Island International Fellowship - Coming to Chincoteague Summer 2018

A  Beautiful Chincoteague Island Sunset

Island International Fellowship (IIF) is a program for international university students who have come to Chincoteague Island to work for the summer as part of their Work and Travel program (or other reasons). IIF was officially started by Christine Elliott - a college student with a heart for relationships, the gospel, and the nations - in hopes of involving the community in building relationships and helping students "experience America" on a larger scale then she has been able to two the past two summers mostly by herself and some friends.

The Vision

It started with a simple introduction to a Russian girl one night in the summer of 2016, an introduction that became the first of many conversations which lead to local adventures and a dear friendship that has lasted thousands of miles. It started when my international student co-workers became one of the main reasons I enjoyed my job so much and through story-filled late nights, bi-lingual jam sessions, and dance/dishwashing parties, we became like a family. Ultimately, it started when I had no idea it did; when in His sovereignty and by His perfect plan God begin to lay out the pieces He would later pull together in my flawed human mind to form IIF - all glory to Him for the entirety of the following (and our existence, salvation, creation in general - you get the picture).

That being said, this past summer (2017) is when the pieces really started to come together in my mind. For in addition to the co-worker "family" bond, throughout the summer I was blessed with many opportunities to build relationships with several students through things like makeshift unofficial English lessons, rides home from work (in rain/bike failure), and conversations about cultural background and religion. I was also able to take a few on some "American adventures" of a larger scale than the summer before and become especially good friends with them as a result. Amidst all these things and many more, my mind put it all together and I realized something:

There's a Glorious Opportunity Before our Very Eye's.

Each summer, there are countless university students from all over the world who come to Chincoteague Island to work. Although they come from different backgrounds and are each seeking a little something different from their experience here, the majority of them come through their university on a Work and Travel Program in hopes of improving their English or fulfilling something in relation to their program of study (kind of like a travel abroad). Many have stories and experiences abounding and are just as interested to learn of our culture and background as we are of theirs. Further, beyond their jobs (they frequently have two to get in their hours), they're seeking to meet new people, experience a new culture, and have fun.

However, most students, especially first-timers, have a hard time accomplishing this due to "gaps" such as lack of connections, transportation, and opportunities. "Gaps", I thought as I was driving my Belarusian and Russian friends home from our last adventure of this past summer, that would not be hard for us to help bridge on a larger scale then what I had been doing the past two summers. After all, although there are many more students then I have been able to reach, there are also many more people in the community that may be willing to help. After much prayer, I brought the idea of starting a program to help students bridge these gaps and "experience America" before my international student friends, as well as some people at church,  and they loved it. Likewise, I mentioned it to my college advisor and he not only liked the idea, but said it would count as the required internship for my degree. Thus, with all glory given to God for sovereignly working everything together to inspire IIF, it began the process of becoming a reality.

So, What Exactly is IIF?

Well, I'm glad you asked! The primary goal of IIF is to help students experience a growthful, fun, and memorable time in America by providing opportunities to explore on and beyond the Island, fellowship with American's and other students alike, and experience a taste of American culture. Ideally, my hope for IIF is that through our welcoming interaction and sincere interest, the students will be as open about sharing their culture and background as we are with them; thus, everyone involved will end the summer with friendships that will bridge thousands of miles, unique experiences to tell of for years, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Taking 3 students to Ocean City, MD for
our last adventure of the summer.

Although I do not currently have a set in stone plan for how IIF will accomplish this, and I am open to suggestions, one of the main ways I have been envisioning doing so is though having activities at least once or twice a week (more often if location and volunteers allow) such as:

• Coffee houses: A time to meet new people, catch up with friends, eat food, play games from around the world, and unwind.
• Movie Nights: stay-in or go out.
• Swap Shops: Students can trade clothes among themselves if they are tired of their wardrobe.
• International Meals: Students are encouraged to make their favorite dish from back home and bring it to share in a "global feast" (American food provided).
• Beach Days: A trip to the beach that - hopefully - they don't have to bike a few miles for.
• Grocery Runs: A quick escape from the Island and a chance to pay normal price for groceries.
• Home Visits: Paring students up with locals for a chance to see an American home and eat a homecooked meal.
• Rollerskating/Bowling/Laser Tag: Not nessasarly all in one event, just three ideas. 

In addition, throughout the summer I would love to see some day trips and bigger activities come together, like:

• Ocean City, MD day trip: One of the most sought-after exploration destinations of the students - also home to the Tanger Outlets.
• Salisbury shopping trip: The closest "city" with a mall.
• Grand History Tour: A day spent traveling the Shore and exploring its rich historical towns (surprisingly, this was requested this past summer).
• Norfolk/VA Beach Day Trip: the closest "real city", containing many destinations of potential interest.
• Amusement Park Day Trip: another requested destination.

As the summer gets closer, I hope to have a better idea of a rough outline for the summer, however, it will greatly depend on many factors that are still in the works (see "Getting Involved"). I would also like to be able to provide bike repair services, basic first aid supplies, and personal care items to students who may not be able to obtain them due to schedule or funds.

