heart needs to be prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive the
gospel.
• This is a spiritual ministry, and there are spiritual forces aligned against my international
friend and his/her coming to know Christ personally.
The Power of a Relationship (See Matt. 22:39b and Luke 16:9)
There is tremendous power in unconditional love and acceptance as the basis of a relationship.
All of us long to experience these types of relationships because that is the way we were
created—in God’s image. It is difficult, some even say impossible, to give away what you have
never had. It is highly doubtful whether a Friendship Partner who is not experiencing such
qualities within a redemptive community can consistently demonstrate unconditional love and
acceptance to international students.
The Power of the Word of God (See Heb. 4:12-13 and 2 Tim. 2:24-26)
Never underestimate the power of the Word of God. Experienced international student ministries
have so many stories of students who decided to come to Christ simply because they read the
Scriptures for themselves. Helping students get into the Scriptures, so that they may make an
informed decision to accept or reject its teachings, is one of our deepest concerns. Our
responsibility as Christian Friendship Partners is simply to make the Word of God available to
students in their own language and in ways that they may understand it—thus enabling them to
make their own decisions about its message.
The Power of the Holy Spirit (See John 16:8-11)
It is NEVER the Friendship Partner’s responsibility to “help make changes” in the hearts of
students. Heart change is only a result of the special work of the Spirit of God. It is mysterious,
unpredictable, and totally outside of our ability to affect it To the extent that we try to force our
will upon that of another person (e.g., an international student), to that extent do we destroy the
relationship. Remember the shepherding analogy of the Scriptures: a goat- herder drives goats,
but the shepherd calls to the sheep and the sheep respond and come to him because they know
his voice (see John 10). Those who respond to Christ and the Spirit’s call are referred to as
“sheep” in the Scriptures.
The Three Attitudes of Witness
Let’s explore three “Attitudes” which Paul modeled as he lived among the Thessalonians.
Paul witnessed out of pure motives...
3 “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying
to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the
gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never
used/lottery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.”
I Thessalonians 2:3-5 (NIV)
Paul ministered with a heart to give, not to get. We will benefit greatly from being involved with
students, but our focus should not be for self gain and gratification. Our primary motives must be
serving and what we can give regardless of whether they respond or not!
Remember... “Love is the Key”
Paul took the initiative in building friendships...
1 “You know, brothers that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered
and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you
his gospel in spite of strong opposition.” 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NIV)
Paul went to Thessalonica. He didn’t expect them to take the first step. We must be persistent. As
American hosts, we must initiate the contact with international students and be diligent to build
the relationship. Paul and his team also sought opportunities and initiated the telling of the
Gospel. Students will not normally pursue us because it is culturally uncomfortable.
Remember... “Initiative is Essential”
Paul was willing to be transparent and to build intimate relationships...
7 “ but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved
you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our
lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” I Thessalonians 2: 7-8 (NIV)
Paul likens his relationship to a nursing mother and her baby. Paul not only shared content and
truth, but his very life. We will never share the Gospel effectively... if we do not share our life.
We’ve got to commit to spend time... if we expect the student to see Christ in us. One writer has
said, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Remember ..”Relationship is vital”
A Precaution… to Earnestly Heed
It is important to respect the rights of all persons to make their own decisions about trusting
Christ. It is important that people do not reject Christ because we have personally been offensive,
insensitive, or obnoxious. In regard to reaching out to international students...
“We respect the dignity of international students and will seek to understand their
ideology without denigrating either the person or his/her views. We believe in their
freedom of choice in making intelligent judgments concerning various philosophical and
religious beliefs and practices after accurate facts are presented to them, and they have
carefully investigated the evidences.”
“We believe in maintaining honesty, openness, sensitivity in the publicity of any activity
and approaches to international students; and we are opposed to the use of manipulation,
harassment, pressure, restraint, dominance by nullifying the individual’s will, compulsion
to listen or act by force or threat, or offering special inducements to affect a change in
philosophical or religious beliefs and practices.”
(From the ISI Code of Ethics in Working on Campus)
All international student ministries expect individuals, families, groups, and organizations to
abide by ethical standards in relating to international students and their friends and families—
both during their stay in the United States and after returning to their home countries. Failure to
abide by the expressed and implied intent of these standards will often result in disciplinary
action being taken against your church or organization by university officials responsible for the
welfare and university experience of their international students.
