in My Defense...

One of the joys of international

student ministry is friendship. In the many friendships formed with students come important milestones that we get to share in because we are the closest "family" geographically. For the students aiming at a Phd, the oral defense of their thesis is a grueling event at the end of 5-7 years of study. Most times we are able to attend these events and watch with joy and pride to see a wonderful presentation, which we sometimes even understand. It is always a blessing to witness God at work through a process as He refines His beloved and brings him/her successfully to a new level. So it was on Good Friday as our friend Akinyi successfully defended her thesis and won her second doctorate. We are so proud of her, as she worked so hard and kept on in spite of incredible difficulties. She pressed on and won the prize! We are rejoicing with her and challenged to keep on to win the prize. Philippians 3:12, 14.

Good News

At our NorthEast Regional Staff Conference our President Doug Shaw shared many facts and stories to encourage us not to be intimidated by I*lam. We are experiencing unprecedented favor in two Asian nations with an outbound student program which connects students there with ISI here before they leave home. A recent study indicates 70,000 m*slims received Christ in 2009 in the USA. An Im*m in Ir*n recently complained that many 20-30's from their country are receiving Christ when they come to the USA. He complained that "someone" is picking them up at the airport, feeds them meals, invites them to friendship circles and Bible studies and then leads them to Christ. "Who are these people?" he asked. It is a blessing to know the impact of ISI through staff and VOLUNTEERS is being felt /heard around the world. President Shaw shared another student story about a m*slim student who arrived here, in the USA, hoping to hear about Jesus, but no one told him or invited him to church. He drove to a church and parked in the lot but no one invited him to go in. After doing this for 4 weeks in a row, he just went in and sat in the back of the church. At the end of the service, he went forward to receive Christ! That is good news, isn't it! Let's be bold in reaching out in love as followers of Jesus and invite "them" to come in.

ISI Northeast Regional Staff Conference

March 5-7....Every year our regional Field Director, Natasha Hope

calls us together to encourage, support and challenge us. We invite potential staff, volunteers and people interested in international

student ministry to meet with veteran staff, fellowship, pray, and see if God is calling them into full time ministry.

It is amazing to think less than 10 years ago there were so few of us that we held this conference in our living room!

Our theme this year was "Strategically Investing in the Next Generation of World Leaders". Our speakers Bob Osborn and "Dr.Who" encouraged and inspired us and reminded us that students here now are the real leaders home tomorrow! "Dr.Who" is a muslim believer whose testimony and current life's work challenged us to boldness and sacrifice. He was literally grabbed by the arm here by a believer and found Jesus as his Savior. ISI's President Doug Shaw shared stories to encourage us to press on to the prize. We shared in small groups and prayed for oneanother and saw answers and healings! We took the path train into NewYork City and prayed all over the city for holiness, righteousness, international students salvation, and government leaders. It was a beautiful day in the city!

Go get'um Tiger!

A last minute invitation was extended and we grabbed the opportunity to join Chinese friends at UConn who were coming together communally to celebrate their new year.

Although we have been out of touch for a few years, there were still familiar faces amidst the sea of people and it was good to re-connect. The food was delicious Chinese food! Then there was a fashion show, music with traditional Chinese instruments, a game show (like Guestures
in Chinese), more traditional music and singing, and door prizes. It was a fun cross-cultural experience and an easy way to reach out and touch a little of the world.

There are many opportunities to meet international students atUConn at events like this or at the Friendship Coffee every Wed 2-4pm (StuUnion). This is true of the university or college near you as well. There are events sponsored by the college or international clubs. Most are open to the public and listed on college websites. It is a great adventure in which to participate with delicious food, fun and eternal rewards!

The BIG Picture

It is always a joy to visit ICF in Storrs, CT and see what God is up to there. This time Richard had the priviledge to teach. When he asked what he should teach about he was told "The Big Picture". Without thinking he said "ok" -- but when it came to prep. time he thought "what does that mean?"