The Gospel and IIF

Anyone who knows me knows I have a passion for getting the gospel to the nations, and IIF provides a phenomenal opportunity to do so; as they have literally come right to us through these students. Over the past two summers, I have found that most students are far more willing - and actually quite interested - to discuss religious beliefs after a relational foundation of trust, respect, and intentional curiosity is established, rather than taking a "street evangelism" approach (ask me about the "Russian Bible's" sometime). That being said, my hope is that by the relational witness of volunteers young and old - in word and action - the students will be drawn to question our beliefs, thus voluntarily opening the door for mature religious discussion (on differences between their beliefs and ours) and above all, gospel presentations. From this, it is my greatest desire that seeds will be planted, and if He wills, that God will open the eyes of even just one student to their need for Him, and that they may take their newfound hope back to their home country.

Post-church visit snow cones

Above all, regardless of their initial receptiveness, it is my prayer that no student will leave at the end of summer without hearing the gospel message spoken and having a New Testament in their own language to take home. For, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:14).

Getting Involved

There is much that needs to be done in the coming months in order for the vision of IIF to successfully become a reality, and I greatly appreciate your interest and prayers in helping make it so. What follows are some of the current most pressing needs.

If you can fulfill, aid in the fulfillment, or know someone else who can, it would be a huge help and I encourage you to contact me at chrissy.islandif@gmail.com 

I also encourage you to request to join the "Island International Fellowship" Facebook group which will serve as the hub for events, sign-ups, and connections as summer draws closer (you will receive a message after requesting from me asking why you want to join. You can just put "Interested in helping" or "following for ways to pray"). I likewise encourage you to contact me if you have any ideas or ways you can serve that are not listed. None the less, regardless of your physical abilities, prayer is always greatly appreciated and I welcome all to get involved in that way (see "Way's You Can Pray" for futher specific requests).

Pressing Needs of IIF:

• Volunteers: I can't do this alone. Thus, I'm looking for people who are genuinely interested in investing in the lives of the students to help; and no, you don't have to be college age to help (although I would certainly appreciate a good number in that age range). I'm looking for relational people willing to help with things from cooking American foods for events, to building relationships with the students through the events or opening of your home, to teaching ESL (unofficially or officially), fixing bikes, sharing the spoken gospel and answering questions, and almost anything in between. Basically, if you love God, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures, there's something you can do.
• Co-Leader: IIF is far more than just my college internship, and I have no plans of it just being a one summer-long program. None the less, my passion and call is currently overseas, and I won't be able to head IIF forever. Thus, I am prayerfully seeking someone willing to embark along with me from the "start" as we relentlessly pressure Christ and His plan for IIF, in the hopes that they will be able to lead in my future absence.
• Location: Someplace on the Island, that can be used frequently for cheap or free, and likely at night (after work). I currently have no leads, and this is one of the greatest stressors.
• Church Partners: I would absolutely love to partner with local churches on this, for it is indeed a remarkable missions opportunity. Church's could partner in prayer, financially, by providing volunteers or a space, by giving/renting use of vans & drivers for events, or some unique way.
• Finances: I cannot offer a figure at the current moment, but I have no doubt that between potentially having to rent a location, buying food for events, offering personal care and first aid items for students, transportation, Bibles, and other miscellaneous expenses, IIF will need substantial funding. 
• Nearby Lodging (for myself): This is not so much a necessity, but would be a huge blessing. In addition to IIF, I am planning on returning to my job on Chincoteague to work full time (because college isn't cheap) and between the two, I will be on the Island 6-7 days a week -likely until rather late at night. I currently live a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Island and drive a car older than myself, thus, being able to stay at least part of the week on or near the Island would be a much-appreciated miracle. 

Ways You Can Pray

Your prayers are perhaps one of the most valued forms of support through every venture, and I thank you once again for supporting me and now IIF with them. In addition to the needs listed above, below are some more personal requests as well as praises.

Visiting my Russian friend
in NYC last semester

Praises 

• God's sovereignty through past opportunities and friendships regarding the international students that have so beautifully fit together to form this vision.
• God's provision for IIF that has already begun through the opening of a few doors and affirmation of His will.
• The fellow saints who have already come forth in moral and prayerful support.
• The already present excitement from some returning students for IIF.
• The assurance that God will be glorified through all things, even though at times it feels like I've blown it. 

Requests

• For God to be working in the hearts of the students and the volunteers alike, even as we are months away from summer. Pray that he would lay it on people's hearts to help and that he would move in the students' hearts too be open. Only He can save, and it's never to early to pray. 
• To remain humble and give God the glory that is due Him.
• Diligence in keeping with deadlines and communication (if I don't get back to you, please remind me).
• Guidence. Beyond IIF, I have some major decisions to make for college and have also been given an opportunity to go overseas in late May.
• Consistency in my pursuit of God, and that I do not get so distracted by the many things requiring my attention that I vear from it.

Conclusion

Yes, at last, the end of my longest post to date is in sight. Words cannot express my gratitude to your taking the time to read this, nor for your interest in journeying with me through it. If you have any questions, would like to know more about anything mentioned, or would like to partner with me and IIF in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me at chrissy.islandif@gmail.com. This will not be possible without God at the forefront and people like you all around. Thank you ever so much and have a blessed day!

Contact:

Email: chrissy.islandif@gmail.com

Facebook: Island International Fellowship (closed group - simply request to join and respond to my message asking why you want to)