40 Years of International Student Ministries in Canada and Beyond

ISMC began in 1984 with one couple in one city; in 40 years it has blossomed to span from the west to the east coast. Our reach has also extended beyond our borders, establishing international networks to offer nextstep care to our friends and students after graduation.

In this issue of Doorways, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse of ISMC’s 40-year journey with photos, statistics, and interesting facts. Celebrate God’s ongoing goodness and amazing faithfulness with us!

As ISMC’s fifth president, I’m excited to salute our faithful staff, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters who have impacted thousands of students from around the world. I’m grateful for the growing number of churches partnering with us. In one city, twelve churches send representatives regularly and help guide our work with international students. What a strategic and valuable partnership!

International students today face significant challenges, including shifting legislation and skyrocketing living costs, due mainly to housing shortages. ISMC believes that meeting practical, social, and spiritual needs reflects God’s heart. Recently, a city ministry in Quebec partnered with a Christian property owner to provide affordable housing for international students and our mission workers. This partnership provides affordable rent, a safe community, and numerous opportunities for our workers to walk with students through life’s ups and downs. As these relationships deepen and trust grows, students become more open to spiritual conversations and meaningful opportunities to share the gospel.

Looking ahead to the next 40 years, we hope to see mission workers, volunteers, partner churches, and Christian businesses come together in reaching students with Christ’s love and His message of hope. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith gives us confidence in what we hope for and assurance in what we do not see, namely, our mission and the students we care for so deeply.

As we enter the Christmas season and the final quarter of ISMC’s 40th anniversary, we invite you to join us as we step into the next 40 years of international student ministry in Canada. After seeing God at work for four decades, we know we can trust Him for the future. Please prayerfully consider giving to our $40 for 40 campaign. Every gift helps us share Christ’s love, offer practical support, and build fruitful relationships with international students. 

Together, we can impact lives and extend God’s reach for generations to come.

Cam Janzen
ISMC President

To give $40 for 40 Years, please visit ismc.ca/40years
Read more about the campaign $40 for 40 Years

Is International Student Ministries Canada a global ministry or a local ministry? Yes, exactly. ISMC is a global ministry right here in Canada. Our new logo, unveiled this summer, conveys a global image and highlights Canada within that globe—and the fields are ripe for harvest! The arrows in the continents represent students moving in and out of Canada. We dream of reaching every one of them so they, in turn, can reach the world.

In 2005, Cam Janzen was already serving interculturally through the ESL ministry of a Chinese church, but he was looking for more relationships and fewer grammar lessons. So he started to explore other opportunities to serve international students. That’s when he came across International Student Ministries Canada and began a conversation with then-President Paul Workentine.

Following God’s leading, Cam and his family joined ISMC Vancouver in 2006. “It was an exciting and very stretching time,” says Cam. He remembers being on his own at Simon Fraser University, developing friendships with students and partnerships with a church on campus. And God was at work! The first student Cam led to Christ became an ISMC student intern, then staff. This student introduced his future wife to Christ, and now their family is growing in faith. “I discovered that this ministry not only crosses cultures, but generations,” says Cam. “I’ve seen this multiple times.”

Cam’s ministry was filled with student activities

After several years in Vancouver, Cam and his family transferred to the University of Saskatchewan to be closer to family, where they continued sharing their lives with students from around the world. As city director, Cam’s ministry was filled with Bible discussion groups, gym nights, potlucks, and social activities, though he also made time for deeper relationships with individual students.

But Cam’s role was also changing, and as he assumed national leadership roles, he stepped away from coordinating big events. He first served in returnee ministry leadership: “A positive change I’ve seen in ISMC is the focus on trying to find God-connections for graduates moving home or elsewhere for further studies or work,” he says. “We might not be able to keep close contact with every student, but we can do our very best to introduce them to someone who will walk with them in the next part of their life adventure.”

Then, about five years ago, Cam became ISMC’s executive vice president. “The transition was life-giving,” says Cam. “Along with serving students, I truly enjoy building into the lives of ISMC staff. I’m passionate about caring for our staff and do my best to equip them for their ministry contexts.”

ISMC’s 40th year brings another significant change to Cam’s role: next month he becomes ISMC’s fifth president. While Cam was serving as vice president under Yaw Perbi and then under Jakob Koch, he never considered the role of president. “But Jakob showed us a model of leadership that resonated deeply,” says Cam. “I am excited and humbled to be in a position to encourage and grow ISMC as we begin our next 40 years.”

