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Category: Partner Stories

The staff and volunteer perspective on what it means to serve international students!

  • Staff Highlight: Viviane Kirezi

    Since Fall 2020 Viviane Kirezi has been serving as the National Training Assistant helping the National Training Manager to develop, coordinate, and implement new training programs for staff and volunteers.

    Before joining the IFI team, Viviane moved from her home in Rwanda to California and studied Architecture. She first heard about IFI while studying for a Master’s degree in Theology from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. This led her to join the ISEED, IFI’s internship/discipleship program. Her time in ISEED was enlightening, and she learned how to tell people who have never heard about God about her faith.  

    “The biggest reward is seeing students’ lives changing and them testifying about it,” says Viviane

    Viviane was drawn to join the IFI Staff because of her passion for the mission of IFI and because believers reached out to her, leading her to faith. In her new position as the National Training Assistant, she hopes to fulfill the mission by equipping and encouraging others with knowledge and training to effectively and intentionally reach out to students.

    One of her favorite experiences has been watching a student/friend grow and begin to walk with the Lord. Watching her learn about her roots in Christ, realize her fears and learn to pray has been an example to Viviane of Christ’s love and faithfulness.  

     She asks for prayer that IFI would be able to better support and connect with students here and back in their home countries to provide them opportunities to grow in faith.

     For info about joining Viviane’s prayer or support team, please visit: https://www.ifipartners.org/team/viviane-kirezi

    More help is needed–have you considered filling a staff position as a volunteer or paid worker?  We are currently looking for a Social Media Specialist and Campus Staff (at OSU, Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, Columbus State).  See https://www.ifipartners.org/careers or contact Phil at phil@ifiusa.org for more information on job opportunities.

     

  • Sowing in the Lunar New Year

    On February 12th, IFI had a successful hybrid Lunar New Year Party!  Over 90 international students joined, online or in-person social distancing on the day that OSU opened for students to meet.  It was much needed by many international students, to celebrate in such a time as this, with great food, games, and being able to connect with others.  

    For students especially who are from China, Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and Taiwan, this day was very meaningful, because it is a major holiday in their home country.  Wen Cao, OSU Campus Leader, says “Through this IFI event, many experienced the feeling of ‘home’ in Columbus.”   

    In addition to the celebration, these international students had the opportunity to hear about a message delivered from IFI CEO, Rich Mendola, who has contextualized the Gospel into the Lunar New Year theme. May the Lord continue to use the Gospel and the love of Christ to impact the hearts of each student.  

     

  • A World of Grandchildren

    “I love having grandchildren from all over the world!” 

    –Norma, IFI Volunteer

    We interviewed an IFI volunteer, Norma Foell.  She lives with her son, Phil, who is a member of the IFI staff.  She interacts with students weekly during the Bible discussion group.  When asked about her relationship with students, Norma said, “I love having grandchildren from all over the world!  It is a real blessing to me.  They are such loving and wonderful young people.  I like to be able to be family to them when they are so far from their own families.“

    Norma and an international student share a hug, pre-COVID

    She commented that things are different since the pandemic. “The hardest thing right now is not being able to meet with students personally–I love seeing them, giving and getting hugs, which we can’t do over the Zoom screen.  I do get to see a few of them on Zoom, but I don’t get to see them in person, as I most enjoy.  I just got my first COVID vaccine shot, so am looking forward to seeing students again in person later this year.“

    A recent Zoom meeting photo, Norma is in the top right corner

    As Norma reflected on her involvement, she is thankful for IFI.  She remarked, “IFI is a very worthwhile program and it gives you an opportunity to show the world that we are a loving and accepting country, and to show the love of Jesus.  I receive many more blessings by being a grandmother to so many awesome young people.  The students have changed over the years.  It is as much a blessing to me as it is hopefully a comfort to them to feel that they have family here.“

    The IFI staff are thankful for volunteers like you and Norma who reach out to students in friendship with God’s love!

