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Fiercely In Dependence—On Him

2/27/2017

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It is only because of His grace that we can do anything!
 
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him,”
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT).
 
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need,” Matthew 6:33 (NLT).
 
In our culture, independence and self-reliance are not only encouraged, but in a way they are expected and oftentimes celebrated. There is nothing wrong, in and of itself, with being an independent person. The problem occurs when we resort to relying only on ourselves. We begin to think we are the ones who make things happen!
 
We can all relate to this feeling of weakness—it’s part of the human condition. But something amazing happens when instead of being fiercely independent, we become fiercely in dependence on Him. When we encounter obstacles, doubts, rejection and disappointments, we are able to clearly see our weaknesses and realize that it is only because of His grace that we can do anything.
 
Let us be reminded of the Apostle Paul and his wisdom concerning the power in weakness:
 
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT).
 
I want to share the following story about an international student whose weaknesses or hardships proved to be her greatest strength. Our ministry friend writes:
 
“Becky was raised in a large family in rural Africa. She faced many challenges growing up with all the hardships of living in such an oppressed area of her country. Her family did not have much materially—not by the world’s standards, but her parents were committed to their children obtaining a good education. With that education, Becky, along with some of her siblings, was able to come to America and study. She started at the New York Fashion Institute and developed a design business that created jobs both in the United States and in her home country. God led her to seminary and then on to New York University and Harvard. Becky’s heart was always to use her position here to help people, not only in her country, but also in other African countries. God granted her favor. Today, she serves with her embassy in Washington, D.C., networks with the leadership of various African countries with the goal of economic development throughout Africa. Becky leads an organization that is designed for the training of business leaders across Africa. God is bringing hope and change to many nations through the life, effort, faith and perseverance of this very special woman.”
 
God desires a heart that seeks Him. And with such a heart, He opens doors of service. Friend, I pray that whatever you are going through in your life right now that you are fully surrendered to your Heavenly Father. His grace is all you need. Seek Him first, and He will open doors that will bless you beyond measure!
 
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need,” Matthew 6:33 (NLT).
 

For More Information

Did you know that ISI offers a variety of free training resources to help people grow and develop cross-cultural ministry skills? Visit our training site to learn more and to access our free training modules.
 



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His Power Works Best in Weakness

2/23/2017

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Scripture reminds us, beautifully, that the Lord is with us—even in those dark moments when we may feel completely alone.
 
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness,” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT).
 
When facing difficult situations, it can be easy to feel small and powerless. Scripture records many instances of men and women of God who persevered in great faith during harsh trials and challenges. I see these stories as gifts from the Lord for succeeding generations. We can learn so much, and glean great encouragement from those who have endured sometimes unimaginable hardship. Scripture reminds us, beautifully, that the Lord is with us—even in those dark moments when we may feel completely alone:
 
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you,” Isaiah 43:2 (NLT).
 
The following story, sent in by one of our ministry friends, is a great reminder of how to trust in the Lord through all life circumstances—the good, the bad and the ugly! Our ministry friend writes:
 
“As an internatio
nal student in the United States, Esther certainly experienced many challenges. Her grandfather got seriously ill during her final exams, and she was not able to return home to say her last goodbye. She also lost her car just months after she bought it, and found out her boyfriend had left her for another girl. These are just a few things Esther was dealing with. Fortunately, some Christians befriended her and genuinely cared for her. They often invited her to Friday night Bible studies. She felt particularly fascinated in discussing the stories of Joseph and Job and how they dealt with major discouragement and disappointment in their lives. She knew that she didn’t have the wisdom and strength these men of God had displayed. A friend in the Bible study group wisely pointed her to God’s promise in Isaiah: ‘Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.’”
 
When going through trials, it helps to hold on to God’s examples of faithfulness. Friend, do not let doubt and fear creep in and mislead you. Remember that His grace and power can work wonders in our darkest moments!
 
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness,” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT).
 
For More Information
Learn more and download some of our free ministry materials.
 
Learn more about becoming a Ministry Representative for ISI!



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With Boldness and Love

2/13/2017

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Following the urge to reach out to someone could lead to unexpected blessings!
 
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden,” Matthew 5:14 (NLT).
 
God’s love shows up in the most unique places and circumstances. Take, for example, the story we received from a businessman who was able to minister to a couple at a community swing dance event!
 
While waiting for his turn on the dance floor, the man saw an Asian couple standing off to the side, reluctant to participate—as if they felt more than a little out-of-place. The businessman at first ignored the particular urging he had to walk over and speak with them. But the impulse persisted, so he gave in and slowly approached the couple. Not only did the Illinois businessman introduce himself, he kindly showed the couple some dance steps!
 
