An international meal is part of the experience
“To know Him is to love Him.” The foundation of love is in the knowing. As it is with God, so it is with our fellow man. Knowing your story gives me the connective stuff to move my heart, it causes me to be invested in your life. This has been the foundation of our training people to love cross-culturally. We invite students to come and share their experience of transition to life in the United States with Chi Alpha leaders and church staffers so that ministry becomes about people’s stories and not about abstract concepts. We call this experiential training “Discover the Nations” and it is changing the way American students and staff view our friends from other cultures. Discover the Nations, the brain child of Kelly Brown, campus pastor at University of Texas, is a two day interactive training experience, which offers coaching from myself and other veteran campus leaders and intersperses personal stories of the journeys of international students. Here are a few statements from Chi Alpha staff and student leaders who have taken part in this important training:
“I LOVED DISCOVER THE NATIONS. I think the thing that impacted me the most was the testimonies from the international students. I realized at Discover the Nations that I treat them like they’re just my international friends…not actual friends that I would just call if I wanted to hang out. It’s as if they are only my friends on ISFM nights, or when it’s convenient for me. But after hearing the testimonies from the students, I realized (and was grieved in my heart, really) that these students want and need real relationship, not just a Friday-night friend. They don’t just want to hear about American culture, or to tell me about their culture; they want someone who will listen to their hearts and who will also share their heart with them.”
“I feel like I learned so much in such a short amount of time. This was definitely a God-led conference. It has helped to give me new vision and a deeper passion for international students. I am so glad I was able to come and have this experience.”
“This is the best kept secret of mission training.”
Our friends have so much to share
The true reward is to hear of the international students who are coming to Christ because they are truly being loved by our Chi Alpha people. None of this would be possible if it were not for your involvement in this ministry. Your support empowers Gwen and me to provide leadership and vision to this critical outreach to the future elite of the nations of the world. We look forward to the day in heaven when we will get to hear each story of each international that you have helped to love in Jesus’ name. Thank You!