    Last group meeting in our home, March 2020, just before the shut down

  • Staff Highlight: Junshuo Yang

    We are blessed with an amazing staff at IFI in Columbus!  Each month we shine the spotlight on one of the IFI team members so you can meet them up close and personal.  During the pandemic God opened the door for new international staff to raise support and join the Central Ohio Campus Team!

    Junshuo has been serving as a Campus Minister for the IFI Columbus team since fall of 2020.  He has been focusing his time and efforts on building relationships, organizing activities, and serving and discipling students. 

    Before he joined the IFI team, Junshuo studied in China and then came to the United States to earn his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire.  After graduating, Junshuo moved to Columbus and joined the IFI Internship (ISEED) program.  Through this experience, Junshuo witnessed effective ministry and discipleship and knew the Lord was calling him into ministry. 

    “I have the same vision as IFI: sharing the gospel among all nations, bringing students to Christ and helping them grow their faith in the Lord,” says Junshuo.  

    As a Campus Minister, Junshuo is excited to get to know internationals, especially Chinese students.  One of his favorite memories with IFI was the Chinese Spring Festival Celebration.  IFI provided food, planned activities and invited many within the community.  What was most impactful was the way the IFI team connected with students and connected Chinese culture to the Lord.  International students encountered the gospel in a way that resonated with them. 

    Junshuo wants to go wherever the Lord would call him.  If called, he would one day love to go back to China where he could visit old friends and family and share the Good News of Jesus with them! 

    He asks for prayer that God would guide the Columbus team to make connections with international students in such uncertain times.

     

    More help is needed–have you considered filling a staff position as a volunteer or paid worker?  We are currently looking for a Social Media Specialist, Content Writer, Campus Staff (at OSU, Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, Columbus State).  See https://www.ifipartners.org/careers or contact Phil at phil@ifiusa.org for more information on job opportunities.

     

  • Vision Conference – 2021

    We started the year off attending the virtual “Vision Together” Conference January 1-3 with about 1300 international students, volunteers and staff from 82 countries of the world.  IFI had about 60 students, volunteers and IFI staff from Columbus participating.  This conference was organized by CRU Bridges Ministry to International students.  Our partnership grew stronger this year–they asked one of our student leaders, ‘M’ from India, and one of our IFI staff, George Chow, now Area Mobilizer for Houston, TX, to be 2 of the 4 emcees for the conference. 

    We had some great discussions about dealing with anxiety, stress, and matters of science and faith.  The group was made up of students from China, India, Indonesia and several volunteers who work with Muslim students.  The photo above shows one of the IFI virtual family groups meeting to discuss Genesis 1.  The people in our group were really invested, including one woman who dialed in from China, so she was 13 hours ahead of the rest of us!  Attendees were vulnerable and authentic, sharing pressures for studying and family issues, as well as how Jesus gives them hope and encouragement. 

    One international (who is an intellectual, genetics genius) in our group shared an interesting insight about the order of creation– specifically where Genesis says man was formed first, then woman was formed from a part/rib of man.  Science does not necessarily confirm or prove the Biblical account, but from a genetics perspective, it can corroborate that the first woman’s genetic code (XX) could have come from the man’s (XY) DNA, but it wouldn’t have worked the other way around, with a man coming from part of a woman, without something extra, the Y chromosome, being added.  The biblical writers didn’t have access to all the genetic stuff we know now, but science supports what we read in the Bible, that woman could have come from man. 

    We also had the chance in a breakout room to talk with International students about the opportunity to consider joining IFI and our iSEED Discipleship program.  One woman from China had heard about the program from a former intern and came eager to learn more.  She will graduate in 18 months and is looking forward to joining the program.  She says:

    “I can’t believe that there is a program like this that exists and has everything I am looking for: work experience, spiritual development and mentoring!”

    –Future IFI Intern (iSEED) participant

  • Staff Highlight: Xia Shen

    We are blessed with an amazing staff team at IFI in Columbus! Each month we would like to shine the spotlight on one of the IFI team members so you can meet them up close and personal.

