It’s been about one-and-a-half years that I am far from my family. Because of the recent situation in my country, I couldn’t contact my family well, and I miss them a lot.

Have you ever been far from loved ones⁠—especially during the holidays? Can’t you just feel Hanieh’s longing?

While we can’t give our students their own families over the holidays⁠, we can be a Canadian family to them⁠—we can invite them into our homes and lives.

Hanieh took part in an ISMC-hosted hospitality program. “I was happy to feel near a family after a long time,” she said. Her friend added, “I can feel now that I am not alone in Canada and I have a family who loves me like one of their own.”

In this issue of Doorways, you’ll see photos from ISMC ministries across the country and throughout the year. So many creative activities. So many international students. So many new and growing relationships.

As we look back over the year, we’re so thankful to all of you who played a role in making sure international students have a family far from home. And we’re thankful for the ISMC staff who connect students and volunteers and facilitate these meaningful relationships.

Did you know that, on average, our front-line staff connect with over 50 students per semester? Your generous giving allows them to continue in this ministry. Thank you!

This Christmas, would you consider a special year-end gift to bless a staff member on your local ISMC team? Join their support partners team with a monthly donation or surprise them with an additional gift. Your donation will help “set the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6) as staff members facilitate relationships between international students and individuals, families, and churches who want to make sure they feel at home.

Find your local ISMC team at ismc.ca/all-staff and donate online, or fill out the donation form with your year-end gift. Thank you for reaching the nations at your doorstep!

Jakob Koch
ISMC President