Learn more about an international student who found purpose in her life after deciding to follow Jesus.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Jesus Christ returns,”
Philippians 1:6 (NLT).
In such a chaotic society, with so many choices and possible “roads not taken” to explore, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and sometimes even aimless—as if we are just wandering without purpose. I want to remind you of the fact that we, as Believers, have great purpose! Following Christ brings more meaning into our lives. Only through Him, can we feel truly alive. He is always there to guide us. As the Psalmist writes:
“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me,”
Psalm 139:9-10 (NLT).
When we know our purpose is to bring glory to Him, we discover that He heals our hurts and fills in the imperfections. He will always guide, lead, and hold us. All we have to do is believe in Him.
One of our ministry staff members shared a story with us about an international student whose testimony shows just how amazingly our lives change when we decide to follow Jesus. When Ruth came to the United States from the Philippines, she stopped attending church. Our staff member writes:
“Ruth had never been excited about church before, but had still gone, out of respect for her mom. Once she arrived in the US, though, that changed. Most of her friends were atheists. And that was fine with her. Why did she need God when she was having so much fun? Her life was perfect the way it was. But then her cousin came to visit her in the US and let Ruth know that her 11-year-old brother had died in a bicycle accident. Ruth immediately went back to the Philippines. ‘I was confused, hurt, angry, miserable and desperate,’ she said. ‘If the hospitals there had been any better, my brother would have had a chance. I was about to explode.’ After two weeks, Ruth returned to college in the US. Though she studied twice as hard, she couldn’t do anything else. She sank further into depression. Then, God led her to join a Bible study, she finally talked about her brother, let tears flow, and started to heal. That night, Ruth trusted Christ as her Savior. In a moment, she released all her frustrations and hurts into a positive outlet. Her life has more meaning now, and she knows God has a purpose for her.”
Just as Ruth found Christ during what was probably the darkest moment in her life, we must remember that He is there for us at all times. It is our belief in Him that brings us radiant hope! No matter what we are going through, it is important to remember that “...the God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Jesus Christ returns,” Philippians 1:6 (NLT).
Praise God for the incredible work He is doing in you! If you feel called to learn more about how you can minister to international students, please take some time to visit the websites below.
For More Information:
Volunteer Opportunities: International Students, Inc. offers several ways that you or your church can volunteer to serve international students. Take a moment to read about ISI’s volunteer opportunities.
M:28 Global Discipleship Model: Students around the world continue discovering God on their own directly from the Word in a community setting. Learn more about how you can get involved.
Church Mobilization Initiative: International Students, Inc. is reaching out to pastors and churches to talk with them about the possibilities to get involved in international student ministry! Learn more about our Church Mobilization Initiative.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Jesus Christ returns,”
Philippians 1:6 (NLT).
In such a chaotic society, with so many choices and possible “roads not taken” to explore, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and sometimes even aimless—as if we are just wandering without purpose. I want to remind you of the fact that we, as Believers, have great purpose! Following Christ brings more meaning into our lives. Only through Him, can we feel truly alive. He is always there to guide us. As the Psalmist writes:
“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me,”
Psalm 139:9-10 (NLT).
When we know our purpose is to bring glory to Him, we discover that He heals our hurts and fills in the imperfections. He will always guide, lead, and hold us. All we have to do is believe in Him.
One of our ministry staff members shared a story with us about an international student whose testimony shows just how amazingly our lives change when we decide to follow Jesus. When Ruth came to the United States from the Philippines, she stopped attending church. Our staff member writes:
“Ruth had never been excited about church before, but had still gone, out of respect for her mom. Once she arrived in the US, though, that changed. Most of her friends were atheists. And that was fine with her. Why did she need God when she was having so much fun? Her life was perfect the way it was. But then her cousin came to visit her in the US and let Ruth know that her 11-year-old brother had died in a bicycle accident. Ruth immediately went back to the Philippines. ‘I was confused, hurt, angry, miserable and desperate,’ she said. ‘If the hospitals there had been any better, my brother would have had a chance. I was about to explode.’ After two weeks, Ruth returned to college in the US. Though she studied twice as hard, she couldn’t do anything else. She sank further into depression. Then, God led her to join a Bible study, she finally talked about her brother, let tears flow, and started to heal. That night, Ruth trusted Christ as her Savior. In a moment, she released all her frustrations and hurts into a positive outlet. Her life has more meaning now, and she knows God has a purpose for her.”
Just as Ruth found Christ during what was probably the darkest moment in her life, we must remember that He is there for us at all times. It is our belief in Him that brings us radiant hope! No matter what we are going through, it is important to remember that “...the God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Jesus Christ returns,” Philippians 1:6 (NLT).
Praise God for the incredible work He is doing in you! If you feel called to learn more about how you can minister to international students, please take some time to visit the websites below.
For More Information:
Volunteer Opportunities: International Students, Inc. offers several ways that you or your church can volunteer to serve international students. Take a moment to read about ISI’s volunteer opportunities.
M:28 Global Discipleship Model: Students around the world continue discovering God on their own directly from the Word in a community setting. Learn more about how you can get involved.
Church Mobilization Initiative: International Students, Inc. is reaching out to pastors and churches to talk with them about the possibilities to get involved in international student ministry! Learn more about our Church Mobilization Initiative.
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