Island International Fellowship - (Belated) June Update

"So, how's your international student program/internship thing going?"

 - the frequently asked question that contains an ever-changing answer of which can vary in length. For in short, it is going wonderfully; however, there indeed are things that could be better and some things to still be managed. None the less, the past several weeks have been marked by many opportunities/adventures, new-formed relationships, memories, and lessons that I am beyond grateful for and shall treasure for a lifetime.

My goal in the following is to briefly update you on the progress, happenings, and needs of Island International Fellowship (IIF) in general as well as the personal side of ministry. 

IIF - Progress & Happenings

Words cannot express my joy for the many students that have become friends and apart of IIF, nor for those who have been playing roles - big or small - in helping IIF function by driving, fellowshipping, praying, or opening their homes. Likewise, I am beyond grateful for the churches who have shown interest in partnering with IIF and have provided so much moral and prayer support; I could not do this without them.

Indeed, IIF has taken off and begun to soar in way's that I could have only hoped for. Currently, we have students representing at least 3 continents and 5-6 countries (not including USA/North America) involved and we are still expanding. Already, with various groups of students, we have been able to go to Ocean City MD, Berlin MD, Crisfield MD,  and a few trips to Salisbury MD (the closest "city"). Likewise, we have been able to provide some home visits and spontaneous "American experiences" and hang out times like late a night jam session, beach day, being pulled over for a broken headlight, and just driving around some interesting areas - just to name a few. Each one of these things has been filled with laughter, strengthened friendships, and a sense of "adventure". I don't think I would be far off to say that IIF is indeed providing an opportunity for students to explore on and beyond the Island, and to fellowship with Americans and other students alike!

Next week I am excited to say that IIF will be taking it's first "step up" from local outings and will be going to Washington DC for a day. The trip was highly requested and will be heavily attended - likely requiring myself and/or a friend to drive a chase vehicle beyond the 14 passenger van we have rented, which is really exciting! Furthermore, some ideas are being bounced around for another day trip or two in early August, as well as some students coming to Lancaster (where I go to college) for a few days in September.

In the realm of the Gospel and IIF, we have already had a few opportunities to talk and debate some spiritual matters, most often as instigated by a student. Seeds have been planted and the gospel has been spoken in word and action to many of the students, thus, I ask that you continue to pray as we continue to relationally witness 

IIF - Current Concerns/Needs

Although IIF is seemingly off to a flying succus, I would be lying to say that all is completely well and running as planned. None the less, although I may be concerned about a few matters I am not worried, for I trust that God in His sovereignty shall work everything out according to HIs plan to bring Himself glory. Following are some of the most pressing concerns, would you partner with me in praying for them, and in filling them if you feel lead?

• Co-leader & Leadership team. 

• Leaders train leaders; but only if there are leaders to train. I have been blessed by many people who have filled roles as needed, and even by a small core group that has been at near everything; I could not have done this and IIF would not be where it is without them. None the less, I have been pulling most of the planning solo and have yet to find anyone willing to rise to "official" leadership or who is interested in caring on IIF after me. As of now, next summer IIF will rest in the hands of a partially aware community and semi-mobilized churches with no one in local leadership (I likely not be in the area). My heart is fully engaged in these students and this opportunity and I am willing to do whatever is necessary to present, train, and partner with the community and individuals to continue IIF, I need only opportunities and people willing to rise up.

• Drivers/coordinators 

• It has become apparent that trips (local and day) are in high desire, however, even with the help of a friend driving in addition to myself, we are still only able to take 7-8 students on a given trip. Thus, I am potentially looking for:
• A mini-van to borrow for local trips (or day trips)
• Peeps to drive for local trips
• People over 25 willing to drive a rented van for a day trip
• People willing to help coordinate and plan day trips

• General community involvement 

• As stated, many people and some churches have arisen with interest in partnering with IIF, however, there is a significant difference in the amount of interest and in actually following through - especially on the Island itself (if I may step on some toes). As I attempt to route IIF so it will last the coming years, I am looking for opportunity-filled soil to share the program with, and people to help tend the growing program in general. 

