International Student Ministry (ISM) has been critical to the fulfillment of our ministry here in Eastern Ohio. I am the area director of Eastern Ohio, and am steadfastly committed to the promotion of ministry among international students.
ISM is a central priority
Far from a specialized ministry for a few, I believe that ISM ought to be a central priority of an effective area's commitment to witness among the nations. I challenge you to think of a more strategic group of people to influence for the gospel, or a single ministry that encompasses so much of what we as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship staff hold dear: witness to the nations, multi-ethnic relationships, evangelism, real partnership with local churches, and loving God's purposes in the world.
International Student Ministry staff bring support from churches and others
We have been pursuing ISM in Cleveland for over 10 years, mostly on a part-time basis for staff. Nonetheless, we have gathered a large group of volunteers who care for internationals in a thousand ways. We have recently hired an international couple as full-time staff, and are finding churches and others eager to support this couple with dollars, prayer, and participation. Also, having them at area team meetings has enhanced our discussion a lot, and kept the world on our screen.
ISM builds vision for evangelism
I heard Bill Hybels once ask what would happen to a church if there were suddenly 10 new believers added to the fellowship. Well, lots of things, not least of which a tremendous sense of the power of God. As we see internationals come to faith, our staff and volunteers keenly feel this sense of God's earnestness to add men and women to his family. ISM builds vision for witness among staff ministering to Americans.
Further, when you have a bunch of internationals hanging around the work, you keep thinking about how to make the gospel clear and cogent, and this is a good thing for us gringos—to learn what is "core" and what is "dressing." And internationals add a lot of spice, color and flavor to a homogeneous large group meeting, conference, or New Student Outreach gathering.
ISM gives a lot of "bang for the buck"
Finally, I arrogantly want to bring change to this weary world. I could go on a lot of Global Projects over many summers, and not have the impact of a couple of international Christians in their home country who love Jesus wildly. So ISM gives a lot of bang for the buck. All of this in addition to the things you already know about how open internationals are, how every major leader around the world except Saddam Hussein studied in America, how well international ministry writes up in newsletters, etc.
Your Next Step
As an Area Director, I am never going to not be without ISM (that is a fine triple negative). I urge you to consider expanding your reach to the nations. Lisa Chinn (lchinn@ivcf.org) will be happy to help! And I am more than willing to help answer any questions you may have as well (mpapai@aol.com).
