Friendship Evangelism
Friendship is at the heart of cross-cultural ministry. Time spent talking together, or opening your home to share a cup of coffee are wonderfully simple ways to begin a relationship.
Following are some thoughts on friendship evangelism from The World at Your Door, a book by Dr. Tom Phillips and Bob Norsworthy, president and vice-president of ministries for International Students. (© Bethany House Publishers, 1997.)
"A Middle Eastern student, asked to share about the years he had spent as a student in America, said, "I have been in America for four years, and these have been the most lonely years of my life. When I walk down a hallway and an American says with a smile, 'Hi, how are you doing?' I stop and try to tell them how I am doing. Instead, they just keep on walking and don't really care about my answer."
Statistics prove that this student's story is all too commonplace. Among the international students who study in the U.S., historically 70 percent have never been invited to an American home during their stay. More than 85 percent are never invited to an American church or have any meaningful contact with genuine Christians during an average stay of four years.
Still there is good news from these statistics. These students feel a tremendous need for relationship. They are open to anyone who will stretch out their hand and say, 'I'll be your friend.' We can change these statistics--one lonely student at a time. Each of us can be that friend."
"Most students have no one to meet them at the airport when they arrive in America. …If you are available to step into these situations at the student's time of need, you will make a lifetime friend.
"These first few weeks in America bring one bewildering experience after another. Your friendship outreach may begin with nothing more than being there to meet needs.
"Jiang recently arrived in the U.S. from China. He was suspicious about Christianity, but he was willing to have American Christian friends. The Carlsons know that as they love Christ other opportunities to share will come about in the natural course of the friendship. In the meantime, they will enjoy Jiang as a person and include him on family outings."
Is it Biblical?
Sojourner's Ministry has a free online Bible study, Biblical Basis of Hospitality.
Practical Needs You Can Meet:
* Meet them at the airport
* Help them locate their campus and housing
* If needed, offer them a comfortable bed and temporary housing. (If you met them as they step off the plane and bring them to your home, you will be remembered forever!)
* Help provide household goods and furniture for their new place of residence. (Portland Churches and ISI have an annual "Garage Giveaway")
* Research grocery stories that specialize in ethnic food. Help them with transportation to the store if needed. Allow them to prepare food for you from their country. Explain how savings coupons work.
* Help them locate exercise facilities on their campus.
* Give them pointers about shopping. Explain the different types of stores, including grocery stores, drugstores, department stores, etc. Give them pointers about looking for sales or buying used items through newspaper ads or at a garage sale.
* Talk to them about security:
* Let them know that they can trust police and security guards in this country.
* Advise them not to go out alone at night and to be sure to lock their residence when they leave.
* Show them around the area. Public transportation system, parking meters, pay phones, public restrooms. Also teach them about tipping in restaurants.
* Help them set up a bank account and/or telephone service. Explain how to use a toll-free 800 number and the charges involved with using a 900 number.
* Help them practice their English. (And learn more about their language and culture.)
* Collect idioms and help them interpret their meanings.
* Spend time in conversation with them. Ask about their country. Let them talk about their ideas, needs, and fears.
* Offer to assist students by reading their school papers before they submit them and making suggestions on grammar or presentation.
* Let them know that it is appropriate to talk with their professors and teachers.
* Introduce them to Christian friends. (But be cautious about 'hugging' and other friendly but familiar touching which may be uncomfortable or inappropriate in their culture.)
* Invite them on family outings, including a tour of the local library.
* Invite them to attend church services, weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. as an 'observer.'
* If they have access to a computer, show them how to use the internet.
* Help parents meet the needs of their children, including appropriate dress for school, getting involved in their children's schooling, controlling children's television viewing.
Sharing Your Faith:
"While spiritual concerns are a key motivation for us to interact with an international student, make sure it's not your single focus and only motivation. Students sense when they are merely a target for evangelism. They also know when you are sincere and genuine toward them with 'no strings attached.' Your first priority should be reaching out to the student's needs and from there developing a basis to talk about spiritual matters."
* Ask about their experiences with religion or spirituality.
* Avoid arguments or heated discussions.
* Recognize that many students don't understand that all Americans are not Christians. When it seems relevant, explain that our culture is distinct from our faith. Explain the difference between America's cultural Christian roots and genuine Christianity.
Another excellent resource on friendship evangelism is hereslife.com, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ in Australia.
This practical site walks you through the simple steps to cross-cultural ministry:
* Associate with non-Christians
* Befriend non-Christians
* Create an interest in the Gospel
* Declare the Gospel
* Encourage a response
* Follow-up new believers
"This ministry is simple and uncomplicated. ...develop international friends ....lead a student to a personal relationship from Jesus Christ.
God will use you as an instrument of peace for the nations. And you don't have to go to the other side of the globe to have an impact."
Billy Graham
* Back to Creative Ministry Ideas
* Back to Web or Site Search
Back to Ethnic Harvest site map
