New and Growing Relationships

So many creative activities. So many international students. So many new and growing relationships.

Click to view the photo report of the year 2022

It’s been about one-and-a-half years that I am far from my family. Because of the recent situation in my country, I couldn’t contact my family well, and I miss them a lot.

Have you ever been far from loved ones⁠—especially during the holidays? Can’t you just feel Hanieh’s longing?

While we can’t give our students their own families over the holidays⁠, we can be a Canadian family to them⁠—we can invite them into our homes and lives.

Hanieh took part in an ISMC-hosted hospitality program. “I was happy to feel near a family after a long time,” she said. Her friend added, “I can feel now that I am not alone in Canada and I have a family who loves me like one of their own.”

In this issue of Doorways, you’ll see photos from ISMC ministries across the country and throughout the year. So many creative activities. So many international students. So many new and growing relationships.

As we look back over the year, we’re so thankful to all of you who played a role in making sure international students have a family far from home. And we’re thankful for the ISMC staff who connect students and volunteers and facilitate these meaningful relationships.

Did you know that, on average, our front-line staff connect with over 50 students per semester? Your generous giving allows them to continue in this ministry. Thank you!

This Christmas, would you consider a special year-end gift to bless a staff member on your local ISMC team? Join their support partners team with a monthly donation or surprise them with an additional gift. Your donation will help “set the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6) as staff members facilitate relationships between international students and individuals, families, and churches who want to make sure they feel at home.

Find your local ISMC team at ismc.ca/all-staff and donate online, or fill out the donation form with your year-end gift. Thank you for reaching the nations at your doorstep!

Jakob Koch
ISMC President

Imagine stepping into Pearson Airport as a newly arrived international student—jet lagged, disoriented, and with limited English. You need to find your way through Canada’s largest airport and figure out how to get from the terminal to your university.

Then imagine seeing a sign that says Welcome Students and Can We Help? Volunteers have a gift bag for you, and a laptop to help figure out transportation options. The volunteer walks with you to the transit point and makes sure the process goes smoothly.

Welcoming committee at Pearson Airport

Anki* from the Netherlands was flustered when she arrived at the Welcome Airport booth and grateful for volunteers who explained her options to get to McMaster University. When they brought her to the GO bus, she was even more grateful for help in navigating a glitch in the payment processing system that was much less daunting with a volunteer by her side.

ISMC is part of Welcome Airport, an informal partnership between many ministries working with the airport chaplaincy that ensures international students are suitably welcomed. “We are meeting and greeting and showing love to international students as they come off the plane and enter Pearson Airport,” says Johnson Hsu, ISMC’s Toronto city director. “We are building relationships with those who are open to it.”

“Meeting people at the airport is culturally appropriate,” explains Johnson “It’s what family does. ”Conversations through the airport can prove to be the beginnings of relationships, and students who feel comfortable sharing contact information are later connected to campus ministries. Besides a gift bag, there’s information about international student resources and Bibles for those who want them.

Students like Singh from India, who had one more connecting flight, but stopped to chat anyways. Johnson welcomed him to Canada in the name of Toronto-area Christians, and gave him a gift bag. Singh saw the Bibles, and explained that he had always wanted to read one. “Thank you for this life-changing message,” he said when Johnson gifted him a Bible. When Johnson left him at his departure gate with blessings for his journey, Singh was smiling.

In 2019, Welcome Airport engaged with over 300 arrivals. This year Welcome Airport was rebuilding networks and partners after a two-year Covid-induced hiatus. Still almost 30 volunteers connected with over 150 international students like Anki and Singh, holding out welcome bags and love at Pearson Airport.

“Really, we’re just there to be a friendly connection at a very busy airport,” says Johnson.

* names changed to maintain confidentiality

More about Johnson and his ministry.

Now in her second year of educational assistant studies at Niagara College, Natalia exudes confidence. But it wasn’t always like that. Just over a year ago, when she, her husband and two little girls arrived in Welland, Ontario, from Colombia, they weren’t sure how to start making a life in this new country.

“From the first day of being here, we started looking for newcomer support groups,” recalls Natalia. She came across Niagara International Student Ministries and decided to give it a try. “I felt quite nervous because they are people you don’t know and you have language as the first barrier.”

Ryanna Schlechter, the Welland campus coordinator for ISMC, received Natalia’s message through the Niagara International Students Facebook page. She directed Natalia to the website with its many resources, and encouraged her to apply for a welcome package—hand-delivered fresh-baked goodies and other treats for newly-arrived international students.

A few days later, Ryanna delivered the gift to Natalia at their Airbnb. When Natalia mentioned they were moving to a new place and Ryanna realized the apartment was unfurnished, she connected Natalia with Niagara’s on-going furniture ministry. “We quickly rallied volunteers and furniture donations to meet the need,” says Ryanna. Natalia recalls how valuable this practical assistance was—things they didn’t need to buy to equip their home with the basics.

