International Missions at Home
I remember my first solo international trip. I was thrilled about the opportunity to see new things and have new experiences. I arrived at my hotel, out of the city center, and could not wait to explore this new-to-me city. I did not get to the hotel until later in the evening, so I thought I would hop on the bus for a quick trip into the city for dinner. I arrived at the bus stop and thought it was going the right way until I heard the driver say we were at the last stop of this line. When I got out, I expected to see the beautiful city of Rome, but it was a bus graveyard. There was nothing around, no shops, no restaurants, nothing. I tried to ask people for direction and tried to get an explanation as to where I was. But there was a language barrier. I could not find anyone who spoke English or anyone who could help me correct my error. I remember the bus ride back to my hotel, fearing I had wasted time and money and ruined the whole trip because I couldn’t figure out how to go in the right direction. I went to bed that night hungry, defeated, and fearful.
Going to a different country can be challenging. People face so many challenges and barriers in a foreign city/country. Every few months, there are waves of new international students who come to Ft. Benning to receive training. Some have families they bring with them; others leave their families back home. While these students are here, we want to stand in the gap and help them navigate the new country and help make their experience here the best it can be. But, more importantly, we want to position ourselves to share the Love of Christ with them. Therefore, we want to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with these students for the sake of the gospel and to assist them while they are here. It is estimated that 80% of international students never step foot inside an American home.
On February 12th, we partner with International Friendship Ministries and will host a dinner to welcome the international students to Columbus/Ft. Benning at 5:00. We will share a meal, play board games, and connect with families as they navigate this new experience. Please come and be the person who assists them with adjusting to life in Columbus while they are here.
We have had two families in our church who have worked with International Friendship Ministries. Please hear from them and consider joining us on February 12th!
From Joyce Stryker:
I have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible women from around the world. You may wonder how I’ve had that chance while here in Columbus? It was through attending a weekly Wednesday morning Bible study with Carol Collins. She and her husband Ron are the founders of International Friendship Ministries.
The women who come are wives of the soldiers who come for training at Ft. Benning from Central and South America, Asia, and Europe. Many of them know about God but have never studied the Bible and are so eager to learn about Jesus. This is just how my mother came to know Christ. Someone cared enough to tell us about having a personal relationship with Jesus.
These ladies come and bring friends because they are welcomed and enjoy fellowship. They come first for the company, and while they are there, they come to know of the love of Jesus. Even after they go back to their country, I have had fun staying in touch through Facebook.
It’s incredible how we can impact the women who come to Columbus by reaching out through International Friendship Ministries. What a joy to support IFM through financial support, prayers, and volunteering.
From Randy Lott:
Several years ago, my wife, Carol, and I were challenged to reflect on Jesus’ Great Commission — “Go into all the world and make disciples.” We realized that He wouldn’t be coming back for us until his church is filled with believers from every tribe and nation. It made us think about how we could be a part of his work to reach the nations.
Soon after moving to Columbus, we discovered that we could do so without ever getting on an airplane, traveling to distant lands. We could do so without ever leaving Columbus!
Every year dozens of soldiers from allied countries worldwide come to receive training at Fort Benning. Some are here for a few months; some for longer. Some bring their families with them. They are far from home, friends, and familiar culture. They are intelligent and friendly, and they all speak English! They would love to become friends with an American family and learn about American culture.
International Friendship Ministries, or IFM, is a biblically-based ministry in Columbus. Their focus is connecting these soldiers and their families with local Christians to welcome them to America, help them understand our country, and help us better understand people from other cultures. Most importantly, these friendships open the door to sharing the gospel through Christian hospitality.
You might think this would be pretty demanding. Still, it’s pretty easy — make an occasional phone call, send an email, share a meal or family gathering. Just be you. That’s who they want to know.
Carol and I have formed lasting friendships and touched lives with the gospel through this ministry. You could, too. You could richly bless both you and them.
On February 12th, Calvary is hosting a gathering to share more information about IFM. Please prayerfully consider attending and learning how you can help touch the nations with Jesus.
