One of the beautiful parts of living in America is the rich diversity of cultures surrounding
us. People are packing up and moving their families from their home countries to seek new opportunities in our country. Students are boarding planes to fly to America to study. Some are seeking refuge here as a haven from the country they left. Believers are presented with a unique opportunity to build friendships with all the internationals coming to America. Many are coming with little or no knowledge about the gospel. Taking the time to befriend those around you will create unique pathways to share the love of Jesus with them. Here are eight ways you can build friendships with the internationals in your community:

1.) Volunteer in the ESL (English as a Second Language) program at your schools. Offer to sit and read with other students as they work on their English skills.
2.) Start a cooking class at your church with women in the church. Invite internationals to learn how to create common American dishes, then ask them to teach you how to make something from their culture.
3.) Start a weekly or bi-weekly ‘Lunch Club.’ Invite internationals to join you in trying out different restaurants in your community. This will help them navigate a menu or learn how to tip in America.
4.) Invite internationals to join your family for holiday parties and traditions. They love learning about American holiday traditions (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, etc.).
5.) Host a baking day at Christmas and teach internationals how to make your favorite holiday treats.
6.) Host a bonfire at your home or church and invite internationals to roast wieners for hot dogs and marshmallows for s’mores. Cooking food over an open fire and tasting s’mores may be a new experience for them.
7.) Go to local restaurants and befriend the wait staff who are from different countries. Find out their names and build friendships with them.
8.) Invite your international neighbors to enjoy your favorite hobbies with you: hiking, fishing, shopping, book club, photography, sewing, etc. Use these outlets to connect with them as they try something new.

As you read through this list, two words should come to your mind: be available. Our willingness to reach out and connect with our international neighbors might be the very factor that leads to their salvation.

About the Author: Kellie and her husband Tyler serve as International Missionaries to the international students at the University of Illinois. She’s a proud mother to three incredible teens, Mason, Millie, and Madden. She enjoys photography, home decor, trying new recipes, and secretly thinks she’s best friends with Joanna Gaines.