There is an amazing opportunity happening right now under out noses…

…In the past (and still today), many missionaries go over at great expense, difficulty, and risk to reach out to people with the love of Jesus in far away countries. This is wonderful.

But in the past few decades, the number of international students coming right here to Canada –from many countries extremely closed to the gospel– has increased astronomically, and is supposed to continue to grow.

Many of these students will become leaders of businesses, governments, and other organizations in their home countries. While they are here, they are thirsty for friendship and to learn about Canadian culture, for the love of God, and many of them, for truth.

Did you know, though, that so many International Students, despite longing for Canadian friends, go back home never having been invited to a Canadian home… let alone hearing about Jesus?

But thankfully, reaching out has been made easier by an organization called International Student Ministries Canada.

I’ve recently become Associate Staff of International Student Ministries Canada in London, under Stuart and Mary Smith. Since I am a former English as a Second Language teacher and certified Professional Life Coach, and since I love interacting with people from other cultures and have a passion for helping youth, I feel like God has been equipping me to reach out to and help international students. What a privilege!

We would love to have you, as well, come join us in befriending and blessing the students who come to our country’s door—some looking for fun Canadian cultural experiences, others needing friends and conversation practice.

Here are some ways you can help:

FOCUS Dinners –fun potluck dinners that happen once a month at a church where Canadians can sit and chat with International Students, listen to a speaker on an interesting topic, and possibly build long-term friendships.

Friendship Partners – connecting interested individuals/couples/families with international students who would like a Canadian friend. This involves hospitality in sharing some meals together during the year, possibly inviting students to share in special cultural events and festivals, and English conversation practice.

Other Volunteer Opportunities—There are often opportunities to help with Discovery Bible Studies, prepping for FOCUS dinners, driving to events, and even helping with leadership training. Let me know your interests and we’ll see how we can include you.

There’s a place for many gifts and talents:

• preparing snacks
• driving students
• English as a Second language/conversation help
• assisting in Bible studies/leadership training
• speaking at FOCUS dinners on an interesting topic for students
• and more–let us know your ideas.

More than likely we can fit you and your gifts/interests somewhere 🙂

Speaking—would you like me to come speak to your church/group about the amazing opportunities right now to be a blessing to people from around the world? Let me know 🙂

Financial Contributions—would you like to bless my ministry with ISMC financially? Whatever you give will pay for ministry expenses such as training materials for students, gas, Bibles, snacks, etc and perhaps a monthly stipend. Thank you so much!

Erica
erica.morrison@ismc.ca

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