opportunity may aug 2016 Sharing Christ with international students in the UK inside this issue Hints & Tips for Churches Philip Project Annual Review How can my church reach international students? www.friendsinternational.uk
Sharing Christ with international students since 1985 Leading Thoughts In every town and city with international students, Friends International aims to see churches working together to reach them with the good news of Jesus Christ. Ministering through word and action, our desire is that international students would grow to know and be transformed by Christ, and fully engage with the mission of the church wherever they are. Finding Faith testimony That is the introduction we used in the job description of the new National Director for Friends International. We are praying for someone who has a passion for cross-cultural mission and international student ministry, with the gifts to envision, equip and support churches to respond to the amazing opportunity of the half-a-million international students arriving in the UK each year. At the time of writing we ve had a number of encouraging conversations with potential applicants. Please keep praying that throughout the recruitment and selection process everyone involved would be given insight and wisdom by our generous heavenly Father, as we look to Him to provide for the next stage of our exciting and strategic mission. In the meantime the whole team - Staff, Affiliates and volunteers - continues to work hard, using new and old ways to engage with international students who don t yet know the amazing Easter story of our risen Saviour for themselves. At the recent Trustees Board meeting we heard lots of encouraging news, including a new lunchtime leadership seminar series designed to engage international students interested in hearing from Christians in business, and a number of initiatives from the Digital Resources Group. If our goal is to engage with more students, and to equip and train more helpers, we will need to continue to experiment and innovate. We also heard the story of a student who had returned to South East Asia. The local team were praying for her one morning, and later that day as she was reading the Bible over Skype with a faithful student worker, she gave her life to Christ in her home town. Let s praise God that he is building his kingdom of people from all nations, and thank him for the privilege of being involved. Mark Mark Vernon, Chair of Trustees Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5 Opportunity is published by Friends International. Editor: Jack Bentley. 2016. Friends International, The Rowan Centre, All Nations Christian College, Easneye, Ware, Herts SG12 8LX. Tel: 01920 460006 Email: info@friendsinternational.uk Web: www.friendsinternational.uk Friends International is an evangelical ministry dedicated to establishing and strengthening the Christian witness in every nation. Partnering with local churches to reach and disciple international students for Christ. Friends International is a member of the Evangelical Alliance and Global Connections. Registered Charity No. 1094095. 02 I accepted Christ into my life less than three weeks ago but this is the result of a long journey, let s start at the beginning I grew up in France with Catholic parents. They never told me about religion as they decided it should be my own choice, rather than something forced upon me. Unofficially though, they were very much against religion. That is why I have been raised as an atheist and knew nothing about Christianity. While I was growing up my father worked for a recycling factory and would often bring home books for me. One day, around my twelfth bir thday, he brought home a comicbook on the life of Jesus Christ. He gave me this book to read in a very dismissive way without realising the impact the story would have on my life. I immediately fell in love with this man Jesus; I didn t know who he was but his love and the compassion he had deeply touched me. However, due to my isolation, lack of knowledge and my parents discouraging me, my faith faded. Many years later, I moved to the UK and became an international student at university. I began searching for truth and started looking into all sorts of religions. I began reading the 03 Quran; I became interested in Eastern faiths, especially Sikhism. I came to like the idea of reincarnation as it made death less scary. I have never particularly been afraid of death but it strangely became appealing to me. I was drawn to it and stopped avoiding dangerous situations. This is how I found myself knocked off my bike by a car driving over 40mph. I knew it was overtaking me but I still decided to turn without looking. Amazingly I wasn t injured but I was very shaken up by it. It took me some time to realise how near I had come to death and thought God was maybe the reason why I was still alive. So I cried out to him: Where are you? Do you even exist!? God remained silent and I drew the conclusion that God was a closed case for me and that it wasn t worth the time. I had a long conversation with a friend about how I was giving up on God. Then, the very next day, I met some members of the Christian Union on my university campus promoting their missions week. I went to a dinner they were promoting solely because I was hungry and needed to make some friends with the firm intention of not letting them convert me. I failed. No, in fact they did not convert me, they loved me, and they loved me in such a way that was overwhelming to me. It pushed me into seriously reconsidering Jesus and I eventually accepted him back in my life as my Lord and Saviour!
