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Reaching the World for Christ—Through Technology

8/29/2016

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Learn more about how His ‘mighty power.’
 
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen,” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT).
 
With international student populations expected to explode in size over the next several years––doubling in the US alone—we are poised to witness God’s “mighty power” in opening even more hearts and minds to His Word! One of the ways we anticipate this is through the use of technology. In fact, our research department is strategizing and helping us adjust to constantly shifting conditions.
 
We’re paying serious attention to what we do, and how God is using it. We’re taking more and more steps in technology, and are anticipating much success in our M:28 app, which is to be released this year. We believe this will accelerate its explosive impact from the current 105,650 lives impacted to countless more!
 
In addition, we are passing out several Bibles to international students! We’ve now surpassed 20,000 International Student Bibles distributed, with plans for another print run under discussion!
 
On the social-media front, our “iStudents” app has experienced over 5,708 downloads, 14,790 launches and 55,045 visits. Learn more about our app here.
 
We are thrilled to see how social media, including the implementation of our app, helps us in our mission to reach every international student for Christ! One of our ministry friends shared with us how technology has blessed him by allowing him to keep in touch with international students who have returned home:
 
“Since I have friends in over 35 different countries, I cannot afford to call or write each one. But I can communicate with people quickly and securely over the Internet. Through these social networks, I can maintain relationships with students after they leave the college where I serve. Oftentimes, I have seen students thrive on the Godly support system surrounding them while they’re here. When they get home, however, it can be a vast spiritual wasteland; a place where they may not know anyone who loves Jesus. Facebook and Skype give me a chance to be part of lives that would otherwise be lost to geography. I can chat with my friend from the Ivory Coast, Skype with another in China, and then email a message to my friend in Norway. I can travel the globe without leaving home. For a person who is retired or limited in their ability to go places, this is a perfect way to serve the Lord—by reaching the world through technology.”
 
Another way we are able to “reach the world through technology,” is through our Global Media Outreach evangelism website. Our results have been outstanding! In just one year, the website led to:
  • 183,789 Gospel presentations
  • 10,174 students accepting Christ
  • 10,479 students requesting discipleship
 
Friend, what a blessing to be able to expand our technological outreach to touch the lives of so many international students! We give full glory to God, “who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think,” Ephesians 3:20 (NLT). Please lift our ministry up in prayer as we continue seeing His “mighty power” literally change the hearts and minds of international students from all over the world!
 
For More Information
Visit our Global Media Outreach evangelism website so you can see how to share Jesus in every country of the world!
 
Learn more about International Students, Inc.’s first app for international students!
Download the app here.
 
Learn more about the M:28 Global Discipleship Initiative.




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Former Hindu Student Discovers ‘Jesus-Size Hole’ in His Life

8/22/2016

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Learn how God’s love can soften the sharpest edges of bitterness and anger.
 
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord,” Leviticus 19:18 (NLT).
 
“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7 (NLT).
 
Each year, our TRUE Leadership Conferences offer a unique experience and time of growth for international students in some of the most breathtaking areas of the United States. Not only do students participate in adventurous activities that include zip-lining, swimming and hiking, but they also get to spend time with ministry leaders who share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them!
 
Our recent 2016 Conference in North Carolina this spring brought together 70 students from 26 countries for four incredible days! They overcame challenges like a “disturbance” by an individual who drove hours to try and disrupt the conference, yet failed miserably. Thank you, Lord, for protecting our students and staff during this incredible conference! And though the forecast of “100% chance of rain” could have ruined much of the conference, it didn’t—in fact, not even one drop of rain occurred during our outdoor sessions! What a blessing this was for attendees!
 
I would be remiss if I did not share with you an aspect of the conference that brings me great joy: I am thrilled when the Christian international students, who gave their lives to Christ at a past TRUE Leadership Conference, return to share and give back to conference attendees. Conference participants mentioned being “blown away” by how our staff “respected” them even though many were not Christians. Many gave their lives to Him.
 
Friend, we continue receiving testimonies that underscore the power of our mission to reach every international student for Christ. With your prayers, support and encouragement, you help us birth testimonies like this one:
 
“Born and raised in a Hindu society, I worshipped many gods as part of my traditional religion. I used to be moody and bitter, thinking the gods were punishing me because of some wrongdoing. I noticed my anger when I first came to the US; my graduate group did not treat me well, and I responded in anger and bitterness. I did not want to take any responsibility for the problems; I argued and picked fights relentlessly. Fortunately, God surrounded me with Christians, and He used them to lovingly lead me towards Him.  
 
