What does it take for international students to change their perspective on faith?

Authentic relationships with Christians who model a life of faith – often many relationships, over months and years.

As a business student, ‘J’ was interested in learning how Christian businesses operated differently from what she was familiar with in China. J knew that Canada was “Christian,” but she’d never heard the gospel.

After attending a welcome event hosted by ISMC, she continued to take part in ministry events and even Bible studies throughout her program, and she learned that Christianity was more than just a cultural concept. When she graduated, J expressed thanks for the Christian care and help she received throughout her studies. She returned home knowing more about Canadian businesses, but also believing there is a God who loves and cares for her.

‘M’ initially had no interest in discussing matters of faith. But after living with a Christian couple for a while, he began to notice how different their lifestyle was compared to the rest of the world’s. The mutual friendship that they had developed made God and faith an open topic – and now M is asking what it takes to receive the same peace and contentment that is being modelled to him.

‘A’ from China was very skeptical about Christianity and doubted that God even existed. Even the idea of entering a church made her nervous. But she was reluctantly convinced to try out a community dinner for international students held in a church basement. And she kept coming back! As A developed deep friendships, she even ended up volunteering as part of the prep team for the monthly dinners. By the time she returned to China, she had spent many hours with Christian friends. Not yet a believer, her perspective has nonetheless changed as she has seen the impact of faith on her friends’ lives.

Celebrating with international students

When ‘K’ arrived in Toronto to study, his pressing question was where to find cheaper groceries. As an ISMC staff member dropped off an international student goodie bag that K had signed up for online, she suggested a Canadian friendship partner could help him navigate these kinds of practical issues. So K decided to give it a try. K was matched up with a Canadian couple. They took the time to show him where he could shop, they helped him with his taxes, they invited him to their home for meals. All so appreciated by a student far from family trying to establish himself in Canada. As their friendship deepened, conversations moved from questions about groceries to questions about faith and life. K didn’t believe in God, but he was open to going along to church with his friendship partners. Through student outreach activities at the church, K met more Christian friends. He connected with a Cantonese congregation and joined a church fellowship group. He started to explore what faith might look like in his life. And his fellowship group and his friendship partners continued to walk alongside. K’s friendship partners celebrated with him as he received his degree—but the bigger celebration came more recently. K came to faith and was baptized at the end of last year!

More stories: ismc.ca/stories Resources: ismc.ca/get-equipped

Thank you for equipping Christians across Canada to live their faith alongside international students. Pray with us that students would continue to take the next steps in their faith journey.