Cam is looking forward to seeing how God continues to bring together people of various cultures and life experiences to reach out to international students in innovative, simple, yet effective ways.

Forty years ago, God started bringing His people together through ISMC to touch the hearts and lives of international students in Canada. Some have served in practical ways; others with specialized skill sets. Professionals, students, families, retirees, all have enthusiastically shared Christ’s love with international students. Together, they reflect a diversity in ministry that one person cannot bring.

It’s so important for an international student—or anyone exploring heart issues—to see how faith works for different people in different contexts. In the Bible, we see a wide diversity of Christ-followers sharing the good news, from scholars like Paul to a tax collector and fishermen.

In this issue of Doorways, we’re excited to share how God uses ISMC staff and a wide diversity of volunteers to touch international students. These stories are multiplied in cities and campuses across the country and through the decades. It can be as simple as spending time together so that students realize Christians are kind and the church is a safe place, overcoming generations of prejudice. Thank you for walking this journey with international students and for enabling others to do so. Hundreds of thousands of international students continue to arrive every year, so please pray with us that God will continue to call His people to reach international students with His love.

In this issue, we’re also excited to share some ISMC news.

First: a new logo!

Second: Cam Janzen and I are trading roles. Next month, Cam will be stepping into the role of president as I take the title of vice president. This change allows us to work towards our strengths; together we’ll continue championing the mission of International Student Ministries Canada.

Forty years of empowering international students to impact their world through Jesus Christ. Forty years of equipping staff and volunteers. Celebrate 40 years of uninterrupted ministry with us! Please consider a $40 gift to ISMC. Perhaps even $40 per month? Your investment will pay dividends in the hearts and lives of international students–and those reaching them for Jesus and eternity.

Jakob Koch
ISMC President

To give $40 for 40 Years, please visit ismc.ca/40years
Read more about the campaign $40 for 40 Years

Volunteer leaders and community participants have been an invaluable part of the impact of International Student Ministries Canada for four decades. They multiply what we do and touch student’s lives with their distinct skills. Let us share glimpses of a few volunteers who are passionate
about ministering to international students. Can you imagine the effects of these stories multiplied across the country and through the decades?

Eric and Sue have been connecting with international students for 20 years, long before ISMC came to London. They have become faithful volunteers at FOCUS and have hosted many international students for Christmas homestays and holiday dinners.

While Aletta was an international student overseas, she wondered why international student groups rarely had nationals meeting with them. Now as University Christian Ministries staff and an ISMC volunteer, she co-leads the ISMC Victoria international group and has a vision to connect international students with local Christians

During their seven years with ISMC, Dave and Elaine have encouraged many international students in the Fraser Valley. Through providing rides and sound advice, helping find housing, or reading the Bible and praying with students, they have developed a quiet and unassuming ministry. Dave and Elaine have quelled many homesick spells and inspired students to be alert and responsive to God’s voice.

Five years ago, Cathy volunteered to do airport pick ups through ISMC Guelph. These interactions led her to discover the many needs students have as they adjust to life in Canada. So she jumped in to help students with everything from learning how to release the chain on a grocery cart to learning English. Many students call Cathy their first Canadian friend. Recently, Cathy has postponed retirement and stepped into a staff role with ISMC.

As one of Montreal’s first Friends for Dinner hosts, Celine and Luigi have welcomed students into their home for holiday dinners for more than 10 years. They excel at developing deep relationships with their guests. Seeing hearts open to the gospel motivates them to share Christ more and more,
year after year, student after student.

Bill and Laura invited international students to their church’s board game nights. As they offered rides, enjoyed games, and encouraged students and church members to interact, it wasn’t long before they discovered how much they loved serving international students—and joined ISMC Guelph staff to be more intentional with their service!

Gerry has provided prayer support for ISMC Victoria for two decades. He prays personally and gathers friends to pray. Students are humbled and
grateful that Canadian strangers care enough about their physical and spiritual well-being to pray for them.

Garry has been building strong relations with students for almost 20 years as he leads table discussions and hikes in the Calgary area.

Ting, a newer ISMC Calgary volunteer and a former international student, builds relationships quickly as she can communicate with students in her mother tongue.

Bill and Laura invited international students to their church’s board game nights. As they offered rides, enjoyed games, and encouraged students and church members to interact, it wasn’t long before they discovered how much they loved serving international students—and joined ISMC Guelph staff to be more intentional with their service!

Albert and Irene rarely miss any ISMC Halifax outreach events. They have served international students in so many ways, from leading small groups to mentoring. They’ve also been instrumental in finding new volunteers and new activities.