• Home visit hosts 

• As more students "join" IIF, schedules and coordinating become even harder. Thus, I am looking for several people to open their homes for an evening/afternoon to students to help build relationships and let them see an American home, ideally with each student being able to go to at least one or two. Home visits do not have to be fancy, nor your home elaborate :) 

The Personal Side of Ministry 

Nothing will make you feel more stretched, inadequate, humble, and not uncommonly stressed than leading; and leading IIF is certainly no exception. Although there have seldom been moments when I resented what I am doing in the slightest, there have certainly been many when I questioned my qualifications for doing it. Perhaps one of the greatest instances of this is in trying to plan for the DC trip, and more specifically, finding a van - of which you must be 25 to drive and have a credit card to rent. None the less, I am grateful for those who have been helping me as they are able; for coming, driving, and offering prayer and moral support.

Through IIF I have made many friends and connections, and have been blessed to hang out with some students at events that they plan or spontaneous hangouts; I will truly treasure these relationships for a lifetime. Likewise, I have learned many lessons through IIF, both in regards to leadership as well as my spiritual walk; I have also seen many things I learned in college play out before my very eyes. Perhaps the greatest lesson I have been learning is also the main thing I have seen from my classes at college: balance. For in trying to balance working more than full time, running a ministry, getting the community involved in the ministry, figuring out my own life, as well as my family, I have seen why they said it would be one of the hardest parts of ministry! It is indeed a stretching process and I still have much to improve on, none the less, I am trying my best and finding that my best can be nothing less than total surrender to God and His plan - for it is infinitely greater than my own. 

There are many other lessons and stories I could tell you, and I happily shall if you ask, however, for now, that's it. I am beyond excited to see what God does through IIF in my remaining 6 weeks on Chincotueaceas well as beyond then!

Ways You Can Pray

I do ask for your prayers on a personal level as well as for IIF. There are many stressors in both realms and a God who hears them all. Below are a few praises and prayer requests; your prayer support in the most presious way you can partner with me and IIF.

• Praises:

• The growth of students in IIF and relationships formed with them.
• Opportunities to explore on and beyond the Island with some students already.
• Those who have been helping with IIF in big and small ways.
• My friends who have been an amazing help in fellowshipping with/driving students.
• Finding a driver for the DC trip.
• The seed planting spiritual conversations that have already begun.
• God's grace, sovereignty, and guidance through trying to coordinate everything - Lord knows I can't do this alone.
• The opportunity to even be here in the first place, and the desire God planted in my heart to start IIF.

• Prayer Requests:

• For a co-leader & Leadership team to arise.
• The hearts of the students to be opened to the gospel through our relational witness.
• That the upcoming DC trip will run smoothly.
• Guidance and peace for me as I attempt to lead the DC trip and plan future events.
• For all those currently involved in helping with IIF.
• That the community would rise up and seize the opportunity that is before their very eyes.
• Discernment and wisdom for myself as I ponder changing my academic pursuits path by changing my minor or major.
• That I will be able to effectively balance all the aspets of my curent life situation. 
• That my car will not die from all the ware on it this summer from serving as a ministry vessel - as silly as it may sound, it's a legitimate concern at times.

Conclusion 

As always, I am very grateful for your time in reading this and intrest in this ministry; I could not do this alone, nor do I have intention in trying. I encourage you to join the IIF Facebook group if you would like to stay more in the loop, and to email me if you have any questions, would like to help fulfill a concern, or just to send encouragement to as admittedly slightly stressed 19 year old haha I am excited to see what God has in store for IIF, the students, those involved in helping, and the community. Thank you again for your time!

Contact:

Email: Chrissy.islandif@gmail.com

Phone: 757-894-5059 (please leave a message)

Facebook group: Island International Fellowship (request to join)

IFF Brief Overview

Island International Fellowship 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 do the past two summers mostly by herself with the help of a few friends. 

Purpose Statement 

The primary goal of IIF is to involve the community in helping international 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. 

The Gospel and IIF

It is the hope of IIF that by the relational witness of volunteers young and old—in word and action—that students will be drawn to question our beliefs, thus opening the door for mature religious discussion (on differences between their beliefs and ours) and ultimately gospel presentations. From this, it is our greatest desire that seeds will be planted, and if He wills, that God would open the eyes of even just one student to their need for Him and that they may take their newfound faith back to their home country. Above all, it is our prayer that no student will leave at the end of the summer without hearing the gospel message spoken and having at least a New Testament in their native language to take home, for how will they believe in a God of whom they have not heard (Romans 10:14)?