Annual Volunteer Training Day

When: 

Saturday, February 28, 2026

8:45am – 2:15pm

(Includes complimentary breakfast, snacks and lunch

that take into consideration various dietary restrictions)

Where:

Vertical Church

1290 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220

(A New Volunteer Training breakout session will also be held for those new to IFI.)

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
(Colossians 1:9–10)

Equipping for Discipleship: Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work

As a partner with IFI, you have the exciting privilege of meeting and serving students from diverse cultures and communities. These cultural differences can sometimes present challenges when building friendships—especially when opportunities arise to share the Gospel of Jesus.

We want to help you face these challenges with confidence, wisdom, and understanding by offering practical tools to add to your toolbox. If you would like to be better equipped to relate to and pray for international students, we invite you to join us for Training Day!

Plenary Speakers: 

Richard Mendola, IFI Global Ambassador: “Bearing Fruit in Your Friendships with International Students“

Michele Kurfees, IFI National Prayer Coordinator: “Praying Effectively for Your International Friends“

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Schedule for the Day:

  • 8:45-9:30am Check-in, mingling and refreshments 
    • 9:15-9:30am Welcome, Opening Prayer, and Worship 
    • 9:30-10:15am “Bearing Fruit in your Friendships with International Students” (Rich Mendola, IFI Global Ambassador)
  • 9:30-11:45am  IFI New Volunteer Training– held concurrently (Stephan Abruzeide, Campus Ministry Leader and Samson Wasao, National Training Director)
    • 10:20-10:45am “Panel and Q & A” (Various Staff)
    • 10:45-11:05am “Praying Effectively for Your International Friends” (Michele Kurfees, IFI National Prayer and Staff Care Manager)
    • 11:05-11:20am “Praying with others for your international friend(s)“
    • 11:25-11:35am “The Year in Review and Upcoming Events”  (Leila Gardner, Asst. Dir.  of Mission Support)
    • 11:35-11:55am “Volunteer Recognition/Thank you” (Leila Gardner, Asst. Dir. of Mission Support and Jimmy Angel, Volunteer and Church Relations Leader)
  • 12 Noon-1:05pm Lunch 
  • 1:05- 2:00pm Small Group Break out sessions (Choose one): 
    • “Building Friendships with Hindu Students” (Somita Bucklew, Campus Minister)
    • “Building Friendships with Muslim Students” (Heba Marzouk, Campus Minister)
    • “Building Friendships with Chinese Students” (Mike McCabe, Campus Minister)
    • “Building Friendships with African Students”  (Phil Foell, City Director and Tosan Otokufor, Event and Volunteer Relations Manager)
    • “Building friendships and Community in Your Bible Discussion Group” (Bob and Karen Mack, Associate Campus Ministers)
  • 2:00-2:10 “Dismissal and closing prayer” (Phil Foell, City Director)