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What Better Time for the Gospel than When ‘All is Lost’?

9/26/2016

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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.


 


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ISI Volunteers Find Joy in Serving Students

9/19/2016

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Read about some of our ministry partners and learn how volunteering enhances their lives!
 
 “And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’” Acts 20:35 (NLT).
 
Not too long ago, our ministry gathered together for a wonderful evening to celebrate The Year of the Volunteer. Approximately 25 volunteers were present, representing our 25,000 volunteers, for a time of special prayer and recognition. I heard countless expressions of gratitude for the privilege of volunteering in Christ’s work. I was reminded of this verse in Ephesians:
 
“By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving Him
by spreading this Good News,” Ephesians 3:7 (NLT).
 
We are so grateful for all of our volunteers and their continual acts of service in His name. I love hearing stories from them about how they feel honored and privileged to continue the Great Commission by ministering to international students. One major donor attended our Year of the Volunteer event with his wife. They did not attend as special guests, but as volunteers sharing the bond they formed with our ministry, after personally working with international students. Many of the students they worked with accepted Christ in their own home. Another volunteer told me that after working with International Students, Inc. in his city for a decade, his main goal during retirement was to grow even more deeply involved.
 
We love hearing stories from our volunteers! Their testimonies serve as a great encouragement to us as we move forward with our mission to reach every international student for Christ. One of our volunteers shared the following story with our Home Office:
 
“ My husband I feel our lives have been enriched by knowing others from all over the world. Being a Friendship Partner Family to many Chinese students has given us much joy. So many are very grateful to both of us, as we loan furniture. A few months ago, I asked a recently widowed Christian, who is also retired, to help. She is finding much joy and purpose in being a friend to international women. She has much time to devote to helping a visiting scholar and her fifth-grade son. She too has found new joy and purpose in this ministry! I have seen younger families find much joy in being Friendship Partner Families to international students. The students love to be with the children. The families are enriched. They too find joy in sharing their faith with the students.”
 
Why do I love to share stories like this? Because even when the darkness of the world seems to pervade our surroundings—near and far—the Gospel never runs out of opportunities. And that applies to you as well! Friend, I pray that you, too, find joy in your faith this week. I pray that your service to Him fills you with joy. I encourage you to visit our blog here next week as I continue sharing more volunteer stories and highlights from our recent conference!
 
For More Information
Learn more about becoming a Friendship Partner with ISI.

Learn more about other volunteer opportunities with ISI.

Read Dr. Shaw’s Blog, “Reaching Out, Finding Joy: ISI Volunteer Helps International Students Feel Right at Home.”




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ISI Celebrates ‘Year of the Volunteer’ at 2016 National Conference

9/12/2016

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Learn more about our ministry volunteers who boldly share the Gospel with international students.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago,” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
 
Here at International Students, Inc., we are blessed by the dedication of our more than 25,000 volunteers across the country. These selfless servants continually support what we do by reaching out and befriending international students in their respective communities. Our volunteers are missionaries right here in the United States.
 
In June, we were able to honor and celebrate our volunteers and their invaluable contributions to our ministry during our “Year of the Volunteer” 2016 National Conference in Denver, Colorado. We are deeply appreciative of every single volunteer who serves with us. It was our privilege to highlight their contributions and stories during our conference.
 
Acts 20:24 (NLT) states:
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
 
Our theme during the conference was “Completing the Assignment.” Our volunteers, with their tireless efforts to fulfill the Great Commission, are prime examples of people who are actively “finishing the work assigned” by the Lord Jesus. They are actively “completing the assignment” on a daily basis. And they are changing lives—literally.
 
Take, for example, the story of one of our volunteers in Muncie, Indiana. Hope volunteers with international students at Ball State University. After helping one of our ministry staff members lead a Bible study, Hope went on to lead a study on her own when the staff member moved. She writes:

“God has opened doors, which I never would have imagined with students, faculty, and their wives. He has given my retirement years a joyful experience, with a God-ordained purpose. I look forward to teaching the Bible with English lessons that always result during the week and on Sunday. The Chinese Bible class on Sundays currently has about five regulars who ask thought-provoking questions as they seek to know God and want to be sure of more truth before committing their lives to the Savior. I cannot imagine a more joyful retirement. I never know what door will open next. For example, today I took a Muslim professor from Bangladesh, along with his wife and son, to Indianapolis to be fingerprinted. They know I am a follower of Jesus. Through such experiences, I pray and trust that God’s love radiates through me.”
 