After joining a Bible study group on campus, I realized that I had a Jesus-size hole in my life and asked Him into my heart as Lord and Savior. Desiring to know more about my God, I began to read the Bible on my own. Ever since, my heart has become lighter since I no longer carry the burden of guilt within me. God continues to work in me to show me humility and forgiveness. Others have confirmed the changes in my personality, as well. I am more self-confident because I know that God will guide me and give me the strength I need. I no longer feel anger or bitterness towards those who hurt me because God has shown me how to humbly forgive others, just as He has forgiven me. I wholeheartedly want to follow God’s Word, do what pleases Him, and bring glory to His name. Words cannot describe how happy I am to share everything with the God who knows me completely and is working to make me a new creature.”
 
For those of us who have invited Jesus to dwell in the rooms of our heart, we understand how His perfect love can ease even the sharpest edges of one’s bitterness and anger. Yes, Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins because of His unconditional love for us. This student’s powerful testimony shows how our belief in Him really does make us a new creation. I love how this student let God show him how “to humbly forgive others, just as He has forgiven me.”
 
I am reminded of God’s commandment to Moses to “...not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord,” Leviticus 19:18 (NLT).
 
We continue receiving stories like this showing how God is literally changing the hearts and minds of international students. Last year, in fact, our ministry continued reaching one international student per hour every day. What a blessing to live out and share God’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” These new believers then go out and continue the ripple affect of this commandment—we see it time and again!
 
Friend, I want you to know that we cherish your prayers for our staff, volunteers and students as they navigate environments that can be hostile to Christianity. Please continue to pray for hearts and minds open to God’s Word—that the Great Commission continues traveling through ministry staff, volunteers and returnees to every corner of the Earth!
 
For More Information
Learn more about Hinduism and how to talk to Hindus about the Good News of Jesus Christ.
 
Learn more about the TRUE Leadership Conference by reading Dr. Shaw’s blog “TRUE Leadership Inspires, Encourages International Student.”
 
Watch this video to learn more about the TRUE Leadership Conference.

 
 


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Evidence for the Presence—Signs of God on the move!

8/15/2016

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Learn more about the evidences of His blessing on International Students, Inc.
 
“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ (which means ‘Yes’) ascends to God for his glory,” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT).
 
“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection,”
Psalm 18:30 (NLT).
 
Recently, when pondering the magnanimous ways of the Lord, He reminded me of example after thrilling example of His faithfulness to International Students, Inc. I feel compelled to share these “signs” with you, because they are clear evidences of His presence and blessing on our ministry together:
 
  • Sign One: Our M:28 Global Discipleship model continues to expand and touch the lives of people around the world! During this year alone, we’ve made strategic presentations in Mexico, Australia, Togo, China and Kenya. Not too long ago, we experienced an exciting response to an M:28 Bible study in Kenya, where ministry staff and student returnees were leading a training. Kenya is now setting aside a place for M:28 training in a government office building! This followed an M:28 event attended by 50 people, including the nation’s Majority Leaders and House Speaker!
 
  • Sign Two: Several churches are expressing sincere interest reaching international students! We currently have 2,630 partnering churches from several denominations. Our objective is to add 1,000 new church partners over the next three years who will be trained in M:28 Global Discipleship and ministry to international students. We continue to field interest from both non-denominational and denominational groups of churches. One group numbered 230 individual congregations. Groups of ethnically-profiled churches have expressed interest. Two other major evangelical bodies have expressed interest in having us engage their members. And many are launching major, long-term projects with International Students, Inc.!
 
  • Sign Three: Mobilization among ministry leaders who want to reach international students is increasing! I recently gave the keynote address at a meeting of the Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals. 180 leaders gathered to plan how we can jointly address the anticipated doubling of international students in America by 2020.
 
Friend, God’s faithfulness to International Students, Inc. abounds! I am reminded of the Psalmist who said: “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection,” Psalm 18:30 (NLT).
 
Thank you, friend, for your faithfulness to our ministry. We are forever blessed and humbled by your prayers for our mission to reach every international student for Christ.
 
 
For More Information
Visit www.isim28.org for more information about our M:28 Global Discipleship Initiative.
 
Watch this video to learn more about the Churches Reaching Nation campaign.