    During the pandemic God opened the door for three new international staff to raise support and join the IFI Campus Ministry Team in Fall 2020!  We would like to highlight each of these staff over the next 3 months. Xia Shen is one of these new staff members!  She was a part of the IFI iSEED program in the 2019-20 school year where she grew in faith and personal development.  This experience as an iSEED-er has helped her to better understand her identity in Christ, the characteristics of God, and how to disciple others.

    “I want to see international students’ lives changed” –Xia

    Prior to joining iSEED, she was an undergraduate student in Early Childhood Education at The Ohio State University.  She participated in IFI events and became a believer through a Friday Night Bible Discussion group.  Her life was impacted by IFI in a big way, and her desire is to see other international students’ lives changed too.  She understands the value of making an impact through the small details and interactions with others, whether that be offering a ride to the grocery store or offering a word of encouragement.  These intentional small acts can extend the love and care of Christ to others!

    Xia experienced how truly life-giving encouragement can be when she was discipling one girl in particular.  They had grown close, but then suddenly this girl drew away from Xia.  Xia shared an uplifting message about her identity in Christ with this girl, and through these supportive words and the love of Christ, their relationship was restored.

    Please pray for Xia to continue to hear from God as she is a full time Campus Minister focusing on student outreach, evangelism, and building relationships with students.  Please also pray that Xia would reach full funding in the next few months.  Since she just joined IFI only 4 months ago, she still needs to raise $1200/month in financial support. 

    Contact Xia at x.shen@ifiusa.org to learn more about her ministry and how you can be part of her prayer and financial support team!

    More help is needed–have you considered filling a staff position as a volunteer or paid worker?  We are currently looking for a Social Media Specialist, Content Writer, Campus Staff (at OSU, Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, Columbus State).  See https://www.ifipartners.org/careers or contact Phil at phil@ifiusa.org for more information on job opportunities.

     

  • Staff Highlight: Mike Krajnak

    We are blessed with an amazing staff team at IFI in Columbus!  Each month we would like to shine the spotlight on one of the IFI team members so you can meet them up close and personal.

    Mike Krajnak has served as the ISEED (International Students as Equipped and Empowered Disciples) Internship Coordinator for the IFI Columbus team since 2018.  He organizes the program’s class schedule, plans the curriculum, coordinates student mentors and assists students in finding employment.  Most importantly, he cares for and invests in the spiritual and emotional well-being of the ISEED interns.

    Before joining the IFI staff Mike was a computer consultant serving as a liaison between tech problem solvers and customers.  He and his wife, Tish, first learned about and felt a heavy burden for international students when they went through the process of adopting their daughter from China.  They began by assisting the international ministry in their church, then started volunteering with IFI as conversation partners in 2010.

    IFI has shaped Mike’s life and his students’ lives as well.  He’s experienced God using his talents to minister to students and he’s seen the way God has changed the attitudes of students from timid apprehension to faithful confidence through the ISEED program.

    “God in his humor is changing my character by having me trust Him, make change and see that it’s okay; that He’s going to take care of things.  It’s just not the way I planned, it’s a different plan… That’s what I think working at IFI is all about.  You get chances to see God show up, and show up in big ways.”

    Please pray with us that ISEED students would be able to find jobs, that mentors would be raised up, and for wisdom to connect with and teach new students. Please visit the web page below to learn how you can hire, host, mentor, or support an intern: ifipartners.org/iseed

     

    “That’s what I think working at IFI is all about.  You get chances to see God show up, and show up in big ways.”

    –Mike

     

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    More help is needed–have you considered filling a staff position as a volunteer or paid worker?  We are currently looking for a Social Media Specialist, Content Writer, Campus Staff (at OSU, Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, Columbus State).  See https://www.ifipartners.org/careers or contact Phil at phil@ifiusa.org for more information on job opportunities.

     

  • Opening Eyes

    “Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

    John 9:39

    Lisa has volunteered with IFI since 2006.  She has been a conversation partner and done airport pick ups, but mostly served as a helper in IFI’s English Conversation Club.  Since COVID began, the club meets online on Saturday mornings from 10am-11:15am.  Lisa says “I LOVE this club!”

