Acts 1.8(b) you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Purdue University’s International Friendship Program (IFP) serves to connect new international Boilermakers with local community hosts for friendship and support. IFP volunteer hosts are matched with new international students at the beginning of each semester, and the largest cohort of students begin their studies at Purdue in August.
Beth Tucker is the Intercultural Learning Specialist with the Office of International Students and Scholars. She oversees Purdue University’s International Friendship Program (IFP). As she looks toward the upcoming fall semester at Purdue, Beth indicates that as many as 4000 new International could be enrolling at Purdue. International students want to experience American culture with real American hosts. Most international students that study in the United States never see the inside of an American home.
God has provided a great opportunity for ECC to impact students around the world without ever having to leave Lafayette. IFP is looking for hosts to meet with an assigned student three to four times a semester. Meetings can be over coffee, lunch, shopping, or a local event. IFP also provides opportunities to participate in being a virtual online host as well.
Jo and I have participated in the IFP program in the past and found it to be a rich experience. We have found it not to be difficult as we have simply incorporated our hosting into things that are already happening in our lives such as McCutcheon music and sporting events and family gatherings. I hope each of you will consider participating in the Purdue IFP program this fall. Getting acquainted with students helps us learn about their culture as well. Joining IFP is an easy way to gain a lifelong friend and make a difference! Learn more about IFP here: https://www.purdue.edu/IPPU/ISS/Student/Programming/IFP/hosts.html
For more information, contact Beth Tucker at friendship@purdue.edu
Pastor Kurt Kincanon