Sunday, February 27, 2011

"I see the King"

Sometimes it is easy to see God at work, like at ICF 2/11/11! The worship focused on His love. At the end of worship time a gift was offered; a new winter scarf given freely, in love, to whomever would receive it. " This is how God's love is given, freely to anyone who will reach out


and take it." Overcoming skepticism and fear, 3 students finally braved the way forward and shyly received the winter scarves. What a great picture for us all. Then Richard's teaching on God's forgiveness put words with the picture. Starting with Science News articles and moving from Genesis 1 to Luke 15 the Holy Spirit captured the ears, minds and hearts of many students. One student later shared " I thought the Bible was just another book and like any book but your teaching made it come alive!" Thank you Holy Spirit, for moving in hearts and minds this night.






Thursday, February 3, 2011

"and your neighbor as yourself."

We have been experiencing alot of winter this month! As hearty New Englanders we have been challenged, but for international students this may bring culture shock to a crisis.
One of my international student friends wrote on F/B " Freezing cold & snowing...Hate it!!!" and "Man vs Nature: at this hour Nature won! Tons of snow have me trapped at home."
Our first international student/friendship partner arrived in January (not unlike this winter) from Indonesia! Because his Dad had been a diplomat, Suri arrived with one winter coat. He was fortunate to have it. However, until we were able to take him shopping it was also his blanket! A Nigerian friend wouldn't leave her dorm if it was snowing or icy. For students from warm climates our winters add to the cultural difficulties and academic challenges.




Breaking the grip of winter
the ICF volunteers reach out to students and help them get warm winter gear, or transportation. On Friday nights the warm dinner and family atmosphere draws students out of dorms and labs! Volunteers are heros as they overcome winters' obstacles to be on campus to feed and welcome the alien in our land (Lev.19:33;Luke 10:27). This is just one more way we love our friends into His Kingdom!