"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
- Hebrews 13:2

IFI Columbus has been working alongside churches to support and help them to fulfill their desire to love the stranger since 1979. IFI partners with 60+ churches in Central Ohio, with several opportunities for  churches to serve the internationals who are studying right in our backyard.

Collaborate with us to make a world of difference!

The Opportunity

Each academic year, 6000+ international students enroll in Central Ohio colleges and universities. However, on average, we have only been able to serve up to 1 out of every 3 international students each year.

Your partnership can help IFI Columbus of connect every international student in Central Ohio with a Christian friend that can share Jesus with them.

Heb.13:2 "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

The scriptures support ministry to the Internationals living among us in 3 primary ways.
1) Scriptures point to God’s love for the stranger (international).
Heb.13:2 "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
2) Scriptures who many examples of God reaching people away from home. The book of Acts reports about many of them: The Apostle Paul, Lydia, The Ethiopian Eunuch, Cornelius, and groups of people at Pentecost.
3) God shows in His Word that Internationals are used as a part of his strategic plan to bless the nations. Some examples in the Old Testament include Moses, Nehemiah, and Joseph.
How IFI can help your church fulfill Gods call in the scripture to "Remember the stranger?[/toggle]

International Friendships has several opportunities for your church to serve. Your church can work together to help “reach the world” by serving the internationals who are studying right in your backyard! Sign Up Your Church Now. 

Partnership

IFI has been working alongside churches to support and help them to fulfill their desire to love the stranger since 1979. IFI partners with over 50 churches in Central Ohio and surrounding areas.

Why Become a Partner?

• IFI provides opportunities and training to fulfill the command to be hospitable to strangers and love the foreigner living among us. (Heb. 13:2 NIV & Deut. 10:18-19 NIV)
• IFI provides a local connecting point between the interest in serving overseas and God's heart for the nations.
• IFI makes it easy for Christians to form natural relationships with non-Christians from around the world.
• IFI helps to create excitement about sharing the good news as volunteers discuss Jesus with others.

What Our Church Partners Are Saying

"We are excited as we see firsthand how God is using hospitality to bless the nations." - P. Franck, Leader Dwell Community Church

"Matthew 25 says the one who welcomes the foreigner welcomes Jesus Himself. I thank God that many in our church meet Jesus as they welcome internationals through IFI's ministry!" - Pastor Christensen, Vineyard Columbus

"We are delighted to see the spiritual growth of our members as they actively serve and share their faith with internationals." - Pastor Breusch, Karl Road Baptist