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.