The National Association of Foreign Student Advisors is a 5,000 member association of
educators involved with international education. NAFSA’s Code of Ethics, particularly in
reference to Community organization involvement with international students states…
10. Members with Responsibilities in Community Organizations Working with Foreign
Students and Scholars Shall:
a. Make certain that organizations providing programs for foreign students and scholars
have clear statements of purpose and responsibility, so that all parties can know what is
expected of them.
b. Accurately portray their services and programs, making clear the identity, the intent,
and the nature of the sponsoring organization and of each particular event or service.
c. Provide appropriate opportunities to observe and to join in mutual inquiry into cultural
differences.
d. Provide adequate orientation for volunteers and participants in community programs so
they may understand each other and may interact constructively. The organization should
make clear that surreptitious, deceptive or coercive proselytizing is unacceptable.
All of this is common sense for those who care about the quality of relationships!
The Art of Listening
Being a successful cross-cultural communicator with an international student often involves a
strong investment in developing good listening skills. While the main objective is to encourage
interna tionals to open up and speak, just shooting questions back and forth can become dull.
Mutual satisfaction depends on practicing good communication skills, which entail some of the
following characteristics:
a. Select topics that are of mutual interest and require more than short answers. Make sure your
surroundings are quiet enough to hear one another.
b. All cultures differ in the spatial distance between two people engaged in conversation. Be alert
to non- verbal cues that indicate the other person is feeling uncomfortable, and resist the urge to
speak louder if your friend finds it difficult to understand what you are saying.
c. Proper feedback maintains conversation. Use clarification questions that promote dialogue.
Don’t ask “Do you understand?” Instead, ask questions like “Do you mean to say.” Use open
questions instead of yes-and-no ones.
d. Use questions that indicate your interest in their feelings, suc h as “How did you feel after that
happened?” or “How would you respond to this if you were in your culture?”
e. Help bring the conversation into focus by using summarizing statements, such as, “These seem
to be the key concerns you have expressed...” or “Your primary point seems to be...” Often, such
statements stimulate additional dialogue.
f. Silence makes Americans uncomfortable in conversations. Resist the urge to blurt out
something to fill the void. Silent periods may seem awkward to you, but they may indicate
showing respect, providing some mental rest, or a transition between topics.
g. Select questions that will give some mileage out of the conversation, as well as indicate
greater depth of interest you have in knowing them better. Avoid questions that are too specific
about family, or overly trite questions, such as, “Where is your country” or “When are you going
back?”
h. Don’t judge the quality of the relationship by how well you communicate on the same
wavelength. It may take some time to adjust to one another’s communication habits. Be patient,
and ask God to help draw you closer as friends.
i. Remember, cross-cultural communication is a skill to develop. Keep a humble and learning
spirit.
Christian Hospitality = An Understanding Heart !
Entertainment
· Elaborate preparations
· Formal atmosphere
· Designed to impress
· Host-centered
Hospitality
· Nothing elaborate
· Family atmosphere
· Designed to serve
· Guest-centered
THE FIRST VISIT: Tips for Hosting Internationals
1. PRAY... Before you contact your guest(s), commit them and your relationship to the Lord. Ask for
sensitivity to your guests and their needs.
2. CALL... Make the initial contact by telephone, identifying yourself and how you received the
international student’s name. Prime student telephone hours are 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. Written notes to
follow up and clarify details from phone calls are helpful.
3. ARRANGEMENTS... Be specific about time, place, and means of transportation. For the first
invitation, it is best to arrange to pick up your guest(s) and drive them to your home. Follow a verbal
invitation with a written one including brief details about the visit If your guest is female, pick up should be done by the wife or the husband with the children to avoid possible misunderstanding or
embarrassment.
4. CLOTHING... Suggest to your guest what type of clothing would be suitable. Informal or casual dress is usually preferred.
5. MEAL... Find out if your guest has any dietary restrictions. Hindus often do not eat beef and eggs.
Muslims and Jews do not eat pork. Fruit and lots of vegetables are acceptable. Poultry or fish (not
shellfish) are also good choices. Some guests may even be vegetarian.
6. PETS... Some internationals are uneasy (fearful) around pets.
7. ATTITUDES... Attitudes are important. Treat your guest as an equal. Don’t judge intelligence by
linguistic ability. Learn to pronounce his/her name correctly, and use the name (s)he prefers. Don’t use nicknames unless (s)he invites you to do so.
8. SLOOOOw DOWN... Speak slowly and distinctly, without raising your volume. Avoid slang or idioms that may confuse your guest American humor is often puzzling to new students.
9. KEEP COOL!... Be willing to listen objectively to possible critiques of North American life, customs, etc. Keep cool! If such a situation should occur, it is not meant to be an insult. The international may be experiencing culture shock, or attempting to maintain his/her national ties.
