We thank God that He has given us the privilege to serve Him here. It is a little different than what is usually thought of as foreign missions. But we are in a foreign land—not just ministering to the citizens of the land, but to people from many, many nations of the world.

So wrote Ken and Agnes White, who moved to Calgary in 1984 to establish International Student Ministries in Canada and to invite Canadians to share their lives and faith with international students: “The ministry is progressing,” they wrote to US supporters, “as we see Canadian Christians taking a real interest in the foreign students. Over 40 families and singles have indicated their desire to open their homes to internationals in demonstration of Christian love through hospitality.”

Chinese scholars enjoying a 1985 ISMC wiener roast

Forty years later, ISMC still ministers to the nations of the world—and Canadian Christians are still opening hearts and homes to international students as a demonstration of Christian love through hospitality.

In this anniversary year for ISMC, we invite you to look back as we marvel at what God has done through this unique ministry. God has laid a strong foundation for international student ministry over the past 40 years. In this issue of Doorways, we focus on the first decade of the ministry, and introduce you to Alec, a student from those early years!

We also invite you to look ahead to how you can continue to be involved because ministry to international students is more relevant than ever. Who but God could have foreseen that international students would be front and center in trending Canadian news in 2024? And who but God could have foreseen the pressures international students would face—and the many opportunities we would have to bless them. Truly, God has prepared ISMC for such a time as this. And when you pray, give, volunteer, and invite students into your home, you are impacting eternity.

This year, we are launching a $40 for 40 Years campaign to celebrate four decades of uninterrupted ministry. Would you consider a gift of $40 to reach international students? Perhaps even $40 per month? Your investment will pay dividends in the hearts and lives of international students across the country and around the world for such a time as this.

Thank you for impacting eternity!

Jakob Koch
ISMC President

Fundraising for staff salary goals includes salary needs, ministry expenses, and an 11% administration fee.Donations are receipted only for staff and projects approved by the governing board. Designated gifts are used for the purpose for which they are given; when that given need is met, excess funds are used where needed most.

Gifts of $10 or more are acknowledged with an emailed income tax receipt from Canada Helps.

Online donations are subject to a 3.5% to 4% transaction processing fee. To ensure the total amount of your donation goes to ISMC, you may explore other giving options.