Bristol University Christian Union

 The international welcome is THE key strategic time of the year for evangelising international students.  Miss out making friends with international students now, and you probably wont see them again.  This makes the international welcome incredibly important, and the CU's second biggest event, after Mission Focus week.

What is it?

Well, over two weeks (17th to the 30th of September) the international students arrive early to start studying in Bristol.  Most have never been to the UK before, some can't speak much English, many don't have accommodation sorted.  All really need help and a friendly face to greet them.

So that is what we do.  We take shifts in pairs at the bus and train stations for a couple of hours, and welcome international students as they arrive in Bristol.  We get people to give them a lift to their accommodation, or provide temporary accommodation if they need it .  We give them helpful information and maps, to help them out in Bristol and we invite them for a free meal at BISC.

Sounds like a lot, it is!  The real goal of this all though is helping them out, and forming strong friendships with people who start off knowing no-one.

98% of international students never see inside an English persons house.  That is shocking, it is also an opportunity.  It is a chance for us as Christians to be drastically different to the other students in Bristol, who on the whole, have less time for the shy computer gaming, never goes out international student on their corridor.  Here is a chance to show the difference that the gospel makes in our lives, and introduce someone to what true Christianity is, not a western religion, not even a religion at all, but redemption offered through the God-Man Jesus Christ.

It truly is a fantastic opportunity to explain the gospel to people who have never heard it before.  Just imagine the possibilities of someone from Pakistan, or France or any number of countries with minimal Christian presence, hearing the gospel in the Uk, giving their life to Jesus in the UK, and going back to serve him in their country.

How cool is that?

The CU has the privilege of doing this great work along with BISC (Bristol International Student Centre) - a Christian charity.  They provide training and help, and organisation for the work, and a continuing way to meet international students over the year.

Hopefully by know you are dying to get involved, even if you can't make the whole thing.

If so contact Pete Mitchell and he will get you in the loop.

Nowhere to stay in Bristol?  He can sort you out.  No clue what to do?  He can sort you out.  Not sure of its importance, or whether its for you?  He can sort you out.  Just email him, will you, please?!