10. HOMEWORK... Conversation is entertainment to your guest. Do a little homework so that you can ask intelligent questions about his/her country and culture. Consult an almanac, an atlas, or an
encyclopedia for quick reference.
11. PERSONAL QUESTIONS... Respect his/her natural reserve and do not pry. Don’t be surprised if you are asked personal questions. In most countries, extended families are very close and such questions would be acceptable.
12. CROSS-CULTURAL ETIQUETTE... Most internationals are unaccustomed to hurried meals. Some cultures refrain from conversation while dining. Silence does not necessarily mean your guest is uneasy. Some cultures consider it impolite to accept a second helping until asked several times. You will have to discern if their refusal of more food is due to courtesy or to whether (s)he really doesn’t want more to eat.
13. “GRACE”... Don’t hesitate to pray before the meal. Follow your usual routine of devotions or Bible reading, but do explain, “It is our custom.” Do not preach to a captive audience.
14. PATIENT WITNESS... Please do not manipulate the conversation to speak of Christ. Many
internationals will raise questions with you about Christ and the Christian life as they sense you care for them over a period of time. You will earn the right to share about your faith by building a strong
friendship and caring relationship. That takes time and patience!
15. GIFTS... If your guest brings a gift, accept it graciously—whatever it may be. However, do not expect to receive a gift from every international on every visit. Cultural customs vary widely.
Activities to Help Strengthen Friendship
Shared events are the building blocks of a developing friendship, laid upon the foundation of
Christ’s love. The following activities will give you an opportunity to get to know one another in
a very natural way. Anticipate many opportunities for sharing Christ’s love in both word and
deed during your friendship through these shared experiences.
COMMUNICATION
• Pray daily for your friend
• If possible, visit in person at least twice a month
• Make weekly contact by phone or letter
• Find out his/her birthday and send a card (some internationals receive very little mail)
FAMILY
• Meals
• Family celebrations-birthdays, holidays, special events
• Family outings-picnics, visiting friends and extended family, yard sales, shopping
• Overnight stay... particularly during school breaks
• Tour of your home, asking if anything may be unfamiliar
• Visit his/her apartment and meet his/her friends
• Ask your friend to cook a national dish for you or teach your favorite recipe to him/her
• Make your home a place to relax and rest.. .integrate your friend into the family routine
• Luncheons and banquets, concerts
• Invite your friend to church, but don’t force or insist
(inform your friend beforehand the purpose and program of any religious event activity)
• Help with conversational English and writing skills (e.g., offering to proofread papers)
• Give a Bible as gift, preferably in his/her language and offer opportunities for study together if
(s)he is curious
CARING
• Write to his/her family and friends overseas, describing mutual activities
• Take pictures to keep and send home
• Interpret American customs (if they desire it)
• Share problems and needs... develop a good listening ear
• Help find warm wint er clothing
• Find out his/her favorite activities and sports... learn them and share them
• Invite to church functions, holiday conferences, and fellowship groups to meet other internationals
• Go through a Think Home workbook together with your international friend prior to the
student returning home (preparing for reverse culture shock)
• Use network to link your friend with other believers in his/her home country
Places to Go and Things to Do Checklist
ATHLETICS
• Visit amateur/professional games
• Observe children’s sports
• See if the college has sporting events you could attend together
• Join city leagues together with your international friend
• Watch events of particular interest to your student on television
• Let your student teach you a sport
TRIPS OUT OF TOWN
• Visit relatives with you
• Mini- vacations together
• Camping and recreational parks
• Sight-seeing trips to famous locations
PLACES TO VISIT (LOCAL)
• Scenic locations
• Historic sites
• Recreational areas
• Specialty shopping
FUN
• Holiday celebrations
• Picnics and festivals
• Weddings/special family events (e.g. birthdays)
PEOPLE TO VISIT
• Relatives and friends
• Friends with vocations of interest to students
• Friends with special hobbies/talents
• People in unique circumstances (e.g. institutions or awards)
SHORT VISITS
• Visit the locations on campus in which they study/work
• Drop off baked goods or a small special gift
• Have a cup of coffee or a coke at the university with them
• Visit your work location and meet your co-workers
• Attend a lecture together on campus or other cultural events
OUTDOOR
• Hiking, hiking, walking, etc. together
• Camping or concerts
Conversation Starters
Ever wonder what things you could talk about with your international friend? The following
questions are suggestions for learning more about your friend’s customs, culture, and family.
It’s important that you don’t pry or force a conversation. Be a good listener, and offer insights
into your own family and culture when appropriate. Begin with, “In your country,...”
