Fifty-eight internationals from 11 different countries joined 25 Americans at the Cedar Campus international houseparty December 27 - January 2. An unusually warm December gave way to winter weather just in time to allow students to enjoy skiing and skating. Although it was well below zero several nights, there were calm sunny days when outdoor activity was very enjoyable, even though the temperature barely reached the teens.

This houseparty was an especially spiritually sensitive one. Afternoon Bible discussions were very lively as students discussed stories of the four soils, Jesus and Nicodemus, the woman at the well, and the prodigal son. An older Chinese couple came to the houseparty with their daughter and son-in-law (graduate students in Ohio). Besides having a wonderful time, the father agreed to take a Chinese Bible with him and read it.

The houseparty speaker was Dr. Don DeGraaf, Professor emeritus of Physics at the University of Michigan-Flint. His presence was a special encouragement for a woman who is a research physicist at the Fermi laboratory in Illinois. Don has been involved with international students for several years and has spoken at several houseparties. His first evening talk was on cosmological evidence for the Creator, a topic that generated a lively discussion. He also looked at the life of Jesus and God's goals for a new society, with examples of societies impacted by Christians. Each evening there were ongoing discussions about the issues he raised.

At this houseparty, international Christians made a significant contribution. In one group, there was some disagreement about Jesus' claim to be the only way to God - a claim strongly supported by an Italian woman who shared her testimony with the group. That same woman said that the houseparty was "a clear and big light in our life and a clear sign of where the Lord is constantly leading." A student from China who committed his life to Christ at last year's houseparty returned this year to share his testimony with other Chinese students.

A student from China expressed her appreciation for the week this way: "This has turned out to be one of the most precious and valuable experiences for me in the U. S." For many internationals (and Americans, too) the holiday houseparty is a truly "precious experience," and we are thankful for all who pray, give and bring students so they can have this experience.