Your gift this Christmas can welcome twice as many students in Jesus’ name

The first time Rasesh came to an ISMC event, it was his birthday, and he didn’t have any plans. The Instagram post he saw invited international students to enjoy dinner, discussion and games, and Rasesh wanted to do something to enjoy his special day.

Nobody knew it was my birthday, but going there and getting along with everyone made my day more special. It’s like I got a gift on my birthday.

This holiday season, will you give a gift for international students who are looking for a place to belong? Your donation will be doubled until December 31st. And you will be welcoming students like Rasesh in Jesus’ name.

Rasesh had heard about his campus’ ISMC student club early on when he arrived in Canada. But health issues kept him from attending right away. “I’ve regretted that decision ever since,” he says. After coming to that first dinner, he’s hardly missed a day, even giving up shifts on his delivery job to keep his Friday evenings free.

And really, it isn’t the free food or the games that keeps him coming time after time. It’s the Bible discussions:

The Bible is read by relating it to our day-to-day life topics, and what message the Bible has for us related to those topics. That’s the reason I keep coming back.

We’ve found this time and time again. When students are invited to talk about deep issues of life and faith, they build deep connections with each other and with ISMC staff and volunteers. So many international students—of various religious backgrounds—are open to exploring the Bible while they’re students here. And can you imagine how fascinating it is to discuss the Christmas story—or the resurrection—with a table full of students from all over the world?

Friend, this Christmas will you ensure that student clubs like the one Rasesh attends can keep introducing students to Jesus? Specific activities and events vary from city to city and campus to campus. But what doesn’t change is that international students are finding love and connection as we love them unconditionally.

And right now, your generosity can reach twice as many students, because the first $2000 in donations to ISMC’s National Ministry Fund will be matched dollar for dollar until the end of the year!

So please, go to ismc.ca/donate right now to give online. We’ll make sure your donation is used to welcome students like Rasesh in Jesus’ name.

Thank you for your heart for international students in Canada!

Merry Christmas,

Cam Janzen
ISMC President & CEO

P.S. Rasesh says, “Without love there is no hope and ISMC is all about that love.” Will you help us share the love of God with international students across Canada? Until December 31st, your donation will be matched!

Your support makes a genuine difference. Whether it’s time, resources, or donations that you’re giving, your contribution helps create positive experiences for international students who are far from home. I’ve personally experienced how ISMC builds community, belonging, and sharing, and I know that many other people have too. I hope you see your support as an investment in international students, in kindness and growth. I’m thankful for all the different ways that ISMC has made my journey in Canada – from international student to graduate – happier, easier, and more meaningful. It’s been a gift I’ll always remember. Thank you.

– Naya (Mauritius)

This Thanksgiving, I’m thrilled to share with you thank yous from international students from campuses across Canada, and to let you know that your generosity is overflowing into thankfulness to God:

We are truly thankful for all you do for us. Thank you to those who contribute – your impact is noticed.

– Thelma (Zimbabwe)

I am so grateful to God for all the support we have received as international students from ISMC.

– Karen (Ecuador)

ISMC has a special place in my heart, and even for other international students. Thank you so much, ISMC, for showing us a right path.

– Pujan (India)

I am grateful for the opportunity to study the Bible, have new friends, learn a new culture, share meals and experiences, and look at life in a different perspective.

– Liz (Uganda)

I’m thankful for the people who organize ISMC events. They make time to welcome international students despite their own busy schedules. Knowing that people care and do this of their own accord makes it meaningful to me.

– Sophia (India)

Being part of ISMC turned out to be such an unexpectedly inspiring experience in my faith journey. It helped me see what a difference I can make with God’s guidance and calling, and discover gifts and potential that I never knew God had given me.

– Charlie (China)

I realized that so many people in the world are praying for us, and I wish to convey my gratitude to you all. I am living in your answered prayers.

– Lily (India)

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your heart for international students. Thank you for reaching the nations on your doorstep, and thank you for empowering international students to impact their world through Jesus Christ.

Cam Janzen
ISMC President & CEO

Have you ever gone somewhere where everything is different and you know absolutely no one?

This is what international students face when they first come to Canada.

Shaleen from Nepal shares: “In the beginning of my journey as an international student, one of the biggest challenges I faced was loneliness. Moving to a new country meant leaving behind my family, friends, and everything familiar to me. I didn’t know anyone and I often felt out of place. Even simple things like attending classes, eating meals, or walking around campus felt overwhelming without people I was close to. On top of that, adapting to the culture and way of life made me feel even more isolated.”

Right now, this loneliness and isolation is being played out in the lives of international students on campuses across the country. 

But Psalm 68:6 tells us that “God places the lonely in families.” And Shaleen continues her story: “I was welcomed into such a warm and supportive community where I met so many lovely people who helped me fight that loneliness. Being part of ISMC gave me not only friendships, but also a sense of family, belonging, and even love that I never expected to find so far from home. I can confidently say that ISMC has become my second family here.”

When you give to ISMC or your local city ministry, when you volunteer, and when you pray for international students in Canada, you become part of rewriting stories of loneliness into stories of connection:

The volunteers at Focus Club were very welcoming. They treated us like their own family.

– Rasesh (India)

The ISMC team were the first faces my husband and I saw when we arrived in Canada. They welcomed us as they picked us up from the airport. They also welcomed us into many events to immerse us in Canadian culture. In fact, all of my strongest friendships were born through some connection that occurred during an ISMC activity.