FOOD
1. How many meals per day do people usually eat?
2. What would you eat and drink at each of these meals?
3. What is the most popular: vegetable, meat, fish, or dessert?
4. Are meats, fruits, vegetables preserved? How?
5. Does the family eat together most of the time?
6. Is your country famous for a special crop?
7. Tell me how to make one of your fa vorite meals. Could you prepare it for us sometime?
CLOTHING
1. What kinds of clothing do men and women wear to work?
2. What do children wear to school?
3. Do fashions change quickly or frequently?
SHELTER
1. Please describe the appearance of a typical home.
2. How many rooms are in an average home or apartment?
3. Which is usually the largest room in the residence?
4. What furniture is found in a typical residence?
TRANSPORTATION
1. What forms of transportation are available in urban areas?
2. How do you get to school or work?
3. Do people travel much from town to town?
4. Is it customary for a family to go somewhere for a vacation?
5. How much does it cost to use a taxi?
PETS
1. What is the most common kind of pet?
2. Where do people keep their pets?
3. What animals are useful, and how are they used?
4. Is there a zoo near your home? Have you been there?
CHILDREN
1. How do parents select a name for their baby?
2. At what age do children start school? How many hours per day?
3. Are children punished for bad behavior? Who does it?
4. What song or story do you remember as a child?
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
1. What is typical family size? How many people are in your family? Do you have a picture?
2. Do grandparents live in the same house with the family?
3. What are the typical responsibilities for each family member?
4. Do married women work outside the home?
5. What are some special holidays, and how does your family celebrate?
6. What is an acceptable way to meet someone to marry?
7. At what age do children leave home to live on their own?
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
1. What is the most popular sport?
2. What sports do you like?
3. Are films from North America popular? Which ones?
4. What kind of music do you listen to?
5. Do most cities have libraries? Are they free or do they charge a fee?
6. How do most university students spend leisure time?
7. What activities do most families enjoy after work or school?
SOCIAL GROUPS
1. What different languages do people speak?
2. How strong are class distinctions?
3. What types of organizations are most popular with adults?
4. What is the most common religion in your country?
5. Do people discuss religious issues?
6. What day is the weekly legal holiday?
CUSTOMS AND GESTURES
1. How would you introduce me to your family?
2. What form of greeting would I use?
3. Would I be expected to bring a gift?
4. What would we do after the greeting?
5. What is the polite way to leave after a social evening together?
6. What is the most common greeting and farewell in your language?
EDUCATION
1. What are some differences between schools in your country and those here in North America?
2. How will you use at home what you are learning here?
3. What are the procedures for a student desiring to enter university in your country?
SPIRITUAL
1. Would you tell me something about your religion that is important to you?
2. What are your worship centers like?
3. What do you know about Christian faith?
4. What is your concept or belief about God?
5. What is your perception of religion in this country?
A Few Do’s and Don’ts
Do be...
1. Relaxed — Trust the Lord to guide your speech and your actions. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. Realistic — You will make mistakes, but the students will forgive you if they know you really
care. Also learn to say, “No,” in a gracious way — you cannot do everything!
3. Knowledgeable — Read about the student ’s country and customs, and learn how the student
pronounces his/her name. Many students choose an American name to use while here, but learn
their real name and use it.
4. Flexible —Time is variable in most countries, except the USA. Be willing to meet the student
on his/her “turf.” Be careful not to turn down invitations at first; it may be misunderstood by the
student.
5. Helpful — When dining, model for the students proper etiq uette for special utensils or foods.
Don’t Be...
1. Uptight — If you’re not comfortable, your international friend will not be either. If you are
over-concerned about having the house perfect, it will show.
2. Naive — International students are here primarily to get a university degree; everything else
comes after the studies.
3. A Know It All — Let the student(s) tell you about their country, family, and experiences. Ask
them questions about their home and family.
4. Rigid — Do not be surprised by que stions you may be asked. Be prepared for differences in
child-rearing practices.