Jim and Heather have washed thousands of dishes and met hundreds of students in their 16 years volunteering at the Kamloops FOCUS Club.

As Sherbrooke’s “student magnet”, Joanne has a marvelous gift of instantly making international students feel at home in a foreign country. She served with ISMC Sherbrooke from its beginning. She retired as city director eight years ago, but hasn’t stopped connecting with every international
student she meets.

Get involved in ISMC’s next 40 years

What God started 40 years ago has touched so many lives. Over those decades, ISMC has impacted the eternity of countless students, who have gone on to impact their circles of influence in Canada and around the world.

This is not a new strategy. Remember Pentecost? People from all over heard about Jesus in Jerusalem and took the gospel home with them. This back and forth has been part of God’s strategy for growing His kingdom since the early church.

In this issue of Doorways, we share excerpts from ISMC’s second decade (1994 to 2003). Stories of students who were introduced to the love of Jesus, thanks to staff and volunteers who followed the Holy Spirit’s nudgings. Many of these students went home and shared what they had discovered. They impacted their world through Jesus Christ in ways we couldn’t.

We’re also excited to give you an update on Kenji, a Japanese student who became a Christian in 1999. Originally determined not to become a believer, Kenji is now a missionary in his own hometown.

Of course, not all students return home like Kenji. These days, it’s not uncommon for students to remain in Canada after their studies. But that doesn’t mean they no longer have influence in their country of origin. In fact, today’s technology makes global impact more accessible than ever for our students. It’s just a different kind of back and forth.

As you enjoy the stories of souls touched by God so many years ago, please pray with us for those being reached today. That volunteers and staff will continue to be open to the Holy Spirit’s nudges. That students will continue to be drawn to Jesus and that they will continue to impact those around them for God’s kingdom.

Will you join us in our $40 for 40 Years campaign to celebrate four decades of uninterrupted ministry to international students that has multiplied around the world? Would you consider a gift of $40? Perhaps even $40 per month? You will impact eternity as your investment pays dividends in the lives of international students and their circles of influence.

Jakob Koch
ISMC President

To give $40 for 40 Years, please visit ismc.ca/40years
Read more about the campaign $40 for 40 Years

“My name is Kenji Kondo, from Japan. My family is very traditional Buddhist and Shintoist. As an atheist, I was against any religion. I came to Canada in 1995.”

That’s how Kenji started his testimony at an ISMC banquet in 2001, just two years after going forward at the altar call of a Japanese evangelist speaking in Calgary. So how did Kenji come to accept Jesus? And what has happened since?

Kenji explains salvation to unreached teenagers

God brought loving Christians into Kenji’s life while he was a student. He stayed at the home of ISMC staff, attended FOCUS Club and even Bible study. But, as a staunch atheist, he was determined not to become a Christian himself, even though Christians served and prayed for him. Kenji was amazed that anyone would pray for his struggles—and even more amazed that they believed and trusted that their God would help him. “And it was so,” said Kenji. By the time he spoke at that 2001 banquet, he had become a believer, been baptized, and was serving in Canada with Wycliffe Bible Translators. 

Kenji had no intention of returning to Japan. In 2005, he married a Canadian. Later, his family even served for two years in Asia. But God was nudging Kenji about friends and family in Japan, not one of whom knew about Jesus. There had never been a church in his hometown, and no missionaries had ever come to the place.

In 2012, Kenji’s father’s failing health forced the issue. Almost fifteen years after becoming a Christian, Kenji moved back to his hometown to take care of his dad. A few years later, Kenji’s dad miraculously accepted Jesus and was baptized before he passed away. This sparked a desire in Kenji to minister to his own people, and laid the foundation for Kenji and Sandy to join Operation Mobilization, starting a new ministry team in Japan. They served in evangelism and also started a gathering of believers.

Today, in Kenji’s hometown, there is a church plant started by one of the major denominations in Japan. Kenji and his family support Japanese pastors and struggling churches and work to break denominational and geographical barriers throughout his province of Mie. Kenji speaks and interprets at local and international events—including the once-in-seven-year conference presented by the Japanese Evangelical Association.

When a series of large earthquakes hit the Noto Peninsula this January, 360 kilometers north of Kenji’s home, Operation Mobilization was quick to help. Kenji’s coworkers in the affected region became the first to respond, while Kenji was appointed disaster response manager. He kept churches and relief organizations updated, while Operation Mobilization gathered with local pastors and denominations to start Noto Help, an interdenominational Christian disaster response organization.