 
 
 


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Having Peace in Him—Even in Harm’s Way

8/8/2016

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Returnee students continue sharing faith, even in countries hostile to Christianity.
 
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world,” John 16:33 (NLT).
 
Not too long ago, three top officials from a large Chinese province accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior through attending a Bible study led by International Students, Inc.! These leaders—the head of education, the head of public administration and the head Communist Party executive of a province of 3 million people—came to know the Lord.
 
The education chief was so on-fire for the Lord that he pledged the following:
 
“I may not be able to put the Gospel into our curricula right away, but I will start promoting Christian themes in our schools the minute I return!”
 
As you may know, Chinese Christians are up against a wall of darkness and intolerance when it comes to returning to their homeland as believers. It is a huge blessing when one not only returns as a believer, but returns home ready to spread the Gospel, whatever the cost.
 
Friend, we hear stories like this often here in the corporate headquarters. Many returnees—from other countries in the 10/40 window—are taking the initiative to share the Good News even in places that are hostile to Christians. Quite a few are even reproducing the M:28 Discovery Bible Study! Please, would you take some time to pray for our returnee students who are finding ways to share their faith, even when it could put them in harm’s way?
 
I am reminded of when Jesus tells His disciples that their sorrow will turn to joy. Jesus continues later in the chapter with telling them: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world,”
John 16:33 (NLT).

 
I pray this is an encouragement to returnees facing dangerous situations, that they have “peace in Him.” I also pray this for you—I know that no matter where you live, there are countless tribulations. I pray for all of us to “take heart,” because Jesus Christ has overcome the world. No matter what kind of darkness attempts to overcome the light, know that the darkness cannot overcome the light. I encourage you to live out your faith and have peace in His perfect love for you.
 
For More Information
Watch this video to learn more about how ISI is changing the lives of international students by reaching its future leaders.

Learn more about the M:28 Global Discipleship Initiative.
 
Take a look at this ISI video to learn more about our Churches Reaching Nations campaign.


 




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From Lost to Found

8/2/2016

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Learn more about a high-profile returnee who is sharing his faith—fervently!
 
“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them,” Matthew 18:20 (NLT).
 
When we first met this young international student, he was a typical, lost student attending an International Students, Inc. event, scanning the room for a place to sit and seeking the face of someone he knew. At the time, our ministry staff and volunteers had no idea how far this young man would climb in his career upon returning to his country. Yet, as we see time and again, this international student turned out to be a returnee with a high-profile position--an advisor to his nation’s President on strategic and military studies and Islamic terrorism.
 
This young man is so committed to reaching international students in his city that he actively consults with us here at International Students, Inc. about his future plans. It’s always such an encouragement to hear from him! He speaks fondly of his mentor, who now considers him to be an “Ambassador for Christ.” And, he certainly is! This young man has supervised seven doctoral students--three of them children of Islamic-Heads-of-State!
 
His story illustrates so well the fact that international students are “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” He’s far from the only highly-placed and influential of student returnees. But his story illustrates a new discovery: “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today” are not only helping us impact hard-to-reach and influential nations, but it’s as if an all-knowing, all-powerful hand gathered them in advance to target the very countries doing their worst to resist the Gospel.
 
Friend, I hope this story underscores just how important your prayers and support are to our ministry! You directly impact international students and the Christian missionaries who boldly share the Gospel with them. Thank you for all you do to support our mission to reach every international student for Christ. For the second year in a row, we have seen one student come to Christ every hour, and we’re on our way to seeing those results continue through our current Academic Year! So far this academic year, we have:
  • made 72,060 student introductions,
  • formed 24,102 student relationships,
  • assisted in nearly 7,500 decisions for Christ,
  • fostered 4,609 discipleship relationships, and
  • recorded 273 reproducing student returnees overseas, with 314 reproducing in the US.
 
What a blessing to see so many students affected by the Good News, with so many decisions for Christ! We are so grateful for our volunteers and staff members who gather with others to minister to these students. I am reminded of the verse that says: “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them,” Matthew 18:20 (NLT). Please take a moment to pray for those on the “front lines” as Jesus’ followers, that they feel His presence among them at all times. Please pray for the students with whom they interact, that their hearts would be open and that they would be persons of peace. Thank you again for all your prayers! I look forward to updating you on more exciting news next month.
 
 
For More Information
Need inspiration? Visit our Daily Devotions page.
 
Learn how to become a ministry representative!

 
 
 
 


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