welcoming international students The Church and International Students In his sovereignty, God has brought to the UK thousands upon thousands of people from virtually every nation across the world to study in our universities and institutions. I am passionately convinced of the vital role the local church has to play in bringing the love of Christ to these people. The church is enriched by cross-cultural interaction. Often our cultural blind spots are removed as we start to see our church life and ourselves through others eyes. As we re challenged by other cultural perspectives we re often forced back to biblical principles, asking ourselves why do we do what we do the way we do it? Visitors to our shores have come at no expense to the Christian church, already speaking our language. Many have come from countries closed to traditional Christian missionaries. They have left behind all that makes life secure and are often adrift and lonely. God s heart for the nations of the world encompasses a tender concern for those who are particularly vulnerable in our societies. He commanded his ancient people: When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don t take advantage of him. Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners in Egypt. (Leviticus 19:33-34). Why should my church welcome international students? Because God desires all nations to know and worship him (Matthew 28:18) Because God is concerned for the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34) Because God has given us an amazing opportunity! welcoming international students From the Church Workers: Levon Chorbadjian Church: Heath Evangelical Church, Cardiff Role: Youth & Student Worker Q. Why minister to international students? I am involved in ministry to international students because I love it, it s important, and I can identify with it being international myself. Serving the Lord can come in various forms and shapes and in different areas, but I m grateful the Lord has put this desire in my heart and to have the opportunity to do it. Q. What are your top tips for starting a ministry to international students? Have a heart for it have a real desire for sharing Jesus with international students. Get the support of your Church and elders. Gather a team to do it with you volunteers that serve and pray are crucial. Get a good venue (e.g. café, church hall). Have Christian students involved if you can the best way to reach students is through students. Be creative and try new things. Q. What events do you run locally for international students? International Open House a café and games evening once a week. Weekly international Bible study. Lunch with a host family after church service. Day Trips (e.g. to Oxford or Brecon Beacons). John Goodwin Church: Beeston Free Church, Nottingham Role: Minister in Training Q. Why minister to international students? I love working with internationals and the richness of such a diverse ministry. I feel that God has given us a window onto the world that is very significant by bringing so many students right to our doorstep. I am excited about how the work is reaching those who don t yet know Christ and preparing students who will go on and serve as part of the global church around the world. Q. What are your top tips for starting a ministry to international students? Think through the specific roles your church could best play in serving internationals given its context, make up, and the gifts within the congregation. Pray for the church leadership and congregation to support a vision for serving internationals. Ask for help, advice and wisdom from others doing this kind of ministry. Draw in Christian internationals to help in the outreach you do. Equip, train and encourage others to join with you in the work. Q. What events do you run locally for international students? Globe Café a café for international students. CAMEO group for international wives. Seeker Bible studies in English and Chinese. A discipleship group for international Christians. 04 05
welcoming international students How can my Church Reach International Students? International Café One of the greatest ways a church can reach out to international students is with an international café. It is a safe place where students can come together over a hot drink and make friends. At our international café in Portsmouth we have games and icebreakers, and towards the end we give the students an opportunity to have a discussion on a thoughtprovoking topic. This helps us get to know each other better and leads into discussions about faith. Wynelle, Portsmouth CAMEO (Come And Meet each Other) Our church s CAMEO group (for international women) grew out of our Toddler Group which was attracting growing numbers of international mums, but they were often lost in the crowd of other women. CAMEO recognised the particular challenges faced by these women in integrating into British culture, possibly with limited language, and offered a place to meet others in a similar situation. We meet together in our home every week. Patty, Birmingham English Classes/Conversation Groups Our English class has been a great platform to meet international students. Many of them lack confidence in speaking English and appreciate having a safe place where they can practise and make new friends. Many of the students that we met through the English class have started coming to other activities we organise and some are even coming to church now. It s a great way to befriend international students! Susi, Edinburgh The Visa Course I have been running a Visa Course since 2012. It is a great introduction to the Christian faith that