5. Condescending — To those outside of our culture, Americans are often perceived as acting or
appearing superior in how they communicate. Please be careful to practice humility when you
communicate with your international friend.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
— Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Games Ideas
http://www.partygamecentral.com/ - good games to play in a group
http://www.egadideas.com/ - more great games for groups
http://www.thesource4ym.com/games/ - more great games for groups
http://www.youthpastor.com/Games/ - more great games for groups
Bible Study Tools
http://www.bible.org/ - very very good source for Bible Studies, Theological Papers, Ideas for
lessons, and a excellent new Bible translation from some top scholars for free - they also have an
online seminary level curriculum in Theology
http://www.bibleworks.com/ - very good purchasable bible study software for original languages
http://www.gramcord.org/ - very good purchasable bible study software for original languages
http://www.biblelearn.com/ - Easton's Bible dictionary online
http://www.e-sword.net/ - Free Bible software
http://www.easyenglish.info/index.htm - EasyEnglish is a form of simple English developed by
Wycliffe Associates (UK). This site contains Bible commentaries, Bible translations, Bible
studies, and other materials that we have written in simple English.
http://bible.christiansunite.com/ - web bible resources
http://www.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/links_Biblical.htm - Wonderful wonderful list of links for
Bible study resources and Biblical times background material
http://www.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/links_books.htm - resources for finding books and
journals for biblical research
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://ccel.wheaton.edu/ , http://WWW.CCEL.ORG - Many Christian Resources and classic
books for spiritual growth on the web also Bible Study
http://www.iclnet.org/ - internet Christian Library
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~ctitext2/theology/ - Wonderful links to theology, comparative religion and
Biblical study resources from oxford
Theology Resources
http://www.bible.org/ - very very good source for Bible Studies, Theological Papers, Ideas for
lessons, and a excellent new Bible translation from some top scholars for free - they also have an
online seminary level curriculum in Theology
http://ccel.wheaton.edu/ , http://WWW.CCEL.ORG - Many Christian Resources and classic
books for spiritual growth on the web also Bible Study
http://www.ageslibrary.com/ - wonderful Christian resources for cheap
http://www.iclnet.org/ - internet Christian Library
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~ctitext2/theology/ - Wonderful links to theology, comparative religion and
Biblical study resources from oxford
http://people.bu.edu/bpstone/theology/theology.html - Theology links on the internet
http://www.tren.com/ - Theological Research Exchange Network
Apologetics
http://www.leaderu.com/ - Christian Leadership Ministries
Music
http://www.angelfire.com/extreme4/powerpoint_songs/ - some PowerPoint songs
http://www.higherpraise.com/MusicMidi.htm#A
Christian Growth tools
http://www.christianitytoday.com/bcl/ - Leadership Development
http://www.chronologicalbiblestorying.com/
http://www.crosswalk.com/community/
http://www.authenticwalk.com/Course.phtml - free discipleship course on web
Related ministries
http://www.bridgesinternational.com/
http://www.hisinternational.org/
http://www.iface.org - Interface including bus trips with students
http://www.leaderu.com/isr/ - International Students Resources on CLM website includes how to
to life in USA on web....
http://www.leaderu.com/ - Christian Leadership Ministries - works with Christian professors
http://www.ivyjungle.org/ - Association of Campus Ministers
http://www.jcfn.org/index.htm - ministry to Japanese Students and also network to help in return
Training
http://www.perspectives.org/locations/online.html - Perspectives course online
http://www.mislinks.org/ - Missions Links
http://www.strategicnetwork.org/index.php - Network for Strategic Missions
Christian Camps
http://cci.gospelcom.net/ccihome/default.asp - listing of Christian Camps
Stuff to buy
http://www.banner-stands.biz/default.htm - Great place to get super cheap banners
http://www.evangecube.org/index2.html - Cube to share gospel
Support development ideas
http://www.peopleraising.com/
Evangelism
http://www.needhim.org/
Helping a Student Buy a Car
Website to get info on cars in general including links to get typical prices, quality,
lemoncheck(Carfax), reliability info, people opinions, car cost comparisons, etc:
http://www.edmunds.com/ - very very good site to look at first.
http://www.intellichoice.com/ - good to get the best price to negotiate towards
http://www.consumerreports.org - good reliability data
Websites to find a car in order of usefulness:
http://www.autoweb.com/ - Autoweb
http://www.autotrader.com/?ac_afflt=none - autotrader
http://www.carmax.com - These guys have really good deals for newer used cars.
http://www.Costco.com - Costco has a buying service for new cars
http://www.cars.com/
http://www.vehix.com/
http://www.carsdirect.com/home
http://www.stoneage.com/indexa.cfm
http://www.imotors.com
http://dealernet.com/
http://www.autonation.com/Corporate/Default.asp?Page=Home
If you want to buy via an auction:
http://pages.ebay.com/ebaymotors/index.html?ssPageName=ML01
Resource if you want to get a inspection on an auction car beforehand
http://pages.ebay.com/ebaymotors/services/inspection/inspection.html.
If you are financing your car:
http://www.eloan.com - this is where we got our loan and it was 1-2% lower than other
places.
http://www.peoplefirst.com
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