We, here at International Students, Inc., for the second year in a row, have seen one student for every single hour for every single day accept Jesus Christ. There are clearly signs of movement to the Lord.
 
I believe this ministry is critical because of our stewardship. We are called to be good stewards. We are to be aware, but not afraid. We are people of Hope. We are people of peace. We are people of Love.
 
As Scripture tells us:
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago,” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT).
 
We are people who declare boldly that there is celebration in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ—every opportunity we get. We are called to be stewards of The Great Commission.
 
I am thrilled that for the next few weeks I will get to share in my blog other stories highlighting our incredible volunteers who boldly share the Gospel with international students. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing more next week!
 
For More Information
Read Dr. Shaw’s blog “ISI Staff, Volunteers Leave Lasting Impact.”

Learn more about how to use your unique talents and gifts to bless the lives of international students.




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Finding Mercy in the Midst of Mayhem

9/6/2016

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An ‘attitude of gratitude’ can bring forth showers of blessing!
 
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done,” 1 Chronicles 16:8 (NLT).
 
“I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations,” Psalm 57:9 (NLT).
 
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do His work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve Him,” 1 Timothy 1:12 (NLT).
 
 
In our troubled world, it’s easy to forget the countless blessings in our lives. Too often, our present circumstances can crowd out attitudes of gratitude and praise toward the Lord. But, it’s exactly in these times we need Him even more. You’ll find that once you get started thanking and praising God and loving Him, He will send showers of blessing.
 
I am reminded of Paul’s gratitude for God’s mercy, when he says “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do His work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve Him,” 1 Timothy 1:12 (NLT).
 
Paul then calls himself the “worst” of sinners, and highlights God’s mercy on him so that “Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners,” 1 Timothy 1:16a (NLT).
 
I mention this as an example of how we can always thank God for His blessings, His mercy, His compassion. The world may appear as if it’s crumbling right before our eyes, but the Lord’s strength will never fail. His love will never fail. I encourage you to take some time this week to pray for God’s glory to shine in your life, and to thank Him for all the blessings He has given you. It’s amazing what happens when we remember to do that. Whatever you have been through in your life, God can use it for His glory!
 
I want to share a simple story with you from one of our staff members who helps facilitate M:28 Bible studies. He writes:
 
“During a recent Southwest staff retreat, one of our staff members from Arizona asked for prayer for the regular Bible studies and the M:28 Bible Studies, which were taking place in her home while she was away. She received a phone call from home telling her the power had gone out, and asking where the flashlights and candles were. She wondered if the Lord had heard their earlier prayers, but the staff at the retreat prayed again, in faith, that God would be glorified. Not only did the lights come back on, but we heard later that one of the students in an M:28 study had put his trust in Christ! We praised God and rejoiced over answered prayer, but especially for this new Chinese brother in Christ!”
 
Maybe it’s just a “coincidence,” but I believe God heard their prayers and went above and beyond to answer them! I hope this is an encouragement to you. I want to leave you with four additional points of encouragement to remember no matter what your circumstances are:
 
  1. Continually thank God.
  2. Pray that students receive His message, not merely our human ideas.
  3. Let the Word of God speak—the very word of God!
  4. Watch as His word continues to work spreading through believing students and returnees.
 
Friend, thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement for our ministry! We so appreciate your taking the time to read our blogs and journey with us through the incredible blessings God is showering on us. I pray that your week is fruitful, and blessed, and that His glory shines in your life!
 
For More Information
For more words of encouragement, visit ISI’s Church Partners link.
 
Visit www.isim28.org for more information on ISI’s M:28 Global Discipleship Initiative.

 

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