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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.