Engaging in cultural ministry on a college campus is a simple pursuit, because students from other countries are anxious to meet Americans and learn more about our customs and way of life. Perhaps the easiest way to reach out to these cultures is to contact the International Student Office on your campus or the Admissions Office, if no international office exists. Explain that you desire to connect with international students, who are in your community and far away from home. The office will be able to point you to programs that already exist to make just such connections. Often, the office will have a student hosting program or international friends program. Both of these simply pair international students with Americans, who are willing to serve as mentors and friends during the students' stay in the United States.

You will also be able to learn the numbers of students on your campus and what world areas they hail from on the college website. Access this site to determine if there are groups you can connect to immediately, because of people within your congregation.

Another way to reach out to different cultures on campus is by attending international events sponsored by student groups. On our campus at the University of Oklahoma, we have over 20 student cultural groups, representing Vietnam, China, Spain, Japan, Indonesia, and many, many others. Your campus may not have as many groups, but those that do exist will host events throughout the academic year that showcase the food, music, and culture of their homelands. Check campus calendars and websites for the dates and times of these events and show up with a contingent from your congregation. Get to know the students and enjoy experiencing their culture and way of life. You will make fast friends, who will then be willing to learn about your culture and way of life, as well as about your faith.

In addition to multicultural student groups, your campus may also be home to an intensive English program. These programs are often in existence on campuses as part of larger continuing education areas, and they operate outside the other departments. Such programs welcome students from countries around the world, who are not yet able to enroll in regular classes, but who are learning English only. These programs require a number of teachers, who focus on teaching English writing and speaking. With the proper credentials, you may qualify. Beyond teaching, the programs also utilize a number of volunteers to help their students practice their English conversation. By exploring your college or university's website, you will be able to ascertain if such a program exists on your campus, and if it does, contact the director and volunteer your services.

Finally, think creatively about reaching out to the international families who are on your local campus. Students may come to campus with their spouses and children; these families are often isolated, because they are not involved on campus as the student is and may not know English as well either. A Christian student group on a campus we were once associated with, held summer VBS on the playground of the local campus married student housing. Many of the children who attended were the offspring of international students on campus studying.

Your church may also be able to offer English language courses for the spouses or children of students, who may not be able to attend other intensive language programs because of the expense or time commitment. Materials for such instruction are readily available on-line. And offering such experiences will give your congregation the connection to other cultures you desire and provide ample opportunities for outreach.

God is bringing the world to our doors, not only in urban areas, but in smaller communities where community and regional colleges offer higher education opportunities at reasonable costs to international students. Perhaps God is calling you to reach out to other cultures through your local campus.

For more information on how to minister to your campus, check out the Nazarene Secular Campus Mission website at www.NazSCM.org.