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Outline:
Abstract
Introduction (10-15)
a. Background and rational for study
b. Importance of this study
c. Research question and Hypotheses
d. Terms explained
e. Benefits from this study
f. Biblical basis for Mentoring as a discipleship tool
g. Methodology for study
h. Review of literature
Literature Review (10)
a. Introduction to the literature review
b. Brief Overview of Contact strategies of the past
c. An argument for Mentoring as a strategic contact tool
Strategic Elements for the mentoring dynamic for Internationals (15)
a. Mentor-Mentee dynamic
b. Structure of the Relationship
c. Interaction parameters
Cross-cultural Mentoring for effective discipleship (10)
a. General Observations from field studies and Interviews
b. Specific Observations from field studies and Interviews
c. Conclusions
Appendices
CHAPTER 1
Terms explained
the term International students it is referred to students who leave their home country for a prolonged
period of time, in order to study in another country.
Some students simply choose to study abroad simply because the field they choose is not readily available
in their country.
The movement of peoples in our world creates many challenges. The word Diaspora meaning a
scattering is used to describe this large-scale movement of people from their homeland to settle
permanently or temporarily in other countries. 7, LOPSS
This section reviews the vision of the strategic nature of International student ministries (ISM) and the
historic genesis and references to national ISMs of the U.S. and the Canada.
One way of viewing and distinguishing the broad context of Diaspora people groups is according to their
status as being permanent residents or temporary residents in their new or host country. (RISS)
International students, research scholars and faculty constitute an important subset of temporary foreign
residents.
They may live on North American campuses or in our communities for a few
months to several years. It is no accident, but the sovereign act of God that
brings the future leaders of the world to us, and in increasing numbers.1
(RISS)
Thoughthereisahugeopportunitytoimpactthisdemographicaroundus,itdoesnotmeanthat
thisopportunityisreadilyseenoractedupon.(RISS)
Evenafterdecadesofstrategicinternationalstudentministriesinmotion,therestillremainsthe
needfortheHolyspirittoremovetheshadesofblindnesstounderstandtheneedbetterandmeet
thechallengesitposes.
In1953therewereonly33,000foreignstudentsintheU.S,butsixtyyearslaterin2013,the
populationhasgrowntoover820,000accordingtotheOpenDoorsFastFacts2013reportofthe
InstituteofInternationalEducation.(RISS)
America, which is the primary destination of international students, will continue
to draw a significant number for the next ten years based on three studies,
by the U.K., Australia, and Canada, forecasting the rise of students studying
abroad.2 (ISD)
India has been one of the top two sending nations to the U.S. since the early 2000s.
Nevertheless, ministry among and with international scholars, students, and

faculty represents perhaps the most strategic opportunity to advance
Gods Kingdom world-wide, and with minimal funding required in
comparison with other ministry/mission budgets. (ISD)
Since International students are already here, there is no need to go
overseas but simply be in a position to meet a student on campus or at
his/her living place. Secondly, International students are sufficiently
conversant in English and hence the language barrier is coming down.
1 Acts 17:25, From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the
whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries
of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for
Him and find Him...
2 International Education Supply & Demand: Forecasting the Future, Alan Ruby,
Trends & Insights for International Education Leaders, June, 2013
Most foreign students, free from the shackles of their home culture and
norms, are generally curious to learn about a new culture, history, country,
heritage and may employ the means of interacting with a local to learn all of
the above. (This paper will test this) Most International students are curious,
open and responsive to the gospel than when they were back home. The
missiological implications relating to this fact are huge.
International students are appreciative of he hospitality and the cultural engagement, which comes part of
that package.
The Biblical teachings on welcoming the stranger and hospitality transcend head knowledge and
ideal principles when people from various cultures experience a relaxed time of food, fun, and
fellowship together. (ISD)
Certainly one of the obvious strategic values of international student ministry
is the likely potential that the students could become national and world
leaders politically, in their professions, and spheres of influence. The U.S.
State Department has a list of nearly 300 world leaders who studied in the
U.S.3 (ISD)
International students are the next generation taking up roles of the agent of
transformational change in their home countries and shape the culture and
political futures of their respective countries. Many students return to their
countries sooner or later.
Many students who returned from the U.S have gone on to build the universal church. Many of the top
evangelical leaders of the Church in Malaysia and Singapore today were students in Australia in the 60s
and 70s.
Bakht Singh of India, a Sikh, was being attracted to Christ over a span of months while studying
in the UK and then in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Bakht Singh received Christ and returned to
be an apostle to India, just like John Sung was to China and East Asia. Bakht Singh's New
Testament church planting model multiplied to over 500 congregations in India and 200
congregations in Pakistan, plus a number in Europe and North America.4
3Armed with U.S. Education, Many Leaders Take on World, Ben Wolfgang, The
Washington Times, August 19, 2012
4Thinking Small: Global Missions and American Churches, Jonathan Bonk,
Missiology, April, 2000
Local churches are quickly learning ho enriching it is to have a ministry among International students,
scholars and faculty among their midst. These students are a rich blessing if a church would properly
integrate them into the body.
CHAPTER 2
What most people do not know is that in 1911 John R. Mott organized and led the US's first
organization designed to aid international students, called the Committee on Friendly Relations
Among Foreign Students (CFR). In 1965 the CFR changed its name to International Student
Service (ISS). After more than 70 years of ministry the CFR/ISS has ceased its services, but its
legacy and lineage is monumental and its spirit of ministry among foreign students lives on
through countless organizations and programs that caught its vision.
(RRIS)
1950s to 1970s: (RRIS)

