Explore God's Heart For World Missionsنموونە

God is bringing college students, professionals, and families to the U.S. from people groups with little or no direct access to the gospel, and many of these internationals are living right down the street from us. There are also those refugees that have been displaced permanently and relocated to our country who are in great need of help. Because of these two examples alone, it is critical that we as believers take up the mantle of welcomer to any and all internationals living among us. A welcomer is defined as, “one who welcomes internationals into the culture by initiating relationships with them, showing hospitality, and sharing the love of Christ.” Welcoming internationals is not just for those with the gift of hospitality, and the sobering reality is that the majority of internationals will never be invited into an American home. What can be done to change that?

The first place we can look to create change is the campuses of our local universities. More than half of the internationals who come to study in the U.S. are from countries in the 10/40 Window, and many are from unreached people groups. The nations we pray for and endeavor to reach with the hope of the gospel are now among us in astounding numbers. International students will spend anywhere from six months to six years in the U.S. at university, and upon completion will return to their home countries to begin their professional careers. What if they could be won to Jesus Christ and trained as disciples during their college years? They could then return to their homes—in China, India, the Middle East—with not only an education, but as ambassadors for Christ!

This idea, “missions in reverse,” is effective because the internationals already have established spheres of influence and connections back at home. We can help reach the nations by equipping these students to reach their own people. It could all start with a simple invitation into our homes—the very experience they wish for most. Though it may not initially seem so, internationals are just like us. They miss their homes and their families. They experience loneliness, culture shock, and sometimes depression. It makes all the difference when believers step out to initiate relationships with them. One of their greatest needs is for friendship and someone to help them navigate through a foreign culture.

How can we do this practically? For starters, we can initiate conversation with the next international we see. This will, no doubt, be more awkward for you than for them. Introduce yourself and ask questions about their culture. After your conversation, ask if they would like to get together to talk more another time. Another way is to go to the university recreation facility, international restaurants, or grocery stores to meet new international friends. Go with the plan to linger in conversation, not just hurry through your shopping or meal. Lastly, invite your new friend to whatever you are doing, whether it be shopping, laundry, studying, what have you. Use these times as opportunities to learn about them and be there to help them learn more about our culture.

There is nothing complicated about being a welcomer. It starts with just making a friend. Imagine a wave of indigenous ambassadors of Jesus Christ flowing back to their nations from universities across the world. It all starts when the church welcomes them. The nations are here. The opportunity to impact the world for Jesus Christ is waiting right outside our doors. Let’s embrace the opportunity to welcome them into our homes and churches.

PEOPLE GROUP FOCUS: MUSLIM

The Muslim people believe in one god, named Allah, and that Muhammad was his final prophet. They believe if the good deeds in life outweigh the bad deeds when they die, they go to paradise. They respect Jesus as a good prophet, but do not believe He is God. The Baggara people are a group of Muslim believers in Northern Sudan. Most of them are nomadic herdsman who faithfully observe the “five pillars of Islam”. While the New Testament has been translated into their language, and some Christian broadcasts are also available to them, very little evangelism has been done among the Baggara tribes. The nomadic lifestyle of many of the Baggara makes it difficult for missionaries to reach them, and because these people are so devoted to the Islamic faith, very few Baggara have converted to follow Jesus.

Gracious and Loving God, though we know the Baggara people are nomadic, we pray they may find their spiritual home and rest in You. We pray for them to know You as the Good Shepherd, and to follow Your voice. Lord, open our eyes and connect me to internationals who are searching for truth and are eager to learn about You. Give me courage to be intentional in welcoming and building relationships with the internationals I meet. May we co-labor with You in creating Ambassadors of Jesus Christ that will go on to return to their homes with this message of hope. In Jesus Name, Amen!