Reaching The Nations That are Here

These students from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Kenya were baptized on October 2, 2009.

On October 2nd I had the privilege of baptizing four students. They were from four different countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya and Philippines. The week before, I went to a dinner and had my picture taken with students from about ten different countries. There are students from over one hundred different countries at Wichita State University, everywhere from Albania to Zambia.

Many students come to Wichita before they know English well enough to start classes at Wichita State. These students enroll in classes at WSU’s Intensive English Learning Center. Part of their coursework is a one and a half hour conversation class each Wednesday. During that time, students are divided into groups of two or three, to spend time practicing their English with an American volunteer. Groups are free to go wherever they would like, to help in facilitating the conversation. They are also welcome to keep in contact outside of class.

Many international students come to the United States hoping to spend time in an American home, and get to know an American family. International Students Incorporated (ISI), trains American families on how to be good friendship families to these students, and then connects them to one another. These families invite students for meals, for family events, or for activities they regularly take part in, like going to church. They can also sign up to just host students for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

If you have a heart for the nations, you don’t have to go far. There are many opportunities right here in Wichita. Contact me for more information.