FOCUS-IBM: Rockin' All Over the World
I wanted to start this article with an engaging opening: some anecdote about all the hilarious things that happen in intercultural relationships. Like when I was first learning Japanese and asked someone if they were a dog. But I didn’t think that was a good place to start. The fact is that I love FOCUS-IBM (Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students- International Bible Ministries) But how do I start to convey my enthusiasm on paper to everyone else?
The Bible is usually a good place to begin. Now we all know that it tells us to do good to our neighbour, loving them as ourselves, to preach the gospel and to build God’s kingdom. That is our purpose. The Bible also makes it clear that God does not distinguish between people on the basis of race, nationality or language. So, if the Bible tells us to make disciples of all nations, and to do good to all as we have opportunity, I figure that ignoring the massive opportunities that we have to serve and preach to international students is not exactly very biblical.
And the opportunities are just incredible! More than one in five enrolments each year are international students. Showing hospitality to strangers is a command stressed over and over in the Bible from beginning to end. One in five of the people we come across on campus is a stranger and there are a myriad of ways that we can show them hospitality from just chatting and being friendly, to helping them with their English, to inviting them over and including them in activities we do with our friends. Just think of all the things you would appreciate people doing for you if your were dumped in the middle of China tomorrow. I think it would be quite easy for every ECU student to have at least one international friend. And it would make a huge impact. What a fabulous opportunity we have to serve God!
Of course, one of the things that we might like someone to do for us is to tell us the gospel. FOCUS-IBM is provides a wonderful means for you to do this for the 20% of the uni population who come from overseas. Every week at IBM there are students who are not Christians who you can witness to through our words and your actions, and any students that you bring along will be exposed to great bible teaching and strong Christian witness. If you’ve been to a couple of meetings and got to know a few people, then you can invite the international students in your class to come along without feeling embarrassed. They might just appreciate being invited to go some place with you we’re they’ll be able to make new friends and learn what this Christianity thing is actually all about.
God has in fact done great things at FOCUS-IBM, and many students have been born again and sent out to different countries around the world to spread the gospel. Getting involved with FOCUS-IBM will mean that you have the enormous privilege of being involved in this.
Of course, being sinful people, we’re all most interested in: the privileges and perks that we can get out of things for ourselves. Well, I can tell you that I have probably got more out of IBM in the way of Christian growth, ministry skills, fun, friendship and insight, than any other activity I’ve been involved with at university, and I have certainly got back far more than I have given. FOCUS-IBM Bible teaching is first class. I don’t know of many places where you could hear a trained Bible teachers explain the meaning of Ezekiel’s visions, the difference between a-millenial and pre-millenial eschatology, and the identity of Melchizedek, and actually go away thinking you understood something! You also learn a great deal from the other students. It is incredibly encouraging in a world where we are told Christianity is a Western construct, to hear the testimonies and insights of Christians from everywhere imaginable. I have been built up, had my prejudices broken down, and (I hope) become more humble and more patient. I have also learnt many ministry skills that will help me serve God throughout the rest of my life.
Finally, IBM is also just plain fun! Most of the best friends I have had whilst at uni have been IBM people. Everyone I know comments on just how friendly people at IBM are. I thank God for all the great times and wonderful memories we have had together….
…Look…IBM just rocks! Why aren’t you involved already? See you on Friday at 7pm in building 3.
Hannah Solomons << Meet Greg Clarke | Return to the Index | When Christians Collide >>