If your child or grandchild were to attend school in another country, what sort of experience would you want for them? How would they cope with an unfamiliar culture and language? What if they needed help and you couldn’t be there?

Between the University of Guelph and Conestoga College campuses, we have over 30,000 post-secondary students in our city. The focus of International Student Ministries Canada is specifically on the growing number of non-Canadian students, from countries on every continent.

Safe community is a very real need for them. Family is far away. Who can they trust to guide them in difficult situations? Or just to talk with them when they’re discouraged?

The Bible tells of many instances where people find themselves in foreign places. Imagine the adjustments the Israelites faced after leaving Egypt. Things weren’t good there for them, but at least they knew how to go about their lives. Once they were in the wilderness, they needed to rely on God to create an entire new structure for society.

I love His command in Exodus 23:9 “You must not oppress foreigners. You know what it’s like to be a foreigner, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.” We have the privilege of sharing the love of Christ with these vulnerable young people in our midst.

I began volunteering with International Students Ministries Canada 5 years ago. My roles have been various – Conversation Partner, Airport and Local Driver, Coordinator for Friends for Dinner meal events, and Helper. God has designed me to serve well in these small group settings. I pray I’ve been a blessing to students.

Now in my pre-retirement years, I feel God has called me to formalize that involvement such as health permits. The task is bigger than I am, and I believe God is calling people to partner in this ministry. Does it feel like this is somewhere God is asking you to be involved?

Here are some small roles you could fill which would be a blessing to Guelph International Students:

• Conversation Partner – help a student practice English
• Airport Pick-Up Driver
• Driver for local event e.g. Christmas Lights Tour
• Ministry Prayer Partner
• Friends for Dinner Host – welcome student for a Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration
• Ministry Financial Partner
• Short-term Career Mentorship
• Focus Session Speaker

If you’d like to discuss any of these, I’d love to talk with you! You can reach me by e-mail: cathy.campbell@ismc.ca.

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