Every Friday on campus one of our main ministry methods is to simply read Bible passages with international students and let the Holy Spirit do his work. One of our volunteers (David) was once again struck by how simple and effective this method is that he sent me a message after last Friday’s meeting where we read Luke 2 where boy Jesus was lost then found at the Temple by his parents. Because David’s feedback was so well worded, I wanted to share with you:

“Joey,

Last night’s student discussion was intense. I marvel that a venue like ISI exists where we can discuss the Lord and scriptures with young people from around the world. It’s a miracle those kids come, even though they are not believers, and they are willing to engage. 

Sidant and Jide had pointed questions, and really seemed to want answers. Jide complained that the Bible is too political and that God always sides with Israel. In response, I described the encounter of Joshua with the angel who said he was neither on Israel’s side nor their enemy’s.

Sidant wanted to know if Christianity had a bunch of rules like Islam to be saved. We discussed salvation through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice as a sin offering, and not through following rules, but that once we believe, we are drawn to live out the command to love God and our neighbor as ourself. 

Sidant also has the view that the Hindu scriptures were written simply to control the masses. I think he was leading to the idea that the Bible exists to do the same. I wished to respond with the preamble of Luke’s gospel and his reason for writing—not to control, but to assure people of the certainty of what they have been taught; but the discussion ended before I had a chance to speak.

I’m telling you these things in the event you have follow-up discussions with these guys. They were fantastic. I loved their inquisitiveness, depth, and their willingness to listen. I come away loving these kids every time I go to a meeting, and I’ve been praying for them since the moment I left. 

On another note, I will discuss with Evelyn if I can drive next Saturday. I don’t think so, but I might. 

All my best, David. “

David’s recap captures exactly why ISI exists and why our Bible discussions are so strategic. It really is something of a miracle that non believing international students from such different backgrounds walk into a room, open their hearts, and genuinely wrestle with Scripture together.