is really easy to use and adapt. The first few weeks of the course address questions like How do we know there is God? and What is wrong with the world? Many of the international students I work with have never heard of the creation story, the fall and sin, and some have never heard of Jesus! So this course is a helpful tool that can be used in a variety of settings. Baiba, Canterbury (Find out more about the Visa Course: www.friendsinternational.uk/shop) Hosting / Hospitality welcoming international students In Aberdeen, we have a hospitality scheme called Friendship Link to link up international students with local Christians. We encourage the locals to befriend the students by inviting them for a meal in their home or out for coffee or take them out to see a place of interest; anything that will help them develop a friendship and give support to the students. For many students this will be their first opportunity to meet locals or be in a Christian home. Joyce, Aberdeen Leadership Courses We started ilive Leadership to help students become great leaders. Leadership development is a great tool to challenge students about questions of identity, vision and purpose and, through mentoring small groups, authentic and meaningful relationships can be established. There is a real need for this kind of training among students and it is a privilege to serve them in this significant way. Douglas, Glasgow Other Be Creative! We ve organised the Great International Bake Off, where church volunteers teach international students how to bake their favourite cake! Film nights, day-trips and talent shows are also great ways of meeting international students! Susi, Edinburgh For more ideas, advice and guidance order a free copy of: Welcoming International Students: A Guide for Churches This easy-to-read booklet will give you and your church helpful insight and guidance to welcoming international students effectively and with the love of Christ. Get your free copy today simply request one by emailing us: info@friendsinternational.uk Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations how ironic that the Nations of the World have chosen to study, work and live in Britain and yet sadly we have often ignored them. I encourage all Churches to take heed of Catherine Weston s encouragement and advice in this wonderful little booklet. J John, Revd Canon 06 07
Philip Project Philip Project 15 Years of Raising Faithful Bible Teachers The Philip Project is designed to train short-term internationals who are studying, working or living in the UK in understanding the Bible. It aims to equip them so that when they return to their home countries they will be able to teach the Bible faithfully. With over 35% of all post-graduates in the UK coming from abroad, and many of them coming with a Christian faith, the opportunity to further equip them and disciple them is an exciting one. We can contribute to the growing church around the world and they are coming to us! In each of our centres we aim to share some strengths of the UK church with internationals through experienced teachers and encouraging mentors. Yet, we also learn together in a cross-cultural context whereby the insights of all contribute to a deeper understanding of the Bible. Therefore, our hope is that students who come through the Philip Project can get involved in ministries back home that will contribute to building up the church. We long that they may become champions of good Bible teaching and catalysts to enable others to grow as disciples or teachers. 08 The Philip Project takes its name from Acts 8. Just as Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch to understand the Scriptures he was reading (with Jesus at the centre) before he returned to Africa, so this initiative aims to equip returning students to teach the Bible with accuracy and sensitivity (and pointing to Jesus!) back home. In the words of our strapline it s about raising faithful Bible teachers. What is the aim of the Philip Project? To raise faithful Bible teachers from international students, professionals and volunteers in the British Isles for the growth of the worldwide church. Did you know? The Philip Project has just celebrated 15 years of ministry and of raising faithful Bible teachers. How Does it Work? The Philip Project presently has six centres around the UK and, although there are some variations between them, the course has three main components: 1. Monthly Training Days Led by experienced teachers with opportunities for students to teach the Bible to one another and to be evaluated as they do so. 2. One-to-one Mentoring Mentors meet regularly with students to encourage their Christian walk and to evaluate how they are growing as potential Bible teachers. 3. A Weekend Away To bring together what has been learned and to motivate students to take it further. The Philip Project is one of the most strategic missions in the UK. Few things could be more important than equipping young and gifted internationals for the task of understanding and proclaiming the Bible. I warmly commend it. Jonathan Lamb, CEO, Keswick Ministries. 03 09 Monthly Training Days Outline: Training days are usually one Saturday a month for 5-7 hours. There are typically three parts to each training day: 1. Bible Overviews and Worldviews: These sessions examine the overall story of the Bible and different worldviews. 2. Understanding the Bible: Teaching on how to understand the types of Bible literature and studies of particular passages. 3. Teaching the Bible: Training on how to prepare a message or Bible study, and then practice in teaching selected passages to one another.
