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More Mobilizers and advocates are needed to tell the story of East Asia across Canada, especially in the west and in Ontario

OMF.org > Canada > Get Involved > Become a Welcomer

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Become a Welcomer

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Why be a Welcomer?

A few quick facts about ministry to internationals:

We have a golden opportunity; the world is coming to Canada and the West.

• 40% of the worlds’ 220 heads of state studied in North America.
• 60% of international students come from the 10/40 window.
• 25% come from countries where no missionary activity is allowed.
• While in Canada these students are free from the spiritual strongholds of their home countries and are more receptive to the gospel.

The need for welcomers is great.

• 70% of international students will never see the inside of Canadian home; even fewer will ever visit a Christian church.
• About 50,000 out of a total of about 550,000 international students are being reached by international student ministries today.

Where can we meet internationals in our area?

• Ethnic Restaurants or markets
• University Asian Christian Fellowships, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship groups. International Students Inc., Campus Crusade, ISC, etc
• Ethnic churches (Korean, Chinese Japanese, etc.). Others?
• Ethnic neighborhoods
• Others? Investigate and seek your own way to meet Newcomers

How do we help internationals feel welcome?

• Remember your own feelings if you traveled abroad. It can help you understand the needs of visitors to our own country! What kinds of needs did you experience, and were any met through the hospitality of a local person? Briefly share.
• Cultural sensitivity can be learned through using the same “learner, trader, storyteller” approach that an overseas missionary would use. Avoid misconceptions about foreigners. Examples: “International must be unintelligent because they speak English slowly, or because they are often soft-spoken. Learning cultural sensitivity here is excellent practice for overseas assignments as well!
• Help him or her get around in the Canadian society by teaching how to get drivers’ license, what to buy at the grocery store, opening checking account, etc. Help with Canadian idioms, slang and social customs.
• Mobilize your church to welcome internationals.