But Natalia is especially grateful for relationships that developed through these interactions. “The first help we received was furniture, clothes for our daughters and toys,” says Natalia. “Then we began to meet more people by participating in the activities they plan, which on an emotional level is quite important. And they gave us spiritual support by inviting us to participate at church services in Welland.”

Natalia & Ryanna enjoying an activity together

Lineke, one of the volunteers who brought toys for the girls, became like a grandma to them. She invited the family to church, and soon Natalia was also attending the Bible discovery class that Lineke leads.

Growing up in Colombia, Natalia knew about God. But in Canada she learned what it means to have a relationship with Him. “We are much closer to God every day,” says Natalia, “seeing His mercy through the help we receive.”

Natalia describes the kindness of those who helped them as an affirmation that God is near. “The truth is,” she explains, “they cannot imagine what it is like to find this type of support in a new and unknown place. This makes us think that there really are good people and that God will always help us.”

More about Ryanna and her ministry.

In September, thousands of young adults arrived in Canada to begin their journey as international students at our universities and colleges. Are we ready to reach the nations at our doorstep? How do we go about empowering these international students to impact the world through Jesus Christ?

Some of the easiest ways to connect with students are through the very practical needs the students face when they land in Canada. A friendly welcome at the airport. A kitchen table for their empty apartment. A meal they don’t have to cook themselves. A warm jacket for the coming Canadian winter.

Winter clothing giveaway

Sometimes, meeting needs is a one-time transaction. That’s okay—we love and serve international students with no strings attached. But sometimes, that welcome gift or that furniture delivery starts a beautiful friendship. Sometimes it leads to chances to share your story, and sometimes these students, for the first time, start asking questions about faith.

Reaching students is done in the context of relationships as we make ourselves available to meet their real-world needs.

In this Doorways newsletter, you’ll read how International Student Ministries Canada is facilitating meeting the needs of students and scholars across the country. Pray that these informal connections will develop into life-changing relationships—and check out how you can get involved!

Find opportunities for you or your church community to pray, volunteer and give at ismc.ca/get-involved

Jakob Koch
ISMC President

Welcome gifts ready to be shared

Picnic dinner to welcome international students

Kana never imagined becoming a Christian. Her Chinese mother has a Muslim background and her Japanese father loves shrines and Buddhist altars. But when she came to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver on a language exchange, Kana met Christians for the first time. Returning to UBC a few years later, she joined a Japanese Bible study hosted by ISMC. “I was fascinated by how Christian people see the world,” she says, “and I professed to believe in Christianity.” But Kana wasn’t ready to get baptized—a big step in Japanese culture—because she was worried about reactions from family and friends.

After returning home, Kana realized she didn’t know any Christians nearby and had no idea how to select a church. “When the pandemic made the whole world panic and everything was shifted online, finding a church became even harder” she explains.

During this time, family members faced much stress, not only because of quarantine, but also health issues and a job loss. Kana stopped eating for days; she stopped reading her Bible; she even tried to distance herself from the ISMC Japanese Bible study that now met online. “I thought my faith would fade away,” she admits.

Her father saw how much she was struggling and helped her move to a new place away from the stressful home environment. She started attending the Bible study again and an ISMC worker invited her to an online Global Returnees Conference*. “I met so many people who met Jesus in different countries and came back to Japan as Christians, just like I did,” says Kana. She now meets online regularly with people from the conference. “After a long time of depression,” says Kana, “I opened the Bible and got connected to Christian people once again.”

Kana kept praying to find a church—and realized that God had already been piecing together the answer to that prayer. Her mother discovered that the family chiropractor was a Christian; he brought Kana to his church. “For the first time since I came back to Japan,” Kana says, “I truly believed this is where I belong.” When her family came to pick her up after church, they were impressed. They met the pastor and chatted for almost two hours!

Kana is now planning her baptism at her new church. Looking back, she is amazed at how God prepared everything she needed: a Christian community when she became weak; a church that has helped her share her faith with her family; and the reassurance that God had not given up on her, despite her many struggles.

Kana’s dad visiting her new church

*The Global Returnees Conference encourages Christians returning to Japan from all over the world. It is led by the Japanese Christian Fellowship Network, an ISMC partner.

On December 15, 2021, Dr. Paul Maxwell went home to be with the Lord in Three Hills, Alberta. Paul was the first Canadian President of International Student Ministries Canada, serving in that role from 1989 to 2003. Those years were crucial in establishing a solid foundation for the ministry. His genuine care and graciousness in dealing with people endeared him to all, and he was widely loved and respected. His emphasis on spiritual vitality encouraged staff and students to go ever deeper with the Lord. His materials on discipleship and the Bible enjoyed wide use.

