International student ministry is so much more life-giving than we expected. Building direct ongoing relationships with dozens of non-believers, regularly sharing the gospel with them and showing them godly hospitality has been a joy! At Stevens Institute of Technology alone, we have connected with over 190 students and about 50 come out Fridays to our Bible discussion dinners. We have gone on several fun field trips, taken them coat shopping and more. One student from China recently trusted in Christ for salvation, going from death to life! For her protection, we will not share her name, but look for a more detailed letter about her story later. We pray that you have been blessed by all the praises in our monthly prayer letters!

The reason for this special letter is to ask if you would consider giving a special year-end gift. 

As you know, ISI (like Cru) is a non-profit whose staff must raise support for staff salaries, ministry and health expenses. Unfortunately not all of our former Cru partners were able to continue their financial support in this transition. But we’re thankful we have health insurance through Jenn’s job, which helps reduce our ISI budget significantly. We have a number of different ministry needs and goals we are praying for. For a number of reasons, ministry expenses are higher than expected:

• ISI’s emphasis on the ministry of hospitality and food, which amounts to an additional $500/month.

• Sending and paying for Christian students to go to ISI’s December vision conference in California.

• We are also saving for a second car in the new year, which will help with family and ministry needs.

• And as crazy as it sounds, we are also saving in hopes to personally buy the multi-family home next door for student housing! We don’t know for certain if this is God’s will, but it is a huge need as almost all international students are graduate-level and not offered housing through their school. This of course would also be a wise investment in our and our kids’ futures. 

The total we are trusting God for is $10,000. This covers all the above immediate needs and it helps create a needed buffer in our ministry account.

Would you prayerfully consider helping us reach these funds by giving a special gift of $750, $250, $75 or some other amount? Your giving will help us stay focused on the mission Christ has called us to!

If so, make checks payable to ISI and mail them to us by December 15. You can also give online at: SFORZAGRAMS.COM/GIVE. All gifts are tax-deductible! Feel free to call/text/email us with any questions: JSforza@isionline.org // 201-906-8698. 

Whatever you decide, our full appreciation for you is unwavering. Thank you!

JOEY+JENN SFORZA