The nations of the world are studying at Iowa State University and living in Ames, Iowa. Over 4,500 international students and scholars have made their temporary home ISU. Many of these have brought their families with them for a total closer to 8,000! We want to give each of them the opportunity to encounter the love of God.
EveryInternational was created to equip North American Christians to reach the millions of internationals that have come for school, work, or other reasons. We have partnered with them to better prepare our church to engage in the Great Commission right here in Ames, Iowa. Below you will find a list of carefully curated lessons on important topics that will equip you to be Christ’s ambassador to the nations. It is the hope of EveryInternational and Christ Community Church that through this course you will grow in your confidence in befriending internationals and sharing your faith with them.
For more information on how you can get involved with reaching internationals through CCC visit www.ccames.org/internationals
Note: In order to access lessons you must first create an account and then enroll in the course by clicking the "Take This Course" button.
Lisa came to North America with a purpose: to be equipped to better serve her nation, the Philippines. She has done that, and more. Lisa served as executive director of an international student ministry and now travels around the world captivating audiences with her passion for the nations. In this lesson Lisa suggests three reasons we should open our homes, lives, and churches to the internationals in our midst.
Alexander was born in the United Kingdom and currently ministers in Canada. With advanced degrees in theology and ministry and years of ministry experience, Alexander brings wisdom and insight into global campus ministry. In this lesson, Alexander shares how God is using international students to redefine missions.
Kevin has worked with students in Russia and throughout North America. He knows well the challenges and barriers to engaging new cultures. He shares candidly about times when fear or ignorance became barriers to reaching across cultural barriers. Hear how we can overcome these barriers, even if it means being covered in spicy Russian mustard!
Denis has devoted his life to practicing, studying, and teaching what it means to be effective in different cultures. He suggests that reaching internationals involves more than bi-cultural or cross-cultural effectiveness. Instead, we need to be effective transculturally–to understand and engage multiple cultures simultaneously. Denis describes what it means to “wear different hats” to be effective with diverse student groups and explains three primary cultural operating systems.
Marc has been in ministry for over 30 years. He is currently the director of International Student Ministry for InterVarsity. Marc shares his journey of recognizing how being a white male affects not only how he sees the world, but also how he does ministry. Learn why our posture toward others must be one of equality and mutuality, and consider the importance of ministering with internationals rather than to or for them.
In the 1990s, Jovin journeyed from Ghana to the US for graduate studies. She now serves as a regional leader of a campus ministry and has a unique ability to cross cultures to build lasting, trust-filled relationships. In this lesson, Jovin offers profound insight in how to build and sustain relationships across cultures. She utilizes cultural experts and her own experiences to challenge us to live generous lives that clearly point internationals to Jesus.
For over twenty years, Paula has welcomed international students into her home in California. She’s held leadership roles in both church and international student ministry organizations. Paula loves to promote prayer and help churches and individuals grow in loving the internationals in their midst. In her first lesson she provides practical tips for ministry and simple suggestions on using your home to serve internationals. In her second lesson, Paula shares how to grow in prayer and how to encourage prayer among your international friends.
Tiffany grew up in East Asia then spent years working with Chinese students in an Ivy League school. She offers a profound historical and contemporary explanation of Chinese students in North America. Her hope is to equip you to understand this “WeChat” generation that they might become world leaders, burdened with the love of Christ.
Abby became a Christian as an undergraduate student in China through the testimony of a former international student. Later, Abby became an international student herself. She draws on her understanding of Chinese culture and experience as a Chinese international student in helping others to reach Chinese students. In her lesson, Abby shares about three distinct generations of Chinese and how to reach them.
Davood grew up as a Muslim in Central Asia but later came to Christ. In this talk he suggests that the barriers preventing Muslims from following Jesus are not primarily intellectual but emotional. He explains how to address fundamental heart issues with practical tips on sharing Jesus’ love with your Muslim friends.
Born and raised in Canada, Krista made her way to the U.S. where she joined the staff of InterVarsity. She has been ministering to international students for over 10 years with a focus on Muslim women. In this lesson, Krista shares stories and wisdom from her extensive ministry experience. Learn how you too can develop a meaningful relationship and naturally share your faith.
Lea Ann loves to welcome, serve and befriend international students. In this lesson, she contrasts the anxiety she felt on her first trip to Ethiopia with the peace that came through her local guide. How can we be comforting guides as we welcome and befriend international students? Lea Ann provides practical tips on how to meet internationals and build trusting relationships.
Gloria comes from the multicultural country of Malaysia and has always enjoyed working cross-culturally. An experienced ESL instructor, her passion for reaching internationals also comes from her experience as an international student. Gloria knows firsthand what it is like to receive the unconditional love of Christians, and she desires to share that love with other internationals. Gloria and her husband share this love by frequently opening their home to internationals.
For over four decades, Zeke has been working with high school and university students. With grandfatherly wit and charm, he connects with people of any age and background. Zeke has developed a unique way of training people in how to utilize their personal testimony to point people to Christ. In this lesson, Zeke shares some of his tips on how to craft your story to become your most powerful ministry tool.