Importantly, Paul knew the strategic value of reaching international students with the gospel. He understood that as new followers of the Lord Jesus, international students could return home not only with a Canadian university degree, but also with the life-changing message of the good news of Jesus Christ. And once home, they could share their faith with family, friends and others. In this way the Lord could become known in their home countries, and the gospel could reach areas otherwise difficult or impossible to penetrate. Paul realized that International Student Ministries Canada could “empower international students to impact the world for Jesus Christ.”

As a Board, we are grateful to God for Paul Maxwell’s life and ministry. He influenced many, both at home and abroad. We honour his vision and his faithful service, and we acknowledge our debt of gratitude for the legacy he has left us. May the Lord continue to raise up such workers for His harvest.

The Board of Directors

We had over 6 churches collect winter jackets and items for our Winter Clothing Drive, which was a huge success! We will do this next year too!

– Ryanna, Niagara Region, ON

In Kamloops, various churches and Bible study groups take turns preparing and serving our (delicious) weekly FOCUS Club dinners.

– Jeff, Kamloops, BC

Local churches have provided space to hold regular indoor events (like Talent Night) – and we’ve also worked together to apply for Canada Summer Jobs grants to fund and mentor interns.

– Chi, Halifax, NS

Families from over 20 churches in Montreal have been participating in Friends for Dinner to host a dinner gathering with international students over the last 8 years.

– Syncia, Montreal, QC

Members of Streetlight Christian Church joined the Hamilton ISMC team to receive coaching in Discovery Bible Studies. This has led to many opportunities to minister to international students together.

– Gilchrist, Hamilton, ON

At ISMC, we know the value of partnering with local churches to engage the thousands of students God brings to Canada every year. Our effectiveness among international students is multiplied as we join together to meet practical and relational needs and share Christ’s love.

As a pastor, I know that the benefits flow both ways. While partnering in international student ministry gives churches an opportunity for front line global missions, it shows church members how to relate to coworkers and neighbors from other cultures. This ability will be key to the church’s ability to thrive in Canada in the years ahead.

Your church can be part of reaching international students. Start where you’re at! Welcome internationals who visit your church. Invite them into the life of the church and into your own life. Pray for them and pray with them.

If international students aren’t already in your church community, then reach out to them where they are. This might mean preparing a FOCUS Club meal, participating in Friends for Dinner, becoming a language partner, or helping with airport pick-ups, city orientations or furniture giveaways.

If your church is ready to dive deeper, consider options for mentorship programs or Bible studies designed for international students.

ISMC can equip you and your church to minister to international students. Your local ISMC city director can help you determine the needs of international students in your community and how you and your church can take the next steps to impact them – and see your church impacted in return.

We are so thankful for churches that welcome internationals into their families. Think about it: international students are alone in a new country and looking for connections. You and your church can be part of their lives and lead them to draw closer to the God who loves them more than we ever can.

Jakob Koch
ISMC President

For the past several years, our church has partnered with International Student Ministries by hosting monthly International FOCUS Dinners. Students are invited to the church for a potluck meal, and what started with just a few tables has grown to our auditorium full. It’s been pretty exciting.

It’s provided our church family with an excellent opportunity to get to know these students, to hear their struggles of living in a new country, to laugh together about putting ketchup on potato chips and milk in bags. But also to celebrate their victories and to know how we can better pray for them.

Many of the students are not followers of Jesus, but I have yet to meet one who wasn’t open to us praying for them. And the reality of it is, these conversations and prayers wouldn’t have taken place apart from these FOCUS Dinners. So I thank God for the simple act of sharing a meal together to develop friendships with students from all over the world. It’s not uncommon to hear the students say that this is the first time that they’ve had a meal with a Canadian. This is a great opportunity we have to share the love of Christ with these students through this act of hospitality.

One of the beautiful results of these dinners has been friendships that have resulted between those in our church and international students. We’ve had the privilege of helping them with everything from rides to speaking English to invitations to spend Christmas together. As a church, we’re also involved in the Friends for Dinner initiative where families open their homes to students for special holiday meals. Sharing meals around the holidays like Easter and Christmas provides a natural opportunity to talk about what we are really celebrating.

So I love the opportunity that we as a church family have been given of coming alongside international students and loving them in the name of Jesus. I thank God for the doors that He has opened for us to be able to share, in relationship, the gospel of Jesus Christ with students who have never heard it before because they come from countries that are closed to the gospel. So I thank God for the partnership that our church has with International Student Ministries, that through this we are able to participate in the work that God is doing in drawing the nations to Himself. And that, I think, is pretty exciting.

Mark Farrow
Lead Pastor
Stoney Creek Baptist Church