ISM Mission

The International Student Ministry (ISM) exists to share the gospel with international students and immigrants in the Central Valley. ISM hosts weekly "Global Cafe" gatherings at which dinner is served, and students participate in studying a story from the Bible. The study is geared toward students of all faiths and backgrounds as an introduction to the narrative of God's plan of redemption for mankind. Most students have never heard the gospel or seen a Bible before. 

ISM also hosts monthly social outreach parties at which students are invited to connect with each other and with our team of American servants. ISM servants build relational bridges with students and extend invitations to attend Bible studies.  ISM volunteers also spend time with students in 1:1 or in small group settings, in dorms, apartments, and coffee shops around town building relationships and sewing gospel seeds.  

Several times a year the monthly socials are geared around Christian holidays at which we have the liberty to proclaim the gospel, and in addition to international students, immigrant families are invited to participate. Navigating relationships with secular institutions requires care, and we are blessed to have the opportunity to connect with students through the doors that the Lord has opened.  

If you're interested in learning more about ISM, please reach out to our team leaders Jen and Mark at isministryfresno@gmail.com.

Semester Bible Study "Global Cafe"

January 2023 Connecting Event

This "welcome" event was hosted on-campus at Fresno State during a rainy week in January. 45 new international students who arrived to Fresno that week were welcomed by our ISM crew with pizza and games. Several students who attended this event came to our Bible study the following Friday.

February 2023 Connecting Event

Our February connecting event featured Valentine's theme, soup, and s'mores around the bonfire. Students were introduced to the story of St. Valentine, which led to the sharing of the gospel. A couple of new students from this event joined our Friday night Bible study the following week.

March 2023 Connecting Event

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day on March 17th for our monthly social and enjoyed a potato bar, bonfire, and games, and shared the story of St. Patrick which led to sharing the gospel. Many new connections were made and we anticipate seeing more new students at our Bible study this Friday.

March 2023 Hike

We invited our regular attendees of Global Cafe (Bible study) to join us for a hike on Wellbarn Road. 13 students and 5 volunteers embarked on a 4-mile excursion across green hills alongside cattle and rivers. During a break, Jen gave a brief "creation" talk, encouraging students to consider the Creator who made such beauty along with presenting the watchmaker's argument for the existence of an intelligent designer.

April 2023 Connecting Event

We praise God for the many international students and families who joined us for an Easter luncheon which included a meal, singing worship songs, hearing the gospel message, and playing games. We also thank God for the students who attended a Trinity Easter service that morning. 

Coming Up

During the summer months, while students return to their home country for the summer break, ISM holds equipping sessions for those who serve in the ministry to help better prepare them to engage with international students. We will return in the August 2023 for our Fall Welcome Outreach Event for new international students!

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