International Students Are Unofficial Ambassadors for Christ
This month, Chi Alpha will hold two conferences for international students - the Third Annual Mosaic 2005 from May 15-19, and the 13th Annual Central Christian International Student Conference May 19-24.
The 13th Annual Central Christian International Student Conference will take place in Illinois, and the Mosaic is to take place in Virginia.
According to a 2002-2003 report, the total number of foreign scholars, international students, and individuals enrolled in the Intensive English Programs have exceeded well over 700,000.
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As of now, 750,000 international people in the United States are seeking American friendship.
"The International Student Friendship Ministries through Chi Alpha is about loving and serving international students," said Jerry Gibson, Director of International Student Ministries, a division of Chi Alpha student ministry.
"The two aspirations of an international student, when they come to the United States, is... their education, of course, and... to make an American friend," Gibson said. "We want to offer authentic quality friendships to these unofficial ambassadors of the world."
Last year, 153 people attended the Central conference, and 38 at the Mosaic. Mosaic is looking to top 50 this year.
Students are coming from Chi Alpha campuses nationwide.
Through this year, international students have been involved with Chi Alpha/Intl Student Friendship Ministries. It is expected that students from as far away as Texas and Florida will come to CISC and MOSAIC.
"The response has been very positive. This is a great time for international students to come together. [Students from other nations] share some common insight, struggles and worldview [with Christian students], having been a third culture people," said Gibson.
This year, Mosaic will study Christ's life through the gospels.
The International Student Ministries has also partnered with the Associations of Christians Ministering to Internationals, an international ministry, to maintain relationships built during the conferences long after the international students have returned to their home country.
Sign up is available for both conferences on the website at: http://www.chialpha.com/
