International Friendships, Inc.

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MinistryWatch.com’s Take
July 2003
By Michele Prince, Research Fellow



All Are Welcomed in the Name of Christ
International Friendships is a non-denominational local organization based in Columbus Ohio and is registered with Ohio State University. Its purpose is to help international students to adjust to the American lifestyle by providing varies services through a full-time staff and trained volunteers from local churches.

All volunteers must fill an application out and are asked to provide references in regards to their spiritual walk. A one-day training orientation (a fee of $5.00 for the cost of materials) must be attended by all volunteers who are accepted into International Friendships organization. The organization really strives to provide a Christ-like atmosphere and Christian associates for all international students. IFI’s single goal as stated on their applications is to assist internationals to know Jesus Christ and experience Christian love. IFI services are available to all cultures and religious backgrounds.

Some of the services provided are Airport pickup- making sure the students and their families have had a meal and then deliver them to their dorm or a temporary housing, (temporary housing- is providing a place for students in one’s home for a short term until the on-campus facility is ready or an apartment is found), providing child care or just being available transportation.

There are many more opportunities to minister to these students and their families such as inviting them to share the holidays with one’s family and friends, becoming a member of leadership team for the trip ministry which gives the students opportunities to see parts of the United States with a citizen of the United States, giving an opportunity to develop some friendships and share one’s life and faith with students. IFI also has a mother’s group designed to bring women and their children of all countries together to fellowship and share hints and ideas of mothering. International Friendships even offers small group Bible studies in volunteers’ homes once a week for students who are interested in participating. Childcare is provided with special programs planned for the children during the weekly Bible studies. Once a month all the groups gather together for a potluck supper at one of the local churches.

When an international student enters the United States their mastery of English may not be what they hope it will be and they need a little help. International Friendships provides classes that teach English as a second language. They meet every Saturday for classes with volunteers assisting in the classes for more of a one- on- one training. There is also Conversational English partners’ available- (volunteers who meet with the students and practice conversations with the students and their new learned language), in addition possibly developing wonderful friendship in the process.

Volunteers are also needed in administrative areas as well. Answering phones, entering data in to the computers and helping out with mailings. The hours are very flexible whether it is once a week, once a month or for special projects. All helps is appreciated. Building maintenance is another area one can volunteer in, helping with cleaning, painting, remodeling as needed or just being available to move furniture when donated or if students need help moving.

Love to cook, one’s kitchen skills come in handy in the fall for a picnic welcoming the students and their families or the potluck dinner specials IFI has throughout the year. Sharing one’s cooking talents with others can be rewarding in it self but the eternal rewards are unspeakable.

There is a need for Intercessory Pray partners but requires a bit more of one’s time and energy. In order to be involved in this area International Friendships ask that they may meet with one and get to know them more personally. The reason being is some of the prayer request are very sensitive and there must be a trust built for all to be comfortable in sharing such matters. Carrying another’s burdens and concerns to Heaven’s throne is a great responsibility and privilege.

International Friendships concern to make the international students and their families’ transition from their own country to the United States a more enjoyable and memorable is an example of servant hood that Christ himself displayed through out the entire New Testament. Compassion and love for one’s friends is one thing but to share these characteristics with strangers is a lesson straight from the teaching of the Bible and is not practiced enough in the Christian world much less the secular. If any thing can be learned from the International Friendships organization is the need to reach out to others and be willing to help anytime and anywhere.

Showing Hospitality through Giving
Donations can be giving on-line through a website called Network for Good. One may pick the fund or the staff that they desire to contribute to and then follow the directions on IFI website. All donations giving on-line are secured. Another way to donate to IFI is called Easy Giving Plan which allows the organization to automatically draft the specified amount one chooses to give from one’s banking account each month. It takes the responsibility off of one to remember to send the donations and assures IFI will get the donation on a monthly basis.