The Network of Nations Ministry at NIU

 “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. ³⁴ You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 19:33-34 (ESV)

     On October 7^th, 2012 there was held the 12^th Annual Fundraising dinner for the Network of Nations Ministry. The dinner was held at the Evangelical Free Church in Sycamore. The main speaker was #Richard Mendola#, Executive director, IFI Inc. and the Sr. Pastor of “All Nations Christian Fellowship.” The room was filled with representatives of 11 area churches. There was a mix of international students (some in their national clothing) and members of the community. There were also international musicians as well as a delicious meal. Representatives from the #Kishwaukee Bible Church# included two families. We were blessed to learn about this wonderful ministry and even find ways that we can also participate.

     At the banquet there was a pineapple in the middle of each table. Beside each pineapple was a card stating the significance of the pineapple in regards to hospitality. It read, “The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality since the days of the early American colonies. The legend began with the sea captains of New England, who sailed among the Caribbean islands and returned to the colonies bearing their cargo of fruits, spices and rum. According to the legend, the captain would spear a pineapple on a fence post at his home to let his friends know of his safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share his food and drink, and listen to the tales of his voyage.” The pineapple is an apt symbol of the work that the Network of Nations does.  I would like to share with you some of the things that Network of Nations does. The following is derived from information posted on the Network of Nations Website…

For those who don’t know, the Network of Nations is a network of friends that links internationals at Northern Illinois University (NIU) with one another and with Americans from churches in the local community. Surprisingly, a large number of international students who come to the United States to study, return to their home country without ever having visited an American home.  Network of Nations is breaking that trend by helping Americans in the community befriend international students.

They are committed to extending hospitality, friendship, and practical assistance to internationals. Their mission is to care for the internationals and to offer them a community of friends where they feel welcomed and appreciated. As world citizens, they appreciate the diverse cultures that internationals represent and look forward to learning about them. They want to help internationals work through the many challenges they face in adjusting to American culture. As Americans, they want those who come here from other countries to receive a more complete picture of what we value as a nation and as a community. And as Christians, they take seriously God’s word drawn from the Bible: They believe God wants us to show his love to people of every nation. Their hope is that they will be able to help internationals have an enjoyable and meaningful stay in our community.

What can international students expect? International students studying at Northern Illinois University have the opportunity to share their life and culture with an American friend. They will be able to join in the life of an American family who will be a bridge to American and community culture.  Lifelong friendships often develop though the contacts made in this program. An international visitor can expect a short term commitment between an international student and American family; regular contact throughout the semester (monthly is encouraged); visits in the home of an American friend; attendance to special Network of Nations events and if their schedules permit, to prepare popular food dishes from each culture

Network of Nations grew out of an international student ministry started in the late 1990s. By 2000, it became clear that many more students could be helped by involving a broad group of churches. The international student outreach atPortlandStateUniversity, inPortland,Oregon, provided a successful model that inspired Network of Nations to form in January 2001 in DeKalb. The first project of Network of Nations was to continue the Friends Program, which was begun byFirstBaptistChurchin DeKalb, formed to coordinate friendships between international students and American friends in the community. Intercultural Cafe, a weekly time of friendship and food, was launched with great success in August 2003. The Café continues to meet on Fridays during the academic year. Currently more than 10 churches and hundreds of individuals from the local community are involved in various ways in interacting with internationals. The following are some of their ministries…

Intercultural Cafe

The Intercultural Café is a weekly venue for internationals and Americans to enjoy food, friendship, stimulating conversation, and entertainment together in a warm, hospitable atmosphere. The Intercultural Café provides a neutral meeting place for all international students.  A simple meal is provided with the help of local church groups. Around the table we have a time of informal conversation. We sometimes feature music, holiday celebrations, or an opportunity for students to showcase their own culture. It provides a place to meet new people, both international students and Americans from the community. For many who participate, the Café becomes one of the most enjoyable events of the week. The Cafe meets at Immanuel Lutheran Church,511 Russell Road, DeKalb.

International Women’s Group

International women including students, wives of students and visiting scholars, international women in the community, and American women meet regularly for a time of friendship and support.  They visit, participate in activities, work on projects, and enjoy a meal together.   Children are welcome.  Meetings are announced and have no set agenda.  Please contact us for more information.

Conversational English Group

Internationals wishing to improve their conversational English are welcome to join this group.  Several Americans lead each session with open discussion for the purpose of expanding ones vocabulary and learning how to engage in an English conversation.  This group meets each Friday before the Cafe.

Friends Program

The Friends Program connects international students and Americans in friendship, to provide support, to learn about each other’s cultures, and to build bridges of understanding. For more information on the Friends Program, click the Friends tab on this page.

Special Events

Network of Nations hosts many special events, bringing international and American friends together for food, fun, laughter, games, and relaxation.  Events include the Welcome Picnic, Octoberfest, Thanksgiving Dinner, Friendship Dinner, and the Picnic in the Country.  Outings to local activities andChicagoare also scheduled throughout the year.

Bible Studies

Network of Nations and local churches host Bible studies which provide opportunities for internationals to learn about the Bible while practicing their English. Studying the English Bible is reported to be a good way to gain a mastery of the language!  While inAmerica, you have a unique opportunity to study the Bible in a safe environment.  You are welcome to join a group to explore, with other internationals, the book that has changed the world.

How I learned I could get involved….

There are ways for people to get involved. One way is to begin attending the Intercultural Café at the #Immanuel Lutheran  Church# on Russel Road. It is held every Friday evening. There one can begin to establish relationships with ministry members, supporters of this work of God and, most importantly, international students. There are opportunities to invite students to dinner at your home, to attend outings, and also to provide rides to and from the airport. Many of these internationals go on to attend local congregations and some even come to believe in Jesus.