
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11 (NLT).
“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others,” Mark 4:14 (NLT).
How does a Believer navigate a world cluttered with chaos and uncertainty? Although it’s not always easy in our fast-paced culture, it is vital to keep God’s word with us throughout the day. His Word is our greatest shield. As the Psalmist writes: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you,” Psalm 119:11 (NLT).
As a ministry, ISI is burrowing down even deeper into the bedrock of God’s Word. I love seeing how God is working through our staff and volunteers to plant seeds “by taking God’s word to others,” Mark 4:14 (NLT). I want to share with you some of the many highlights we have experienced in recent months that reflect the planting of such seeds.
The Tejas Student Retreat
The Tejas Student Retreat is an annual camping trip for international students. Sponsored and run by International Students, Inc., participants experience an American camping trip over Spring Break in Texas.
Once again, the retreat shattered all known expectations. Long before the event, staff members were asked to spend four hours daily in prayer for its success. Worldwide, we’re blessed to see response rates of 10%––one out of ten asking to learn about Jesus. At the Tejas Student Retreat, half of unbelieving student attendees asked to know more about Jesus! What an incredible testament to the value of “taking God’s Word to others.” Thank you to all the volunteers and staff member who ministered to students during the retreat!
For pictures and videos of the Tejas Student Retreat 2016, visit http://utaisi.phanfare.com/7119301.
The Church Mobilization Initiative
We are also thrilled at the re-launching of our Church Mobilization Initiative. Currently, we are seeking to add 1,000 new church partners over the next three years to be trained in M:28 Global Discipleship and ministry to international students. Our approach will include live and online training events, personal follow-up and key resources and tools for effective ministry. We currently have 476 ministry partners and 1,917 partnering churches from several denominations. We are looking forward to continued growth and success with this exciting initiative!
M:28 Global Discipleship Training--in Kenya!
One of our most effective ways to “plant seeds” is by way of the M:28 Discovery Bible Study. As you may know, the study continues to spread like wildfire across the US and overseas! We recently experienced a bold response to the M:28 Bible study in Kenya, where student returnees and ministry staff led a training. The results are astounding: The country is actually setting aside a place for M:28 training in a government office building! This came after 50 people, including the nation’s Majority Leader and House Speaker, attended an event.
Elsewhere in the country, 92 pastors crammed into a room meant to hold only 75 individuals. Afterwards, the chairman came up and vowed that M:28 will have offices where the government is. In another special event, government officials handed out certificates vowing to give M:28 a home from which it can hold regular trainings on an ongoing basis, then go on to impact the city, state, and even the world!
Thank you, friend, for your prayers, support and encouragement as we continue “planting seeds” of Truth and Hope in the lives of international students! Please keep us in our prayers as we move forward with our mission to reach every international student for Christ!
For More Information
Learn more about ISI’s Tejas Retreat.
View pictures and videos of this year’s Tejas Student Retreat.
Learn more about ISI’s Church Mobilization Initiative