International education is now a global phenomenon. International students can now be found on campuses across the world including all of Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union.

International students often come from parts of the world where the gospel of Jesus is hardly known and among their number are some of the world’s future leaders in politics, business and education. Such students, often hundreds of miles from home, are curious to find out about local culture, eager to make friends and are open to new ideas. They are more willing to consider Christ than at any time in their lives. For churches in communities where these students study, this is a unique opportunity to change the world for Christ. It is a way to participate in international missions without leaving home and often without learning another language.

Francois * was an international student in the north of England. There he was befriended by Christian students, attended an international café organised by a local church and participated in many Bible studies and conversations lasting into the early hours of the morning. During this process he finally trusted Christ. After graduation he worked with a church for a couple of years while doing some part-time theological studies and then returned to France. Since then, he has translated a significant evangelistic book into French and has engaged in further theological training. This year he joined the staff of the IFES movement in France and will spend the next 3 years reaching French students for Christ.

Mei * came from China. A Muslim from a minority people group, she didn’t find it easy to make friends in a European country. Eventually she found friends among the Christian community. She too trusted Christ while an international student and, since returning home, has started a Christian bookshop. She is also involved in evangelism training for members of her church, which is reaching out to the Muslim population of their town.

These stories illustrate just how effective international student ministry can be. The European Leadership Forum is sponsoring a new initiative to help churches across Europe catch the vision for reaching such international students for Christ. Richard and Catherine Weston, who have both been involved with this ministry in the UK for 23 years, are giving 30% of their time to helping churches in Europe and beyond to develop indigenous ministries among international students. As National Director of Friends International, Richard has helped to pioneer ministry in several towns and cities in the UK. He and Catherine are eager to share what they have learned.

* Names changed to protect the individuals

1. Richard Weston will be available at the Forum in May to talk with anyone who is interested in developing international student ministry in their church. He can be contacted before the  Forum at richard.weston@friendsinternational.org.uk

2. In conjunction with Lausanne, the European Evangelical Alliance, IFES, and the European Leadership Forum, Richard is planning a consultation and training conference in Amsterdam from 17-19 November 2009. Participation is limited and attendance will be by invitation only. Please let Richard know if you’d like to attend and send him a brief biography and reasons why you’d like to be present.

3. Richard and Catherine are available to run 1-2 day training conferences in your church/city. They will make no charge for providing this training, though they would appreciate meals and accommodation being provided, and an offering taken to help cover their costs. Contact them direct for further information. They much regret that if languages other than English are required then translation will need to be provided, and careful preparation of materials should be prepared in advance.