It turns out that the couple had just arrived in the United States from their native land. The businessman not only taught them some dance moves, and helped them survive their first awkward social event in the States, but he also befriended them. After meeting the couple, the businessman wondered, “What do I do next?” That’s when a friend introduced him to a ministry that specializes in reaching out to and sharing God’s unconditional love and support to international students. His friend mentioned how the caring staff and volunteers of International Students, Inc. would help him assist the couple with their transition to life in America.
 
One of our ministry friends sent in a brief description of what happened next. He writes:
 
“As he began contacting International Students, Inc., the businessman finally learned the truth about the couple he had spotted so innocently on the dance floor. In fact, the Asian gentleman was actually Chief Justice of his nation’s Supreme Court! In a country where Christians are often persecuted for their faith, here was an individual, the Chief Justice, whose position could directly affect the fate of countless brothers and sisters in Christ. Amazingly, circumstances had placed this influential person one ‘innocent’ conversation away from an encounter with Christ!”
 
We never know when God will place a life-changing—even world-changing—encounter within the realm of our everyday activities. From grocery lines to community dance floors, following the urge to reach out to someone could lead to something much larger than ourselves. While we cannot engage every single person we see in a soul-winning conversation, we can remain sensitive to God’s leading. A simple conversation can provide the opportunity for His compassion and mercy to shine through us. In that way, His light can spread to those around us! As Scripture tell us:
 
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden,” Matthew 5-14 (NLT).
 
The Lord will tell us when the time is right for approaching an individual or group. After we hear from Him, it is our responsibility and blessing to respond in boldness and love. When we follow the Lord’s leading, we are able to radiate His grace to a world in desperate need of His unconditional acceptance and compassion. Let us pray for our staff and volunteers as they continue following God’s courageous lead to reach the lost in wisdom and faith.
 
For More Information
If you enjoy initiating relationships with people from other cultures, and feel called to see others reached with the Gospel of Jesus, you may want to become an ISI Ministry Representative. Learn more here.

 


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Perpetuating the Ministry Cycle, M28 Makes Disciples of all Nations

2/6/2017

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What a privilege to serve the Lord this way!
 
“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’” Acts17:27-28 (NLT).
 
Here at International Students, Inc., our goal is to perpetuate the ministry cycle. This includes:
1) Loving and obeying God,
2) Loving our neighbors as ourselves, and finally,
3) Making disciples of all nations.
 
We find that immense growth occurs when we actively engage in this cycle. Once we become followers of Jesus Christ, our goal is to reach out to others and share the Good News of Jesus Christ for His sake as well as our own.
 
Jesus made clear to the disciples that they were to “make disciples of nations” (Matthew 28:19). We, too, are called to live out the Great Commission in our mission to reach every international student for Christ. I am reminded of when the Apostle Paul made clear that the Lord’s desire is for all nations to learn of His character—that He is accessible to each of us:
 
“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’” Acts17:27-28 (NLT).
 
One of the ways we do this is through our M28 Global Discipleship Initiative designed to “engage, equip and empower disciples of Jesus to be disciple-makers in their world.” The initiative is dramatically changing how local ministries reach international students for global impact. The M28 model is simple and reproducible, meaning that anyone—believers and non-believers—can lead an M28 Bible study.
 
I am excited to share that we already have 4,245 leaders across the world trained in the M28 model with more than 106,125 people having been impacted by M28!
 
One of our ministry friends shared a story with us about Kai, an international scholar from China, who facilitates an M28 discipleship training. Our ministry friend writes:
 
“Kai had some intellectual questions about Christianity and China. I introduced him to a professor of debate who answered many of his questions. Kai asked the professor, ‘Is it okay for me to introduce other people to Jesus even if I still have some questions?’ (At International Students, Inc., a non-believer may facilitate the M28 discipleship discussions, leading other students through the list of questions and discussing them.) Kai’s enthusiasm about the M28 training is infectious! He is so excited about asking people to the training. I am overjoyed! We had an excellent conversation at a recent trip we took. He told me about a pivotal experience he had when his car was totaled in an accident in which he could easily have been killed. It was a good opportunity for me to talk to him about how he needed to decide about Jesus, because we never know when we will die. He’s very close to believing; but at this point, he is counting the cost. If Kai is baptized, he will be giving up his entire career in China. He has been talking to his father about God. His father is a Buddhist and open to these discussions. However, his mother is an atheist and will not engage in any discussions. This young man will be a leader going forward. I am in awe when I think about how God could use him in the future.”
 
Truly, what great opportunities we have. Think about the potential for the students who have been reached to return to their homes and reach others for Christ! We really can reach the nations for Christ from our humble homes. What a privilege to serve the Lord this way!
 
For More Information
Learn more about our M28 Global Discipleship Initiative.



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