    Over the years Lisa has had friends from China, Brazil, S. Korea Taiwan, and Nigeria.  Now that the club is online she can talk on Zoom with former students who are in their own countries.

    Lisa is a faithful friend and maintains friendships with more than 15 former students who have moved home or to other parts of the US.  Her friends trust her and introduce her to new students who then become her friends, too.  She was even able to go visit some of these friends in China in 2010!

    Lisa actively looks for ways to pray for her friends and asks those who are in IFI Bible Study groups what they are learning.   God has used Lisa to plant seeds in the life of C. (a visiting scholar from China) beginning in 2013 when she picked her up at the airport.  Since C.’s apartment was not ready, Lisa let her stay with her for 4 days.

    They started a friendship, and Lisa was lead to share the story of the blind man from John 9 and explained to C. how to overcome spiritual blindness.  C. didn’t respond right away, but the seeds were planted, and 3 months later she told Lisa that her eyes were opened, and she decided to follow Jesus!

    Lisa is also an IFI financial supporter, because she has seen firsthand how IFI has impacted students from around the world at the Ohio State University.  Lisa recently emailed IFI staff and wrote “THANK YOU IFI for having so much compassion for each and every student.  THANK YOU for screening your volunteers and then matching them up to students who need an English speaking friend while here in the states.  I am praying that the IFI concept will spread to every state/college!”

  • Staff Highlight: Tosan Otokuefer

    We are blessed with an amazing staff team at IFI in Columbus! Each month we would like to shine the spotlight on one of the IFI team members so you can meet them up close and personal.

    Tosan is one of the newest staff members and has served as the Event Coordinator since June 2020. Her job is to plan large scale events for staff and students by coordinating vendors and venues and helping to direct volunteers. Despite the fact we have been unable to hold big events this fall, she has already helped plan and execute seven (7) small social distanced and online events!

    Before joining IFI, Tosan was an international student and earned her undergraduate degree in Nigeria and her master’s degree in France.   Then she worked as a researcher for the University of Florida until moving to Columbus where she served as a staff member at a local church, working in their food pantry and overseeing events.

    Tosan heard about IFI when she first moved to Columbus. When she later applied for the Event Coordinator position, she felt that IFI had chosen her to be a part of their mission. She believes working in ministry is a chance to give yourself to God and give your best.

    Tosan has seen the Lord move in many ways throughout her life. She asks for prayer that in everything she does, she would please the Lord and that IFI would be another avenue to bring Him glory. She also asks that IFI staff and volunteers would possess patience, grace and unity, and that they’d be able to demonstrate the love of Christ to students and everyone around them.

    tosan

    “[It’s important] to be a team player; being able to think of the other person before myself,”

    –Tosan

    More help is needed–have you considered filling a staff position as a volunteer or paid worker?  We are currently looking for a Social Media Specialist, Content Writer, Campus Staff (at OSU, Ohio Wesleyan, Denison, Columbus State).  See https://www.ifipartners.org/careers or contact Phil at phil@ifiusa.org for more information on job opportunities.

  • A Growing Team!

    God is growing the team at IFI!  Two of our recent iSEED internship graduates felt called to join our OSU Campus Ministry team, working in student’s hearts through friendships with faithful volunteers.

    One volunteer told us his Conversation Partner from last fall was interested in reading the Bible. Another told us that her Conversation Partner from S. Korea recently prayed to receive Christ! 

    We also had 2 recently retired volunteers decide to join IFI Columbus as Associate (Volunteer) Staff.  Now that they have more time, they felt called by God to invest in this field which is white for harvest!

    Maybe you would like to volunteer or work for IFI–have you ever considered it?

    We are currently looking to fill the following roles:

    • Social Media Specialist
    • Content Writer
    • Campus Staff (at OSU, OWU, Denison, Columbus State, etc). 

    See https://www.ifipartners.org/careers or contact Phil at phil@ifiusa.org for more information on job opportunities.