Forty Years of Ministry Multiplied

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.

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