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There’s been so much upheaval and unrest in our world recently, and when you have international student friends, so often, every international news story brings to mind a name and a face. When I read about the uprisings in Iran, I see our Iranian students, anxious for the safety of their loved ones, especially while communications are disrupted and they’re far from home. When I read about currency devaluation in various countries in Africa, I see a Nigerian student struggling to pay his tuition fees while the Naira crashes. When I read about changes in immigration policy in our own country, I see friends who are recent graduates trying to navigate a system where they’re no longer confident that they can find the job they need to fulfil their dream of staying in Canada. My heart hurts for international students affected by local and global events. So what can we do? We can bring community together around these students. Sometimes that means being a compassionate listener and a source of comfort and hope. Sometimes that means helping students access practical assistance. Sometimes that means being a mentor or a friend. And we can pray. We’re reminded again and again how much international students—even those who are not believers—find comfort in the prayers of God’s people. Will you pray with us? Each week, ISMC sends out a text message reminding us to lift the needs of international students to our Heavenly Father. With specific requests, and the context to let you know how world events—and daily life—are affecting our international student friends, the Uplift Prayer Guide equips us to pray well. You’ll find the sign up link at ismc.ca/pray. Thank you for walking alongside international students in prayer—you’re walking with them from desperation to celebration. We look forward to sharing stories of celebration with you throughout the coming year. In Him, Cam Janzen President & CEO

 

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