It’s a scene we all long for: every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus is Lord. It marks the end of evil and suffering, and the beginning of a whole new adventure – a peaceful, loving society, submitted to God, free to love, free to be, free to do truly great things.
Who will be there? Many people I know. And many more people whom I don’t yet know. Some who grew up near me. And many more who grew up far away. Why does our society long for a multicultural, peaceful utopia? It’s because God planted that desire in our hearts. God’s work throughout history has always been evangelistic, with the goal of bringing people from every tongue, tribe, and nation into the kingdom of God. (See “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement,” ed. Ralph D. Winter.)
Rewind to the founding of the nation of Israel. God placed Israel at the crossroads of several major trade routes in the ancient world, bringing people from many tongues, tribes, and nations through Israel so they would hear about God. He gave the Israelites specific laws about how to treat these visitors - commands to show them hospitality, to invite them to Israel’s religious festivals, and to defend their rights. It was key to God’s plan for Israel that their land be a nexus for the nations.
Fast forward to Jesus’ time. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he says he can’t wait to visit them in person, because “your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.” (Romans 1:8) This is because people from many tongues, tribes, and nations passed through Rome, and Paul understood the strategic position of the Roman church for evangelizing the world.
Fast forward to our time. The American university has become the nexus of the nations. People from many tongues, tribes, and nations come through American universities every year. When they return to their home countries, they return as leaders. Yet, according to the International Students and Scholars Office at Purdue University, “Nearly 80 percent of the 500,000 international students in the United States never step foot into an American home.” What would happen if every international student in the US were invited into a Christian home for dinner? What would happen if every international student were befriended by a Christian student? We could change the world within one generation.
Think about it: the world sends their best and brightest to be educated here. They are the upper class of their home countries, and they would probably be too busy to give us the time of day were they still home. But for the short time they are studying here, they are instead quite open, because they have needs.
I experienced this firsthand when I lived in France for a semester. I craved acceptance. I needed love. I wanted a French friend! I needed patience and respect. I really could have used a local to help me find a doctor when my family got sick. If I met anyone who would speak to me clearly and enunciate, it was a huge relief. And I’ll always treasure the evening I joined a French family for dinner in their home.
We have been given an awesome opportunity to impact the nations, right at our doorstep. No plane ticket needed— no fundraising for a short-term mission trip. Now what can we do about it?
Students: look around your classroom. Pray for the Spirit to lead and empower you, then introduce yourself to an international student. Give them your contact information, and offer to help with anything they might need. Are you going out with friends? Invite an international student who lives in your building. Are you headed to the store? Ask if they need a ride.
Staffworkers and families: invite an international student over for dinner. Who knows what will come of it? Take your Bible study to an international event on campus. Contact the office of international students and scholars at your campus, and find out what’s already happening. Spread the word at your church.
I have found that international scholars are quite open to church as a cultural experience. “Hey, why don’t you join me at my church this week? It’s a big part of the local culture around here. I think you’ll find it interesting.” No one has turned me down yet.
Okay, I’ve made my pitch. This is the most strategic opportunity for the worldwide spread of the gospel in our lifetime. I’m off now for lunch on campus with a seeker student from China. I pray that you will cultivate the same opportunities!
Erica Carlson
Associate Professor of Physics
Purdue University
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