Upcoming Training Opportunities

I'm in Chicago for foundational meetings with LOVE2020, an initiative of the Mission America Coalition (U.S. Lasusanne), to encourage believers to practice a prayer-care-share lifestyle in relations and communities.  This applies to demonstrating the Great Commandment in cross-cultural, appropriate caring and sharing (the gospel) with international students.  This what we desire to do in ISM and also encourage and equip

others to do.

For more info on both MAC and LOVE2020, please see:

www.missionamerica.org

www.LOVE2020.com

Among the various networks I serve as an ISM mobilizer, it is my privilege to be on

the Mission America Coaltion National Facilitation Team.

Serving International Students with you,

Leiton Chinn

Dear co-worker among internationals,

It’s not too late to make plans to join us in Columbus, OH for this year’s ACMI convention from May 30th – June 1st.  This promises to be a great time of mutual encouragement, being stretched in faith, and to be equipped further for new frontiers in international student ministry.  If you are not already registered, would you prayerfully consider coming for one or all of the following reasons:

1). there are not only several workshops oriented toward international students but an entire track that will help equip them for ministry.  It is vital that international Christians be raised up as coworkers and inviting them to join for this conference will help in this process.  Please note that there is a special rate for international students.  Please consider inviting/sending your key students.  We hope that each person coming will make it a goal to invite one international believer to come!

2).  There are a number of new and creative workshops offered that help address a wide span of current issues in ISM.  We also will be having a special speaker that will help us address the most exciting recent development in ISM - the influx of Saudi Arabian students.  He is one of the few believers from this background who is himself a former international student.  If, for this reason alone, you do not want to miss this year's conference.  Please be sure to look through the full range of workshops at acmiconference.com.  Note the themes of Cultural Sensitivity, Cultivating Change Agents, Emotional Spiritual Development of people doing ISM, engaging with the Least Engaged People groups, Practical Issues for international students, and Capacity Building.  WOW… a lot is being offered.

3). There will be a special social time for single's on Saturday night at the end of the conference.  The short north provides a gallery hop to visit art galleries while visiting small coffee shops and local eateries. Singles involved in ISM don't get many chances to hang out with other so take advantage of this special opportunity.

4).  While many look forward to coming to learn how to better serve internationals we know that many need encouragement and refreshment.  We have several workshops dealing with stress related issues and hope that if you find yourself low on energy or in need of encouragement that you will make a special effort to come.  We will also have special times of prayer to strengthen you for the battles you are facing.

5).  You will find new frontiers in recruiting volunteers, engaging pastors, seeing the big picture, exercising  faith and practicing hospitality.  We are confident that you will be stimulated to lay hold of the promises of God and see how God has raised up ISM for such a time as this. This is not “same old same old.”  This conference is a gathering to move into the future together.

The bottom line is we do not want you to miss out on this special opportunity.  Please register early and then go to work to bring a team from your area.

PLEASE REGISTER AT www.acmiconference.com

A child of the King,

Richard Mendola

Co-chair acmi conferenc '13

Executive Director

International Friendships, Inc.