“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age.’” (Matt. 28:18-20, NIV)
Many international college students in the US are unable to afford the cost of travel to and from their home countries for all but the major breaks, and even then, many choose to travel just for the larger summer break. When their campuses shut down for the Thanksgiving break, these students often find themselves alone, unable to travel home, and without a place to experience the traditional American holiday. Rural churches, located in the communities surrounding many institutions of higher education, are uniquely positioned to offer Christ-like hospitality and a genuine cultural experience.
For rural churches seeking to serve college students and make disciples of all nations, the opportunity to provide support during this family-focused season is a challenge waiting to be tackled. Churches can take the lead in designing comprehensive, actionable plans that seek to partner with the local college or university to effectively and lovingly host international university students during the Thanksgiving holiday, focusing on bridging cultural gaps, providing genuine fellowship, and offering a safe, memorable experience.
Key Components to Address in the Plan
Any plan of action will begin with outreach to the local college or university, specifically identifying which office oversees ongoing international student care. This is sometimes an independent office, but other times, especially for smaller institutions, it’s combined with the Dean of Students’ Office or the Multicultural Office. Either is a good starting place to ask questions. For public or secular institutions, reaching out to the campus ministries present on campus (which can generally be found through the Student Clubs & Organizations page on the website) is another great starting point. Ministries such as InterVarsity, CCO, BCM, Cru, etc., will have ways to partner with churches to serve international students on their campuses. A great resource is the “Friends for Dinner” website that helps connect international students with host families for holidays.
One of the logistical challenges to be aware of is the transportation of students who do not have cars. Without the student body being present on campus over break, many of these solo students will not have friends or even faculty available to provide them with transportation to and from the church or host homes. As Thanksgiving break is often a weeklong, many will not have regular access to the dining hall or grocery stores.
Host Family Preparation & Matching (The "Friendship Family" Model)
Colleges with a faith perspective, or the campus ministries making these connections, need to engage in due diligence in vetting and selecting the church families that are willing to host students. This can be done through a simple application system, including a pastoral reference and screening of how the local church organization's faith standards align with those of the college or campus ministry. The inclusion of a simple orientation and background check can be a nice end to the process.
As church leaders and families plan to engage with students, being mindful of dietary restrictions (with attention to special diets such as kosher or halal), comfort level with animals, and other cultural/religious sensitivities will help engage with students. It is important to remember that many students choose to come to the United States and Canada for the education and not necessarily the religious expression of the institution. Many may recognize the label of being a Christian very differently from an American or may not know anything about Jesus to begin with. Institutions or campus ministries should be prepared to address conversations or connections with their international students through a brief orientation or in a guide that is provided to host families, which will help them to engage the experience of cultural exchange respectfully and sensitively.
The Thanksgiving Experience
Thanksgiving in America is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, and one that many international students will enjoy and remember. From the turkey-bowl games at churches, to Thanksgiving Day football, and finally to the food and sharing of gratitude around a family table, this cultural phenomenon can be an engaging way to introduce international students to Jesus and the church.
The Meal
Since a variety of food dishes, different from region to region, are present at this feast time, it should be easy to provide for different dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, or celiac options (to name a few). Host families can prepare traditional dishes, providing explanations of the ingredients, such as spices, and the history behind different recipes for students. Crafting the narrative of family traditions can add layers of importance to the meal.
Activities
Many rural communities maintain certain traditions or events of their own around this time of the year, whether it’s on the day or during the week. Inviting international students to participate in these experiences can be a great way to demonstrate the unity of the community and immerse students in the local culture.
The Gospel
Finally, one of the most important aspects of the holiday is the immersion of gratitude for what Jesus has done for mankind. Families can demonstrate the spirit of Christian hospitality through welcoming students into their communities and homes, sharing in their giving of thanks to the Creator, and genuinely loving and caring for students without pushing faith in ways that will make guests uncomfortable. This is also a time of welcoming students to become known in loving, caring homes who are genuinely interested in them as people who are made in the Image of God.
Follow-up and Lasting Connection
To close out the holiday and send the students back to school for their final examination period, host families can capitalize on the memories made by providing a small memento, such as a family photo (and container of leftovers). These small gifts, which should be inexpensive, can mean a lot to students, especially if they feel cared for. Families can follow up with offers of further connection, such as inviting the students to continue attending church with them, offering to provide rides to church and shopping for groceries, and inviting them to future visits for other holidays or meals. Long-lasting relationships can continue to provide valuable care for students as they experience Jesus through the rural church.
Further Reading
Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 24:14; Matthew 25:35; Ephesians 2:19
Additional Resources
This Thanksgiving, Invite International Students into Your Home by Grayson Pease
The Joy of Welcoming Internationals for Thanksgiving by Eric & Andrea Warren
Eric Fehr is the Assistant Dean of Student Life at Grove City College and an Adjunct Professor in the Geneva College Master of Arts in Higher Education program. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Union University, where his research is focused on the impact of Greek organization involvement on male student engagement at Christian institutions of higher education. He and his wife have been involved in the local, rural church since they were students at Longwood University and involved in the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on campus.