Philip Project Philip Project: 2016-17 Locations: Cambridge Start Date: 15th October 2016 Contact: Geoff Low geoff.low@friendsinternational.uk Canterbury Start Date: 15th October 2016 Contact: Andrew Muwowo andrew.muwowo@friendsinternational.uk Dundee Start Date: TBC Contact: Ruth Farquhar farquhars@friendsinternational.uk London Start Date: 8th October 2016 Contact: Geoff Low geoff.low@friendsinternational.uk Nottingham Start Date: 15th October 2016 Contact: Stephen McKibbin stephen.mckibbin@btinternet.com Southampton Start Date: 29th October 2016 Contact: Rachel Wadhawan rachel@fisuk.org Understanding the Bible in context has really helped in my personal devotion. It leads me to asking myself questions to understand the passage better. The opportunity to practise preaching during the Philip Project really helped to push myself out of my comfort zone and to have the courage to do so. Sala, Philippines The Philip Project was very helpful to me and indeed timely. I learnt some important Bible study skills, for example, approaching the Bible text in context. I now feel more confident to lead a Bible study than before. I strongly recommend it to other international students. Sylivia, Uganda Our Latest News TRUE Leadership 2016 TRUE Leadership is a 4-day retreat for international students who want to rise to the challenge of leadership and excel. It equips them to lead with honesty, integrity and excellence. Venue: Quinta Centre, Shropshire Dates: 9th 12th June More info: www.trueleadership.org.uk Income: 1,456,232 n From churches, trusts & local organisations: 36% n From personal donations: 54% n From Gift Aid reclaim: 8% n Other (E.g. Rent): 2% latest news Annual Financial Review We are grateful to God for the continued provision of sufficient funds to cover the expenditure of Friends International Ministries for the financial year ending 31st December 2015. Income for the year was up on last year, the difference mostly coming from a generous legacy. Expenditure also increased, primarily due to additional staff, and the outcome was a small surplus representing 2% of total income. We continue to see the organisation running efficiently with well-controlled central costs, and the vast bulk of funds directed to supporting staff workers doing amazing ministry all around the UK. Expenditure: 1,426,187 n To direct ministry costs: 88% n To management, communications & admin: 11% n To generating funds: 1% While we are very thankful for a stable financial position and for the continued generosity of a large number of faithful supporters, we are also conscious that there are still more opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with international students. New staff can find it challenging to build the support required for them to join the team full time, and many staff would love to dedicate more time to ministry if they had additional support. Find out more about the Philip Project at www.philipproject.org.uk So please thank God that we are able to continue this strategic outreach, and ask our generous Heavenly Father to send out more workers to the harvest fields all around us! The Friends International Finance Committee 10 11
summer teams Summer Teams 2016 Where will you go? Pray for our summer teams: www.friendsinternational.uk/pray Find out more about summer teams: www.friendsinternational.uk/summerteams Edinburgh (2 Teams: 2nd 30th July) Dublin (10th July 23rd July) Manchester (2nd 16th July) Cambridge (3 Teams: 3rd July 21st August) Oxford (16th 30th July) Bournemouth (16th 30th July) Canterbury (3rd 17th July) Facebook.com/FriendsInt Twitter.com/FriendsInt transforming students transforming nations