How do we navigate the challenges we face when serving Jesus in a self-serving world?
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28 (NLT).
As we share the love of Christ with international students, which the Lord sends into our lives, it’s important to remember just how life-changing the Word of God can be in their lives. Sharing the Gospel with international students here in the US often traverses into the hearts and minds of people in countries around the world.
Jesus came to minister, not to be ministered unto. Scripture illustrates this beautifully in the following verse: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28 (NLT). Jesus served people without regard to who they were because God created them. We are called to do the same as we reach out to international students.
It’s not always easy, though, to dedicate our time and resources in our fast-paced culture. We all face so many challenges in our day-to-day lives. It can often be a struggle to make time for those in our own families. How do we keep atop the challenges we face as we strive to follow Jesus? We can do this with T.O.P., an easy-to-remember acronym that highlights the importance of the following actions:
I am reminded of a story from one of our friends at International Students, Inc. Several years ago, in addition to being one of our ministry volunteers, our friend was employed at a large university. In his position, he was responsible for the operation of a large campus office. In that role, several international students were assigned to work for him through the work-study program.
One day, he decided he wanted to assign a large photocopying project to Jose, a young man from Central America. After looking around the office for Jose, another international student told him something that blew him away: Jose returned home to run for President!
Our ISI friend said you could have knocked him over with a feather! Isn’t it amazing? Many of the students we work with here at ISI return home to hold leadership positions in government, law, academia and other fields. This underscores the value of taking the time to minister and serve these students when they are here in the United States. The ripple effect of sharing the Good News can change the world!
Friend, I believe we are called to prayer and to be proactive, realizing we are all on a timeline like the Bible says. We are so thankful for all the people who pray for us as we strive to reach every international student for Christ!
For More Information
Want to make a difference in the life of an international student? Learn how to become an ISI Friendship Partner.
Need some encouragement? Read these short essays from some of our ISI staff members.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28 (NLT).
As we share the love of Christ with international students, which the Lord sends into our lives, it’s important to remember just how life-changing the Word of God can be in their lives. Sharing the Gospel with international students here in the US often traverses into the hearts and minds of people in countries around the world.
Jesus came to minister, not to be ministered unto. Scripture illustrates this beautifully in the following verse: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28 (NLT). Jesus served people without regard to who they were because God created them. We are called to do the same as we reach out to international students.
It’s not always easy, though, to dedicate our time and resources in our fast-paced culture. We all face so many challenges in our day-to-day lives. It can often be a struggle to make time for those in our own families. How do we keep atop the challenges we face as we strive to follow Jesus? We can do this with T.O.P., an easy-to-remember acronym that highlights the importance of the following actions:
- Turning our burdens toward the Lord.
- Overcoming Barriers.
- Praying and Interceding.
I am reminded of a story from one of our friends at International Students, Inc. Several years ago, in addition to being one of our ministry volunteers, our friend was employed at a large university. In his position, he was responsible for the operation of a large campus office. In that role, several international students were assigned to work for him through the work-study program.
One day, he decided he wanted to assign a large photocopying project to Jose, a young man from Central America. After looking around the office for Jose, another international student told him something that blew him away: Jose returned home to run for President!
Our ISI friend said you could have knocked him over with a feather! Isn’t it amazing? Many of the students we work with here at ISI return home to hold leadership positions in government, law, academia and other fields. This underscores the value of taking the time to minister and serve these students when they are here in the United States. The ripple effect of sharing the Good News can change the world!
Friend, I believe we are called to prayer and to be proactive, realizing we are all on a timeline like the Bible says. We are so thankful for all the people who pray for us as we strive to reach every international student for Christ!
For More Information
Want to make a difference in the life of an international student? Learn how to become an ISI Friendship Partner.
Need some encouragement? Read these short essays from some of our ISI staff members.
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