– Karen (Ecuador)

They helped me survive the first couple months with winter clothing and furniture. But most importantly, they took me to church and introduced me to Bible Discovery, Bible Study, and Christian retreats. That’s where I made friends, fellow seekers of the truth like me. I realized I wasn’t alone in unlearning so many things from my past to make room for the truth.

– Lily (India)

They made me feel at home, because besides providing English classes at no cost, they opened the doors of their houses, presented their culture and traditions to us, and lessened our homesickness.

– Malane (Brazil)

The specific activities and events vary from city to city and campus to campus. But what doesn’t change is that students are finding love and connection as they’re being welcomed in Jesus’ name.

Thank you for being part of building community for international students in Canada. Thank you for being part of rewriting stories of loneliness.

Cam Janzen
ISMC President & CEO

P.S. September is a great time to make a special gift to International Student Ministries. Your donation will be used to build community for international students on campuses across Canada.

Can you believe that September is right around the corner? For many of us, September brings a return to comfortable routines. But for incoming international students, that isn’t always the case.

Right now, students from around the world are making their way to Canadian campuses.

Can you imagine? Leaving your home and family—maybe for the first time. Dealing with customs and immigration—possibly in a second language. Arriving in a city you’ve only seen online and hoping that the arrangements you made for accommodation and transportation are actually okay. Lots of excitement, but also trepidation. Did I make the right choice? Will I find friends? Will I find my way? Will I be able to handle the coursework? Will I like it here?

At Toronto International Airport, some University of Guelph students are met by the friendly faces of ISMC volunteers.

Guelph is an hour away, and even an Uber is so expensive. So volunteer drivers help them get to their destination. This year, extra flexibility has been required as students faced flight cancellations and rebookings—meaning ever-changing pickup times. But students love the airport pick up program, and are always asking “Why are you doing this?” What a great way to help a new student feel welcomed, and what a great opportunity to invite them to other International Student Ministries events.

ISMC Kamloops welcomes international students at their university’s Welcome Back BBQ during the first week of school.

Volunteers and returning students host an ISMC booth with a huge world map. They invite passing students to label where they are from. Students are excited to find others from their home country, and, by the end of the day, the map is a colourful representation of the very international student body—who have all been invited to get to know other each other at the next ISMC event.

ISMC Edmonton helps international students with moving assistance year-round, but as you can imagine, the beginning of a new school year is extra-busy.

Students are so grateful for the practical help moving into a new place—and also for the prayer of blessing that volunteers offer, praying that this would feel like home even though the students are far from family and friends.

International Student Ministries can’t solve all the challenges that international students face coming to study in a new country. But we CAN welcome them, provide assistance, invite them into community, and love them as Jesus loves. Often, that’s enough to ease the transition and to form relationships that last long beyond those nerve-wracking first days.

During this back-to-school season, can we ask you to add praying for international students to your routines?

You can join us live for a short daily prayer time on Zoom until September 26th. Come when you can; we’ll meet for about half an hour at 9 am PT / 12 pm ET each day (including weekends) to lift up international students at campuses across the country.

You can sign up for weekly texted prayer requests. Each Wednesday, you’ll be invited to pray for a specific need affecting international students—a simple way to minister to international students in Canada.

Thank you for your heart for international students. We’re excited to see what God has planned for this new school year!

Cam Janzen
ISMC President & CEO

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!

Resources: ismc.ca/volunteer

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.

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.

Merita* from South East Europe was down to her last chance to pass the English exam. Our whole team had been praying. Then we got her text: “God did a miracle. I applied for reevaluation of my writing section for my last exam and they increased my score. Now have the scores I need to apply.” Merita thanked us for our prayers and we were in awe that this student, who was not close to God before coming to Canada, gave all the credit to God and prayer!

Ryanna (Niagara Region, ON)

Raji* is such a sweet person—so open and kind. My prayer partners and I have often prayed for Raji about some injustices that had been happening to her at work. When she told me about a significant change in her supervisor’s behavior toward her, she said it seemed “like magic.” “Or like a miracle,” I replied. She eagerly affirmed this and replied, “It’s because you prayed!”. I told her that I had asked many people to pray. Praise God!

Erica (London, ON)

For 10 days, Saanjh’s* debilitating back pain interfered with work, studies and sleep. I texted a prayer to him, and the next day Saanjh thanked me, saying he was all better! Praise God! I told him to thank Jesus, the healer. His first words to me when I saw him next were a testimony of how Jesus healed him. I believe that one day this will be part of Saanjh’s story of how he came to follow the Great Healer.

Mary (London, ON)

When I congratulated Palli* on their family getting a vehicle, her response was “You prayed intensely for us, so we got a car.” Praise God for all the prayers for this family and that they are noticing that it is God who answers!

Erica (London, ON)

We prayed for a new student’s boyfriend’s visa to be approved, and it was just a few weeks later! She texted “My boyfriend got his visa just today. Thanks a lot for keeping us in the prayer.”

Ryanna (Niagara, ON)

Dinh* from Vietnam has been in our Discovery Bible Study Group and in our prayers for several years, increasingly so since graduating. As months passed, we sensed him slipping into depression, unable to find work in his field. Four prayer groups lifted him to the Father, week after week, month after month. When he hit desperation and called me late one night. I once again told Dinh he really needed to surrender his life to Jesus. We rejoiced with the angels as Dinh became a new creation, and when we saw him next, the difference in his countenance was noticeable!

Stuart (London, ON)

Join Us In Prayer

Here are 10 ways how you can pray for international students.

*Names changed to maintain confidentiality

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.

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