That student, who was determined not to become a Christian or return to Japan, now prays that this ongoing relief effort will open doors for churches to have unity and for Christians to become salt and light in Japan.

Kenji equips Japanese Christians to share the gospel to people in an unreached area

Housing is still a huge need for international students. In today’s housing crunch, there are so many opportunities for Christians to impact the lives of international students by sharing their home. To get started, contact your local university for information about homestay programs, or check out platforms such as spacesshared.ca which match students looking for safe and affordable housing with hosts who have spare bedrooms.

If you look at the Doorways newsletters from ISMC’s second decade, you’ll find story upon story of International Students who became permanent residents of God’s kingdom while they were studying in Canada. Decades later, we believe these stories are still worth celebrating! Pray with us, as you read these excerpts from so many years ago, for the hearts of students who will be touched this year and who will invite Jesus to reign in their lives in 2024 and beyond:

Hatsumi’s Story

“The Holy Spirit’s promptings convinced me that we should invite this 25-year-old Japanese student home for lunch – even though home was a mess due to our impending move! While I washed dishes, I saw Hatsumi on the couch “devouring” the New Testament I had been impressed to give her moments earlier. This led very naturally to conversation about my Lord Jesus. Surrounded by packing boxes, Hatsumi tearfully asked Jesus to be her Lord. On July 25, I was privileged to baptize her, and her friends and fellow students witnessed this. “Now I’m not afraid of living! Now God is very close. I think I wanted to be loved but our love has a limit. God’s love is a big love!” Hatsumi came to Canada from the “land of the rising sun” and returned to Japan as a permanent resident of the Kingdom of the Risen Son!

(from Hatsumi’s Story, as shared by the ISMC Victoria City Director in Doorways Feb 1994)

Yan’s story

In China, I often pondered spiritual questions. To know, “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” were very important to me. One day while in Vancouver, I met a Taiwanese Christian lady. She invited me to Bible study and when I began reading the Bible, I found what I had been seeking. But I just added the Bible to my Buddhism books. Then one day when I was praying, God said to me, “Christianity is being saved by salvation, but Buddhism is by saving yourself.” It was like a light turned on in my heart! At that moment, I became a believer in Christ. Many students now come to me with the same questions I had when I arrived in North America. What a joy to point them to Jesus Christ, the same Answer I found!”

(from Yan’s story, as shared in Doorways 1995 Vol. 2)

Story of a student from Korea

As a Korean student, she was one of thirteen international students from the University of Alberta who accompanied us on our tour to Victoria. [We] engaged in evening devotions in a hostel when this Korean student briefly opened her heart with the words, “I have very empty feeling inside.” After explaining the plan of salvation, we challenged her to commit her life and cares to Jesus Christ when she retired that night. By the time the tour ended, she was able to say, “I don’t have an empty feeling anymore.”

(from a story shared by ISMC Edmonton Staff in Doorways 1998 Vol. 3)

Mindy’s Story

“My name is Mindy Seto and I am originally from Hong Kong. Five years ago I was invited to FOCUS at the home of ISMC staff. I had never been in a Canadian home before. I was introduced to turkey and stuffing, waffles, and brownies. I found love, met Christians, international friends, and, most importantly, my Lord Jesus Christ.”

(from Mindy’s Story, as shared in Doorways 2001 Vol. 2)

Story of a student from China

One Chinese student shared how, coming to Canada as an atheist, he battled for months over evolution and creation before deciding to become a Christian. “As a new Christian, although I still have a lot of question marks in my Bible because some verses don’t make sense to me, I agree with the basic idea that there is a God in heaven who is powerful and awesome. He will reign in my heart and guide me throughout my life.”

(from a story shared by ISMC Toronto Associate Staff in Doorways Vol. 2 2002)

Story of Yoshiko, Yumiko and Aya

One night three young Japanese women, Yoshiko, Yumiko, and Aya, attended our International Christian Fellowship for the first time. After dinner we learned that they sometimes sought the services of a professional fortune teller when facing major decisions. We told them that Christians can count on God’s guidance through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Later that evening, all three invited Jesus into their hearts.”