At ICF we have a great variety of attendees. There are faithful committed volunteers who weekly do whatever is necessary to prepare, feed, clean-up, and minister in music, words, leading and coaching. Then there are visitors who may be culinary missionaries, or just curious friends. Then there are students who are believers, or not; who speak good english, or not; who are interested in christianity, or not. And, of course, there is a garnish of children from various ages. Is there a big picture big enough, and simple enough to be conveyed to all of these?

Richard began that evening by asking a student if he had to prepare to come to the college in CT and was it easy or difficult. Then, there was a series of "what then?" questions until our student friend admitted he didn't want to talk about that final transition....death. In the next half hour people listened, answered questions, and participated in a drama to learn how to prepare for this final step in life. Good conversations and prayer ensued over dessert as the BIG Picture took shape in minds and hearts. Wish you could have been there with us.

Challenges Ahead

In the last 2 months of 2009 Richard became aware that our data base on the computer was malfunctioning. Not all of the email letters sent were received. Not all the snail mail letters were sent because the data base wasn't responding corrrectly to the request for addresses. With XP being abandonned in 3 years; the need for a new data base; and an email sending server required, we are feeling ____overwhelmed____! Please pray for us as we seek to respond the best way possible through this messy situation, while still keeping you all informed.

In the first quarter of 2010 we have " plans" to travel locally to churches interested in international student ministry in CT, MA, NY, VT and NH. Timing, weather, and taxes are issues as we look to "hitting the road." Please pray for safety, and our ability to stay flexible as we go. Like Paul said he learned to be all things to all people, we wear many hats as we meet people from different backgrounds. We are always asking for God's wisdom and discernment.

We will be traveling to PA early in March, after our Northeast Regional Staff Conference in New York City, to teach our Friendship Partner Program. We are excited about this church that is stepping up to reach out to international students in their area. Please join us in praying for good soil for the seed God has given us to sow.

Thank you for your prayers!!!!! They are changing the world!!!!!

Looking Back to Look Forward!

"Blessed be God, who did not reject my prayer or turn His grace away from me." Psalm 66:20

For many years, even as we labored at UCONN, we sought the Lord for the students at ECSU in Willimantic. We prayed: occasionally trying to stir local churches and trying to connect into the student body there. Even with student and professor connections nothing happened. Then one day a UCONN /ICF volunteer Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh (an ISI ministry rep.) attended an ECSU international student function. She offered her assistance to do "anything to help" and in a short time of faithful service Ruth befriended the director of Intercultural Affairs. We now have the opportunity to touch 25 or more under-grad students through this amazing open door. If you are in the Willimantic region and are willing to reach out to one of these students please contact us. They are fun to know and you get to impact the world from your own living room.

We have kept on keeping on in Groton/NewLondon. Our small group remains to encourage and support our international student leader. His small group has grown some and continues in Bible study and prayer at/for Avery Point campus. If you live in this southeast region, there are opportunities to befriend international students and international Coast Guard cadets and impact the world for Jesus! Just let us know if you are interested in joining the World Changers!

The door is open at the Univeristy of Bridgeport. Black Rock Congregational Church spear-headed the outreach there and has received favor from the university. They need help from other churches to meet the need/opportunity! They could use your help in reaching out to the many students interested in friends and activities. Calvary E.Free of Trumbull has gotten involved, how about you? If you live in the greater Bridgeport area and are interested please contact us and we'll get you connected.

We are seeing new interest in New Haven and Waterbury among the churches. We will be working in these areas in the coming year to warm and water the good seeds of The Word that have fallen there. The small colleges and university extensions in the Waterbury area have many internationals. There are new open doors at Yale! God willing, we hope to see these seeds prosper and grow into fruitful vines for His Kingdom.

After so many years, it is a blessing to see life growing from the prayer seeds. We thank God for all He is doing here in Ct.!