God's Heart for the Nations: International Student Ministry

Did you know that there are over 1,000 international students from more than 80 countries on the Clemson campus?  Did you know that a majority of these students come from countries antagonistic towards Christianity like China and India?

One of our goals as a church is to have every person who attends Crosspoint embracing a DNA of the Great Commission locally and abroad.  It is incredibly strategic to seek to reach international students while they are right here, in our own backyard!  "Why is it strategic?," you may ask.  I'll give you a few compelling reasons why,

1. About 750,000 international students come to the U.S. each year and currently less then 10% are reached by the Church in any manner.
2. Students are from the highest socio-economic class in their nations.  They are the future leaders in government, education, business, and military.
3. In India, 99% of the mission effort is among the bottom 50% of the population.  We can reach the top 5-10% of the Indian population right here, in Clemson, South Carolina!
4. From Genesis to Revelation, God's Word commands us to bring the gospel to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 49:6; Jonah 4:11; Matt 24:14, 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Revelation 7:9).  Taken from Genesis to Revelation: God's Heart for the World.

I am excited to share with you that Crosspoint Church has begun a ministry this year to reach international students on our campus!  God has already been working in many incredible ways.  Through cookouts, hiking, meals in homes, women's times, and many other events, relationships have begun to be formed!  Ultimately, we desire to have events not just to have more events, but to build relationships with these precious students. Through these relationships, we are praying as a church that the gospel will be shared and disciples will be made!  It is an incredible opportunity for these students come to know Christ, grow in a local church, and be sent back to their home countries to make more disciples!  Please join us in praying for international students on our campus.

Some Indian friends hiking in the Smoky Mountains!

A few girls cooking at our first International Women's Time

A few Crosspoint members at a "Welcome Party" for international students at the beginning of the year