Questions
1. Who participates in ISI activities?
Participants and those who are being served include international students and scholars and their spouses (in some cases their children too); also, American students, especially those who consider themselves “bi-cultural”.
You can expect to:
* feel welcomed and respected
* enjoy recreational outings, or explore American culture
* connect meaningfully with others outside your own academic area
* discover, if you desire, what it means to live “God-centered”
* receive assistance or mentoring as requested: cultural, spiritual, personal
2. Does one have to be a Christian believer in order to participate?
While ISI is certainly an organization dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus, one need not be a believer or even a “religious person”. We aim to practice hospitality in the spirit of Jesus. Thus, all are welcome as we interact together and appreciate one another’s backgrounds, questions, experiences and growth.
3. Who is ISI?
International Students, Inc. is a 57-year old non-profit and non-denominational organization that seeks to “share Christ’s love unconditionally…” ISI staff are located in nearly every State in the USA as well as in several non-North American locations.
4. What is ICF at Duke? What is its relationship to ISI?
International Christian Fellowship. ICF is open to students, scholars and spouses. ICF is also a recognized affiliate group of Duke’s GPSC. The ICF is coached by the ISI staff at Duke. By the way, “fellowship” is not a financial grant; rather it defines the trustworthy relationships we seek to cultivate with one another under God.
5. What are the goals of ICF?
Each of us is on a journey to know and honor God fully. ICF at Duke exists to foster genuine Jesus-centered fellowship with appreciation for one another’s faith journeys; cultivate opportunities for Christian international students to grow in their loyalty to Jesus Christ while being equipped to serve; and invite others – especially other internationals – to experience something of authentic Christian community. Thus, ICF seeks to demonstrate the characteristics of community in Jesus Christ, especially its intercultural quality by:
· Celebrating unity in Jesus Christ
· Growing in character, faith and true friendship
· Serving others in Jesus’ name
· Inviting others who are not-yet believers to discover the good news in Jesus
6. I am confused. How does ISI relate to I-House, the Chapel, local churches or other religious organizations on campus?
ISI staff at Duke have a cordial and long standing relationship with all the entities above. For example, ISI staff and volunteers have given orientation assistance, and cooperated with the Chapel’s aim to “keep the heart of the University listening to the heart of God” – for more than 20 years! Also, ISI seeks to resource both individuals and groups in the Durham or Duke communities for effective service to students & scholars.
7. If I am interested, will ISI help me find a church to visit or join?
Yes, gladly.
8. Might ISI help me with language, American friendship, housing or cultural adjustment?
Yes, though we also offer assistance with some of those matters in cooperation with Duke’s International House. A few of our other initiatives include: Airport pickup with freshmen, China Partners and Trips with-a-difference.
