International Friends Incorporated hosted a sledding event at Mendon Ponds Park that attracted more than 30 students and about a dozen volunteers for what seemed like the best day of sledding in Rochester this year. All of the students tried their hand at sledding and some were very adventurous, going down the hill many times and even trying their luck flying over ramps at the top and bottom of the hill. About 15 of them enjoyed chaining multiple sleds together and snaking their way down the hill.
These students are all eager for conversation and to learn more about our culture and opportunities in the US. It seems that they are all interested in learning about Christianity and discussing their own beliefs, some more than others. The mission of IFI is “to extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus.” This focus opens many doors for sharing the Gospel with young people who have not heard it before, including many Fulbright scholars who will return to their home countries and assume significant leadership roles. IFI volunteers provide hospitality in many forms: to and from airports, to and from supermarkets, helping students earn their driver’s licenses, hosting meals. Many international students participate in small group Bible studies. Young Christians in IFI are also given opportunities to serve and lead on the RIT campus.
Mason Pell (m.pell@ifiusa.org) is the IFI campus representative at RIT. You can learn more about IFI by visiting the IFI Partners website (https://www.ifipartners.org/). Please talk with Dave Beinetti or Paul Craig if you would like to attend an IFI event, host an IFI guest for a meal.
Please continue to pray for IFI
That more international students would attend IFI events and that we would see five international students decide to follow Jesus
That the IFI team, which is classified as a club at RIT, would have effective communication with the Campus Life office at RIT, and especially that they would receive prompt responses to their emails and phone calls.
For new students to serve in officer roles in the club on the RIT campus