The Nations Are Here
Is it possible to be involved with foreign missions, yet not leave Missouri? The answer is YES! The mission field has come to us via international students that include unreached people from Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Europe. We have men and women, some with spouses and children - people with a need to have someone care about them in this city so far from their homes.
We have had the opportunity to befriend many MSU students from China since 2015. We have made many friends, been called "Mama and Baba (dad)" as well as Grandma and Grandpa from their children. We have met parents when they come visit their young adult children who express in gestures and through translators their deep appreciation that their children have an "American family" that is "here" for them when they can't be.
One young newly married couple, Randy and Gee, attended culture class and Bible study. We developed a friendship. Randy was quiet, listening. Gee loved to ask questions. Neither had any idea what it meant to be a Christian. During their year in Springfield, we baked (many don't have ovens in China, so this was a new way of cooking for them), played games, and hiked. We introduced them to many American customs and holidays. There were times we laughed together at our misunderstanding of words, but it helped them both to be more relaxed using English, and they also helped us learn to use chopsticks, make dumplings, and see what life looked like from an eastern perspective.
One evening, after Bible study, I asked Gee what was the best thing that had happened to her in America. She held up the Bible in her hand and said, "This. This is what I was to come to America for." We were delighted!
Currently, many more students are here from African and Middle Eastern countries as China has been sending fewer students in recent years. We have had the opportunity to host several students over the holidays from Iran, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, China, and Burundi. These friendships have led to our participation in weddings and births, opportunities to answer questions, encourage them, and just let them know we care.
In the last year, several RBC families have "hosted" an international student. Hosting is simply befriending them, texting them, and including them in a monthly activity (meals, bowling, fishing, gardening, baking, etc.) as schedules permit.
We have invited students to meet with our family and grandkids. Our preschool grandkids have developed a love for Chinese. They pray for the students and check where they live on maps. This is developing a love for missions even at their young ages.
We at Ridgecrest have the unique privilege of befriending young people who have chosen to study in our country, experience our culture, and speak our language as a "mission team" of people investing in the lives of these students. Maybe God is inviting YOU to serve on this "mission team" in Springfield and be a part of reaching the world!