On the tenth anniversary of 9/11  I was officially installed as a campus minister for international students with RUF-International.The installation was “supposed” to happen much earlier.  But for several reasons it was delayed until September.  How fitting that a service dedicated to reaching the foreigner with Christ’s love should occur on the day we remembered how terrorists attacked us with man’s hate.  God’s timing is amazing!

Fall Harvest Party

Like most of us, international students love a good party.  This year’s Fall Harvest Party attracted over 40 internationals – some even came in costume!  Most enjoyed pumpkin carving, apple cider, and s’mores for the very first time.  Everyone had fun playing Uno and Pictionary, meeting new friends, and engaging in good conversation.  Social events enable relationships with our international friends to develop and grow, as well as provide opportunities for impromptu discussions about spiritual matters.  We pray the seeds that are sewn may one day yield a bountiful harvest!

UD Charter

In August Wendy and I hosted a dinner for undergraduates interested in formally chartering RUF-I at UD for ministry to international students.  The group has grown to seven.  We meet every Friday after-noon at the INNternationale, a campus residence for internationals, to pray and plan.  All the necessary paperwork to obtain a charter has been filed.  But a university official just notified us that our Christian group cannot be granted a charter as long as we restrict our leadership to only Christians!  We sincerely want to settle this dispute with the university amicably.  Yet so far UD is unwilling to change its position.

Thanksgiving Dinner

“I had a really good time, and learned a lot of things about American culture… It was my first time eating homemade American food, and was an unforgettable experience in my life.”  So wrote one of our nine Thanksgiving guests from Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.  I printed a paper explaining our country’s unique holiday.  Wendy prepared a turkey with all the trimmings.  God provided a way to share our faith in Jesus!

Language Partners

UD has one of the largest English language programs in the United States, with over 700 students enrolled.  These inter-nationals desperately want American language partners.  So I teamed up with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at UD to coordinate a program that pairs their undergraduates with English language students.  The program is endorsed by the university, and now includes 40 internationals.  As language partners practice English and become friends, we pray the Spirit will lead them into fruitful conversations about Christ.

The “Fam”

Both of Grant’s arms are two inches longer!  Now he can perform important tasks on his own that used to require help from others.  Grant still wears splints at night and has weekly therapy sessions to increase his elbows’ range of motion.  Aidan is now a first-grader, who reports his favorite part of school is recess!  He loves to play Wii, draw pictures, and ask thoughtful questions during bedtime Bible reading.  A gastroenterologist and a nutritionist are now treating Chase to improve his growth and development.  The ladies at our church recently bought Chase an iPad with special software to help him communicate better!  Wendy just celebrated her 25^th high school reunion.  Her love and care warm our hearts daily.

Your Prayers & Gifts

Wendy and I are SO grateful for your partnership in this strategic ministry.  THANK YOU!  Please pray:

• We would listen to our Good Shepherd’s voice, believe His love, and reflect Him to those around us.
• International students would see their great need for Jesus and gladly follow Him as Savior and Lord.
• RUF-International would be chartered at UD through a cordial resolution with university officials.
• God would raise up new financial partners to fully fund the work of reaching the nations among us.
• The LORD would give us wisdom in Chase’s medical care and in raising all our sons to love Him.

We are currently running about a $1,500/month deficit.  If you are not already doing so, would you please consider financially partnering with us to reach international students for Christ?  Tax-deductable checks can be sent to: