Learn more about how ministry volunteers and staff are paving the path for international students.
“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT).
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us,”
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT).
In these times, when it seems as though “all is lost,” it’s important to remember that the Gospel never runs out of opportunities. God’s Word never runs out of Hope. The Christian philosopher Simone Weil once wrote, “You could not wish to have been born in a better time than when all is lost.”
Though I don’t believe that all is lost; with Christ on my side, I never sink that far. But I do believe we live in unsettling times, and I heartily agree with her paradox. Dark days like ours can actually be ideal ones in which to live…if you are serving God.
That’s why I feel a strange peace, even hope, about our world today. Not long ago, I addressed the gloom and chaos in my opening remarks to an event promoting vision and hope—our National Conference in Denver, Colorado. I mentioned the rise of an unstable world filled with chaos, lawlessness and people doing what is right in their own eyes. I also talked about our nation’s redefinition of marriage and the increasing polarization of opinions about Christianity.
But then I looked out across a group of people doing as much to change that chaos as any on the planet. And together, we spent four power-packed days not only inspiring each other to keep advancing God’s Kingdom, but encouraging and equipping each other to flourish.
A notable pastor delivered an unforgettable message in how to finish strong in ministry. His unforgettable address was marked by laughter, tears, and everything in between. But his point was indelible––it takes endurance and Godly strength to finish the race, both in life and in full-time Christian service. We covet this outcome for all of our ministry family members!
Preparation for spiritual movement came under the scrutiny of Dr. George Otis, Jr., whose Sentinel Group is possibly the leading global tracker and chronicler of spiritual trends. Dr. Otis shared with us the full meaning and gravity of a legitimate spiritual movement. He also briefed us on the supreme importance of having a vibrant story and telling it well––the core requirement for a growing and thriving spiritual movement.
In addition to great learning, we also spent time during the conference celebrating our more than 25,000 volunteers with a special evening filled with fellowship and worship. We celebrated the fact that, because of the tireless support of our ministry friends and staff, International Students, Inc. continues to reach one student for Christ per hour.
To all of our volunteers and supporters, thank you for your endurance in these challenging times. Your service and dedication to the Lord is a constant reminder that all is not lost. You radiate the light of the Lord and are paving the path of righteousness for thousands of students.
“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT).
For More Information
Learn more about how you can reach the world from your own doorstep.
Read an inspiring story about how volunteering with ISI helped further one woman’s walk with the Lord.
“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT).
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us,”
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT).
In these times, when it seems as though “all is lost,” it’s important to remember that the Gospel never runs out of opportunities. God’s Word never runs out of Hope. The Christian philosopher Simone Weil once wrote, “You could not wish to have been born in a better time than when all is lost.”
Though I don’t believe that all is lost; with Christ on my side, I never sink that far. But I do believe we live in unsettling times, and I heartily agree with her paradox. Dark days like ours can actually be ideal ones in which to live…if you are serving God.
That’s why I feel a strange peace, even hope, about our world today. Not long ago, I addressed the gloom and chaos in my opening remarks to an event promoting vision and hope—our National Conference in Denver, Colorado. I mentioned the rise of an unstable world filled with chaos, lawlessness and people doing what is right in their own eyes. I also talked about our nation’s redefinition of marriage and the increasing polarization of opinions about Christianity.
But then I looked out across a group of people doing as much to change that chaos as any on the planet. And together, we spent four power-packed days not only inspiring each other to keep advancing God’s Kingdom, but encouraging and equipping each other to flourish.
A notable pastor delivered an unforgettable message in how to finish strong in ministry. His unforgettable address was marked by laughter, tears, and everything in between. But his point was indelible––it takes endurance and Godly strength to finish the race, both in life and in full-time Christian service. We covet this outcome for all of our ministry family members!
Preparation for spiritual movement came under the scrutiny of Dr. George Otis, Jr., whose Sentinel Group is possibly the leading global tracker and chronicler of spiritual trends. Dr. Otis shared with us the full meaning and gravity of a legitimate spiritual movement. He also briefed us on the supreme importance of having a vibrant story and telling it well––the core requirement for a growing and thriving spiritual movement.
In addition to great learning, we also spent time during the conference celebrating our more than 25,000 volunteers with a special evening filled with fellowship and worship. We celebrated the fact that, because of the tireless support of our ministry friends and staff, International Students, Inc. continues to reach one student for Christ per hour.
To all of our volunteers and supporters, thank you for your endurance in these challenging times. Your service and dedication to the Lord is a constant reminder that all is not lost. You radiate the light of the Lord and are paving the path of righteousness for thousands of students.
“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT).
For More Information
Learn more about how you can reach the world from your own doorstep.
Read an inspiring story about how volunteering with ISI helped further one woman’s walk with the Lord.
RSS Feed