Ron and Cathy Bush decided to open their house for one year to a foreign exchange student from Japan.

It felt awkward at first, but soon they got used to friendly, Pete*, being in their home and enjoying meals and English conversation.

They learned a lot about Japan, its people and its ways.

Mostly they learned about Pete*, who was not only eager to learn English, but hungry to know God.

Before long he was attending church with them and eventually was baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist.

Today he teaches English to 400 Japanese students in San Jose, California. His deep desire is to reach his own people with the Gospel.

Future World Leaders Studying Near You

There are 550,000 international students studying in the USA every year. They come from 188 different countries. Forty-three of these countries we can't even enter as missionaries. They will return to their countries and take up important posts in government, education and business.

In fact 40% of the world's 220 heads of state once studied in the United States. Pete's* story shows the potential of ministry to international students. While you might not open your home for a year, there are many things you can do. Unfortunately 70% of international students never get invited into an American home while they're here.

* Pete is a pseudonym.

Here's What To Do:

• Invite a student to your home to share a meal. (Remember how nice that felt when you were away at school)? The next time he comes, offer him the kitchen to create his favorite food.
• Invite her to special events during holidays. She came to America eager to learn your ways. Share the true joys of Easter by attending a Resurrection pageant. Give a gift she will treasure that ties her heart to the beauty of Christmas.
• Become a conversation partner for an hour a week to help him with his English.
• Follow the principles under "How to Share Your Faith."
• Be committed to helping and caring even if he or she shows no interest in God. Time alone will show the fruit of unconditional love.
• Keep in touch when she returns to her country. The pressures of family, friends and society may erode her new faith in Christ. Let your letters include greetings to her family and pictures of yours. Try to connect her to a church or other Christians in her area. You might even plan a visit to her country.

To Find Students Near You:

Link up with those who are already doing this exciting ministry:

• International Students Inc. (ISI) is a Christian organization committed to caring for such students and helping them meet Jesus in a culturally appropriate way. Contact: 1-800-ISI-TEAM or www.isionline.org for videos, literature and advice.
• Check with a chaplain or faculty at the university.

To Participate in the Exchange Student Program:

• Call Pacific Intercultural Exchange at 1-800-894-7633, or Cultural Student Exchange at 1-800-AFS-INFO. It's a great way to bring someone right into your home for an entire year. Think of the impact you'll make. Financially you are usually responsible only for their room and board.

A Great Book on International Student Ministry: The World At Your Door by Tom Phillips & Bob Norsworthy.