In 1952 Intervarsity Christian Fellowship USA launched an ISM Department under the
leadership of missionary statesman, David Adeney. www.intervarsity.org/ism
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Canada also began ISM in 1952.
www.ivcf.ca/page.aspx?pid=405
International Students Incorporated (ISI) was established in 1953 and is the oldest
mission agency exclusively dedicated to ministry among international students.
www.isionline.org
The Southern Baptist Convention began their ISM in 1955, but a national coordinating
office or leadership position has changed and fluctuated over the decades.
In 1963 Ambassadors for Christ was birthed as an off-shoot from ISI and focuses on
Chinese students. www.afcinc.org
Campus Crusade for Christ started an ISM department in 1968 that ended in 1978. But
Bridges International was established in 1983 as a revived ISM for Crusade.
www.bridgesinternational.com
The Navigators initiated their ISM in 1977.
http://www.navigators.org/Ministries/Missions/College/International%20Student
%20Ministry%20-ISM
International Friendship Inc (IFI) started in 1979. www.ifiusa.org
While the increase of the international student foreign field has grown substantially, the increase
in laborers and ISMs has grown moderately. During this next decade[of the 80s], may God
grant a great awakening and response to the validity, vision, and mission of the ISM movement
in America. Within two years of that wishful prayer, a new ISM networking mechanism was
birthed to enhance the development of the ISM movement in the USA and Canada. (RRIS)
In 1981, the first delegation of most of the ISMs of the U.S. and Canada got together at ISIs
(International Student Inc.) headquarters in Colorado springs and eventually led to the formation
of the on-going North American network of the Association of Christian
Ministries to Internationals (ACMI), also known as, Association of Christians
Ministering among Internationals.
Based on various surveys by ACMI and research by this author, it is plausible that there could be
about 500 churches intentionally engaged in directly reaching the international student diaspora
in North America. Additionally there may be approximately 3,000 other partnering churches
providing financial, logistical, and volunteer support for ISMs. (RISS)
Basis for mentoring as a contact tool
Students come to the U.S. based on various reasons. Some could be personal, ranging from
having a significant other (like a boyfriend or a girlfriend) studying here, or having an interest in
the culture and the opportunities presented in the form of the famed American dream. These
students have to face many exciting endeavors but also challenges like learning to adapt to a new
culture, learn its life customs and abiding by its immigration rules. In between coping with their
full academic load, they learn to form new friendships, pick up the proper etiquette for the new
culture and find their identity in a social circle within a new environment.
Making friends in a new country is difficult. It can of course be argued that making friends is
always difficult, but when you are all alone in a foreign country, things are different. There may
be language barriers or cultural differences that make it very hard to get to know new people.
Several studies have suggested that the bigger the difference between the host culture and the
home country, the worse the culture shock is, and the more trouble students have adapting
(Forstat, 1951; Furnham, 2004; Graham, 1983; Wehrly, 1986).
And that may be an optimistic estimate. A recent study by Baruch College professor
Elisabeth Gareis found that more than one in three international students have no
close American friends.
In a recent study, 38% of 454 participating international students studying in the US

had no close American friend and were unsatisfied with this lack of contact.
(Intercultural Friendship: Effects of Home and Host Region)
International students who make friends with host nationals have stronger language
skills, better academic performance, lower levels of stress and greater life
satisfaction. Friendships also aid overall adjustment and improve attitudes towards
the host country. Well-integrated international students, in turn, are more likely to
participate in the classroom, thus enriching domestic students educational
experience and advancing international perspectives. The benefits of friendship

between international students and hosts extend beyond the students sojourn.
International students often fill influential leadership positions after returning home
and can play an important part in fostering productive relations with the former host
country.
Reflections on Reaching the International Student Diaspora in North America, Leiton Edward Chinn, Lausanne
Senior Associate for International Student Ministries, Published in www.GlobalMissiology.org July 2014 Vol 4, No
11 (2014)(RRIS)
International Education Supply & Demand: Forecasting the Future, Alan Ruby,
Trends & Insights for International Education Leaders, June, 2013 (ISD)
Armed with U.S. Education, Many Leaders Take on World, Ben Wolfgang, The Washington Times, August 19,
2012
Thinking Small: Global Missions and American Churches, Jonathan Bonk, Missiology, April, 2000

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I.

Nevertheless, ministry among and with international scholars, students, and

1950s to 1970s: (RRIS)

In a recent study, 38% of 454 participating international students studying in the US

experience and advancing international perspectives. The benefits of friendship

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