Jesus appears to a student in a dream

I was surprised while meeting with students at our U-talk Conversation Club. Aahil*, a young Turkish Muslim, told us he made a profession for Christ because Jesus appeared in a dream the night before. He was convinced he was called by the voice and person of our resurrected Lord.

Later, Aahil said he was confident he was doing the right thing in following Jesus and was bold enough to call his parents in Turkey where, amazingly, his decision was met with support and encouragement.

Aahil began meeting with a Christian men’s group, joined a Saturday morning Bible study, and attends church regularly. We met for discussions and Bible studies and when I suggested biblical baptism, he was convinced he should be baptized. When he told his parents of his impending baptism, they asked him to wait until they arrived for a visit in Kelowna.

Praise God for this sovereignty!
We expect greater miracles!

Blessed and greatly encouraged,
Rick Wilgosh
City Director
ISMC Kelowna

*name changed

If you have tried sewing by hand, you know how hard it would be to fit a camel through the eye of a needle.

Jesus said getting a camel through the eye of a needle is easier than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23). This is a proverbial expression for an impossibility. But thankfully, we can take joy and hope from the second part of verse 26—that with God, all things are possible.

The context of this well-known verse is salvation. We can have the best vision, the greatest strategies, and give it our all, but the reality is: we can’t save souls. Jesus does. He can change the hearts of those entangled by world’s snares.

This is why prayer is foundational. At ISMC, we constantly pray for international students to pursue a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. God knows them best and loves them most. We’re not the ones doing the saving. God is.

To that end, our Sherbrooke team launched And There Was Light: Prayer Project to gather 100+ Christians who commit to praying for students by name. Together, we’re praying for the world!

Nicole Schlichter
City Director
ISMC Sherbrooke

I came to Calgary as an international student to pursue a master’s degree in education. It was my first time abroad and everything was new—food, people, culture, education, ways of thinking—except English. I had learned English before coming to Canada and was excited when I learned about ISMC staff Gisela’s ESL/Bible study.

Most of those at her Friday afternoon ESL/Bible study class were international students. We learned many things about English idioms, Canadian culture, and Bible stories. I still have the handouts from eight years ago and used them to teach my students after graduating from the University of Calgary.

Gisela was patient and helped me understand the Bible as we read verses and shared thoughts. The friendly and open-minded setting made me comfortable to express opinions, ask questions, learn about God’s Word, and apply His instructions to my life. Amazingly, every time I faced difficult situations, the verses Gisela shared guided me to think differently and deeply.

Gisela’s class was not limited to campus—she opened her home to anyone interested in studying the Bible and offered rides if we had difficulty getting there. I truly cherish those memorable times at her place when we read the Bible, watched movies, shared life, and witnessed God’s abundant love and blessings.

When I was baptized in 2014, Gisela and other ISMC staff and volunteers were there to witness this important moment.

Gisela set an excellent example for my personal and spiritual journey. I have a teaching job I love, and live a life I am grateful for. I thank Gisela, and others who do the same thing for international students, newcomers, and anyone needing help adapting to a new city. It is because of people like Gisela that our life away from home is so much easier. I give all honor to God who is always working behind the scenes to guide us to know Him.

Mavis Mei
Student
Calgary, AB