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Right now, one of the key components of our International
Student Ministry is the English conversation partner program. Through
it, volunteers are able to make some great connections with the students and share the message of Christ both verbally and through their life witness while helping the international students transition to life in the United States.
There are also several classes and opportunities to participate in various activities. In the future I would like to see the program grow and
have International students take greater ownership of the program. One
exciting way we are working toward this goal is the creation of the
International Student Peer Ministry Team, where International students
plan and implement ISM events. Also, I hope to expand the worship opportunities for the International students starting with a Korean worship service hopefully beginning
sometime this academic year.
My goal is for the Chapel to be a place where international students can connect with each other and find support and encouragement.
-Deaconess Angie Carriker
Classes
The International Student Ministry at St. Paul's offers a variety of regularly scheduled classes for both Inter-national and American students. For a full schedule of current and upcoming classes, check out the calendar.
Large Group Conversation Class
Similar to the conversation partners
program, the large group conversation class meets during the week to
give International students and their families a place to practice
their English with native speakers in a comfortable, friendly
atmosphere. Discussions center around Bible passages, cultural
similarities and differences, and any topic of confusion or interest
that participants raise.
Bible Class
This class meets weekly to discuss the basics of the Christian faith. The class is Biblically based and follows sectional topics. Knowledge of the Bible
and strong English skills are not prerequisite for attending.
Cooking Class
The cooking class meets every week down in the Chapel kitchen. Each class we learn to cook (and eat!) a new recipe from traditional American cuisine, such as apple pie, spaghetti, and other old favorites.
Story Hour
This weekly class is a storytime for children; parents are welcome to stay or not as they wish. Currently we are reading
a variety of children's stories by authors such as Beatrix Potter,
Dr. Seuss, and other American classics.
Writing Class
Participants will get the opportunity to improve their English writing skills in this fun filled class time where they get a chance to learn the rules of English Grammar as well as practice those skills on various assignments and activities. This class meets weekly.
Conversation Partners
One of the most engaging opportunities to share Christ's love in ISM, the
 conversation partner program matches Americans with International students in pairs or small groups to meet on a weekly basis to practice speaking English, make friends, and learn about each other's cultures. The program is extremely flexible; once paired, groups sometimes choose to meet at the Chapel, at each other's homes, or go out to eat or hang out elsewhere. Sometimes groups choose to not only use the opportunity for International students to practice their English with a native speaker, but for Americans to learn or practice a foreign language with their partner as well.
If you are interested in signing up for a conversation partner, you can call
Deaconess Angie at 319-337-3652 or email her at
ismstpaul@gmail.com.
Group Events
 ISM Group Events are geared toward either sharing American culture with International students at Iowa or sharing the native cultures of International students with Americans at the Chapel. Every year the ISM Peer Ministers get together with International students who are active at the Chapel to plan activities that will appeal to both and give us a chance to make friends and learn about other cultures in a Christ-centered atmosphere. The Annual International Food Festival and the Thanksgiving Dinner are our favorite ISM traditions. For a full schedule and descriptions of upcoming ISM events, check the calendar.
Links
For more information on International LC-MS ministries around the globe, you can check out the Lutheran Hour Ministries Website!
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