International Friendship Ministries’ ministry strategy is to help and work with local churches to reach out to internationals. Through partnership with local churches, IFM draws the church out to serve the world that has come to our doorstep. IFM’s modus operandi has always been to do ministry among internationals through the local churches and not to operate apart from the church.

The following are some of the benefits:

• The church’s missions vision is enlarged
• Opportunity for each member to be a cross-cultural missionary
• Increase in missions involvement
• Members will have a “world Christian” perspective
• The Church has a global impact
• The Church begins to look a little bit like heaven

Encourage
IFM will encourage local churches to consider being involved in this strategic ministry to internationals in order to play a part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Train
In order for volunteers to be effective in ministering to internationals, IFM will provide training in understanding different religions, building friendships, communicating the Gospel cross-culturally, dealing with language difficulties and cultural differences, evangelistic Bible studies, etc.

Help
Volunteers will receive all the help they need from IFM through helpful literature, Bible study materials, evangelism tools, videos, books, etc. Volunteers can also call on IFM staff for assistance or advice in their ministry with internationals.

Involve
IFM involves local churches by creating opportunities for ministry with internationals through international student gatherings, dinners, Bible studies, Friendship Partner Program, conversation classes, outings, retreats, shopping trips, etc.

Students from restricted access countries
Many of these students, scholars, and immigrants come from countries which restrict gospel ministry.

Future leaders
These students are their countries’ best and brightest. Intellectuals, diplomats, and business leaders are often beyond the reach of traditional foreign missionaries.

Openness to the Gospel
Many internationals are more open to the Gospel while away from the cultural, family, and religious pressures of home.

Minimal language barrier
The challenge for Americans to adapt to a new language and culture in order to present the Gospel is minimized, since the internationals are the ones learning our language and culture.

Reduced cost of doing missions
Ministry to internationals is a cost-effective way to evangelize the world, since those who embrace the Gospel can return home to minister without continuous U.S. church support or the other expenses associated with traditional missions. Also, unlike most missionaries, they need no entry visa or language school in order to reach their own people.

A ministry to internationals can give every American Christian an opportunity to respond to the Great Commission without having to leave home. And if you are called by God to overseas missions, this is a tremendous way to develop the cross-cultural skills you’ll need—before you go.