(from a story shared by ISMC Victoria City Director in Doorways 1998 Vol. 3)

Story of Queenie and Ping Ping

A shy young lady approached the table and asked for a Chinese and English New Testament. A friend had suggested she read the Bible, so we told her about a FOCUS club which met every Friday if she would be interested in studying the Bible in a small group. She agreed to come. When we met that Friday, we were delighted to welcome not one, but two young ladies. Queenie had brought her classmate, Ping Ping Lim from Malaysia. The girls soon showed an interest in learning more of God’s Word and for the next two years they rarely missed a meeting. As they grew spiritually, their interest in Bible studies continued. The next term Queenie and Ping Ping became key members of the FOCUS executive, starting each Bible study time with singing. It has been over a year since each of “our girls” committed their lives to Jesus. Their spiritual growth has been exciting to see!

(from a story shared by ISMC Edmonton Associate Staff in Doorways 1995 Vol. 4)

Yi Sung’s story

Yi Sung was terribly lonely for her home and parents in China. However, after she gave her heart and life to the Lord, she told us, “I prayed and asked God to take my loneliness away and give me peace of mind, and He answered my prayer.”

(from Yi Sung’s story shared by ISMC Friendship Partners in Doorways 1996 Vol. 2)

Story of a student from China

On a recent night at FOCUS, a Chinese scholar friend (S.) told me he had decided to entrust his life to God. S. wanted to know everything about God before he made his decision. But a book helped him to realize that if he knew the fundamentals of the gospel message, and believed, he should first make a commitment and then the rest would be revealed. In the middle of the night, S. felt God saying to him, “Now is the time,” and he agreed!

(from a story shared by ISMC Waterloo Staff in Doorways 2001 Vol. 4)

Story of a student from Korea

“When I came here to Canada [from Korea], I thought there were many ways to God so I decided to choose Christianity. Now I know there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ. Before I felt that I was trying to find God, but then I suddenly realized that God had found me. Now I am at peace.”

(from a story shared in Doorways 1996 Vol. 3)

Grace’s story

Growing up in Taiwan, I used to seek God by looking in the great temples. There I found peace, but it was only temporary. Never could I find the purpose of life. Then God began to show me life’s meaning. Three years ago, a Christian friend told me that God created the universe. I argued. I refused the Bible she offered, but did accept a book called “Streams in the Desert”, which was very uplifting. As I kept reading, I began to form my own prayers. Gradually, I began to pray about everything. Then I claimed a promise from God: “For everyone who asks, receives; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt 7:8). Amazing! I also learned that the heavenly Father sent His only Son (Jesus) to die on the cross to pardon our sins. What amazing grace! I am willing to put myself in God’s hands, knowing that He will lead me, knowing He has pardoned my sins and given me eternal life. I hope more and more people will humbly trust Jesus and become totally new creations.

(from Grace’s story shared in Doorways 1997 Vol. 1)

The first decade of International Student Ministries Canada saw tremendous expansion from two cities in Alberta, to over ten from Victoria, BC to Guelph, ON. Here are a few of our early programs, and what they look like now:

Friendship Partners

One of the first ways ISMC connected believers in Canada with international students was through the Friendship Partner program. Culturally sensitive Christians invited international students into their homes, often leading to opportunities to share the faith that was central to their lives. Today, you can see the focus on friendship echoed in hospitality programs such as Friends for Dinner, where we see hundreds of relationships formed each year. And you can still find the original Friendship Partner Program in the Niagara Region and Conversation Partners in Guelph, ON.

ESL Programs

ISMC’s first ESL program formed quite by accident in 1985. A group of Chinese graduate students attending an ISMC wiener roast expressed a desire for an English class. Writes Audrey Shultz: “Before I realized it, I was standing before seven Chinese men and two Chinese women. My goal was not only to teach them conversational English but also to share with them the joy of being a Christian.”

Today, teaching conversational English (and French, in Quebec) is still an effective way to connect with international students. ISMC offers ESL/FSL programs in nine cities.

Bible Studies

The Bible is, of course, integral to sharing the love of God with international students. Since the early years, ISMC staff have facilitated regular Bible studies, often in their homes. Now, as then, it’s so exciting to see a student open the Bible for the first time. It is even more exciting when students choose to accept Jesus. A Bible study in Edmonton welcomed three students into God’s family recently!

FOCUS Club

FOCUS Club started as a campus club in Edmonton in 1986 to build additional student connections. Then, as now, international students struggle with social isolation. Our twelve Focus Clubs in cities across Canada meet weekly or monthly for dinners, faith discussions, and cultural activities to foster social interactions.

Contact your local city ministry to find out what programs are happening near you, or fill out the volunteer form to learn more.

Thank you for reaching International Students through your gifts!

If you would like a full copy of our audited financial statements, please email finance@ismc.ca.