Student, University of North Alabama
One of the last things Jesus said before He returned to Heaven was this: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). For more than 2,000 years, our brothers and sisters in the faith have carried His message of grace throughout the world, sacrificing so much to carry out His command. Now the opportunity has never been easier. We do not just have to go into the world; the world is coming to us.
During the first weekend of October, I went with my Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM) group from the University of North Alabama to WorldSong Missions Place in Cook Springs for the kickoff of the first International Friendship Retreat. Countries represented at the retreat included Lithuania, the United Kingdom, China, Vietnam, South Korea, India and the United States. It was a great time for me and my friends to build our friendships through team-building activities and learning sessions.
At one of the sessions, I was reminded how many of the students from different countries felt homesick and how difficult it might be for them to share these feelings with American students. Many of the students I encounter at my school live close enough to their hometowns to visit their families over the weekend or break. But for a lot of international students, they have traveled very far and are unable to see their families for a long time, and many may have difficulty fitting in.
That was what first motivated me to be a part of the international ministries through BCM. I feel like I relate to international students in a small way. I grew up in Southeast Asia, so by coming to the United States, I also felt like I was moving into a foreign country even though I’m an American citizen. So when I meet with my international friends, I want them to know that I have an idea of what they are going through and want to offer to help them cope with their loneliness in any way I can.
For American students who might not be aware of the challenges that internationals go through, programs like the International Friendship Retreat can provide an aid in understanding how to relate to international students and recognize some of their needs. In my experience, what many international students want and need is a feeling of acceptance. They want to know that American students care about them and are willing to spend time with them. They want to know what American culture is like, just like many Americans desire to learn about other cultures when they visit foreign countries. American Christians can provide a great service to internationals. Not only can they help internationals adjust to living in America, but they can also serve as witnesses for Jesus Christ.
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