Learn more about how God can open the eyes of the lost.
“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law,” Romans 13:8 (NLT).
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’No other commandment is greater than these” Mark 12:30-31 (NLT).
Though some may view Christianity as a having little to no tolerance, our faith actually shows more tolerance toward opposing faiths than any other major religion. This is because of Christ and His legacy of love for others. As Paul reminds us in Romans to “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law,” Romans 13:8 (NLT). Jesus was very clear in His instructions for us to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength,” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Mark 12:30-31 (NLT). These commandments compel us to share our faith from a perspective of mutual respect, and let God open the eyes of those who are lost.
Take, for example, the following story sent to us by one of our ministry volunteers, who wrote about a road trip he took with a number of international students. This story underscores the value in ministering from a place of respect and patience. Our volunteer writes:
“The long hours in a van across many miles gave us ample opportunity for lengthy discussions. Thomas, one of the Middle Eastern students, asked question after question, specifically about Christianity, including, ‘What do Christians believe about hell?’ and ‘What do Christians believe about other religions?’ His questions opened the door for me to tell him stories from the Gospels. He soaked them up and I began to understand how and why Jesus used the parables. When Thomas raised the topic of the purpose of life, I felt the Holy Spirit compelling me to quote from Mark, ‘For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?’ Thomas looked visibly moved and then he told me this was one of the most beautiful statements he had ever heard. As the miles rolled by, the questions just kept coming. I relied on the Holy Spirit to give me the words to answer him and keep him engaged. By the time we reached our destination, I had shared with him Jesus' assurance that those who leave their life to follow Christ will find true life. Thomas had a lot more to think about after that trip!”
Friend, this interaction between our ministry friend and Thomas highlights the ways we, as Christians, simply need to love our neighbor and share our faith from a perspective of respect and deep humility. Our volunteer listened to Thomas with intentionality and leaned on the Holy Spirit for guidance. What a privilege and responsibility to help them understand the true meaning of Christianity and to live in such a way that they see and understand it live out!
Please take a moment to pray for our ministry volunteers and staff members as they share their faith with students from around the world. Please pray for God's guidance in their tireless efforts to reach every international student for Christ!
Thank you for your continued support! We are truly blessed to have friends like you. May God bless you with abundance this week.
For More Information
Are you drawn to initiating relationships with visitors from other cultures? Learn more about becoming a Ministry Representative volunteer with ISI.
“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law,” Romans 13:8 (NLT).
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’No other commandment is greater than these” Mark 12:30-31 (NLT).
Though some may view Christianity as a having little to no tolerance, our faith actually shows more tolerance toward opposing faiths than any other major religion. This is because of Christ and His legacy of love for others. As Paul reminds us in Romans to “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law,” Romans 13:8 (NLT). Jesus was very clear in His instructions for us to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength,” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Mark 12:30-31 (NLT). These commandments compel us to share our faith from a perspective of mutual respect, and let God open the eyes of those who are lost.
Take, for example, the following story sent to us by one of our ministry volunteers, who wrote about a road trip he took with a number of international students. This story underscores the value in ministering from a place of respect and patience. Our volunteer writes:
“The long hours in a van across many miles gave us ample opportunity for lengthy discussions. Thomas, one of the Middle Eastern students, asked question after question, specifically about Christianity, including, ‘What do Christians believe about hell?’ and ‘What do Christians believe about other religions?’ His questions opened the door for me to tell him stories from the Gospels. He soaked them up and I began to understand how and why Jesus used the parables. When Thomas raised the topic of the purpose of life, I felt the Holy Spirit compelling me to quote from Mark, ‘For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?’ Thomas looked visibly moved and then he told me this was one of the most beautiful statements he had ever heard. As the miles rolled by, the questions just kept coming. I relied on the Holy Spirit to give me the words to answer him and keep him engaged. By the time we reached our destination, I had shared with him Jesus' assurance that those who leave their life to follow Christ will find true life. Thomas had a lot more to think about after that trip!”
Friend, this interaction between our ministry friend and Thomas highlights the ways we, as Christians, simply need to love our neighbor and share our faith from a perspective of respect and deep humility. Our volunteer listened to Thomas with intentionality and leaned on the Holy Spirit for guidance. What a privilege and responsibility to help them understand the true meaning of Christianity and to live in such a way that they see and understand it live out!
Please take a moment to pray for our ministry volunteers and staff members as they share their faith with students from around the world. Please pray for God's guidance in their tireless efforts to reach every international student for Christ!
Thank you for your continued support! We are truly blessed to have friends like you. May God bless you with abundance this week.
For More Information
Are you drawn to initiating relationships with visitors from other cultures? Learn more about becoming a Ministry Representative volunteer with ISI.
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