International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) reaches out to international students on the RIT campus by providing them with hospitality and opportunities to participate in Bible discussions, dinners with American families, and English conversation partners. IFI students who are already Christians receive encouragement and discipleship to become more impactful Christians when they return to their homes. Those who become Christians can then return to their countries (many of which are closed to the Gospel) to share the Good News there.
I have included some stories that Christine Maali Amiri shared in a recent newsletter to help you understand more about the ministry of IFI to international students at RIT.
A few days after Easter, I picked up Naomi* (India) from RIT and drove us to a local coffee shop. During our conversation, I asked her what she knew about Easter and about Jesus rising from the grave. We had a fruitful conversation about Jesus' victory over sin and death and what it means to be a "good person." Pray with me that Naomi would see and understand that all goodness, truth, and righteousness are found in Jesus Christ alone.
A few weeks later we celebrated Eid al-Fitr (celebration marking the end of Ramadan) with Keren* (Pakistan), her husband, and infant daughter. We sampled from seven delicious dishes! As I looked around at the small gathering I thanked God. Every single guest that this young Muslim family invited were Christian! At the end, Keren and her husband thanked us. "We were feeling lonely. Thank you so much for coming and celebrating with us."
Many international students experience loneliness, especially around holidays they normally celebrate back home surrounded by family. I am thankful for these opportunities to befriend and show the love of Christ to these students.
Please pray for…
the IFI team to meet more international students
that the IFI team will experience a summer of renewing and refreshing
salvation for international students who connect with IFI
Official recognition of IFI on the RIT campus
Please talk with Dave Beinitti (dbeinetti@gmail.com) or Paul Craig (paul.craig@rit.edu) to learn more about IFI at RIT. During the summer, there are still ministry needs for many IFI students, who must stay in the United States to avoid Visa issues they might encounter if they return to their home countries. Please contact Dave or Paul if you would like to help with driving students around in practical daily ways. You can also learn more from the RIT IFI website and their main website.