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)

Spain - From Next Semester to Next Week

It's actually happening. One week from now I will be on a plain with 47 other college students on our way to Spain (if you're not sure what I'm talking about, see my Spain/Choir Tour post).

I am beyond blessed and excited to say that by the abundant prayers and generous help of many along with an unaccounted for scholarship, I have been funded for my trip to Spain next week! I owe many great thanks to all who have been praying with me through this journey, and of course to God for working everything out according to His sovereignty.

Going into the semester I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up with the intense pace of the choir and learning the music for the tour in time. However, I am happy to say that with help from some friends and many hours in the practice rooms, Chorale has become one of my greatest stress relievers. I have learned so much and although I have so, so, much to still learn in the realm of singing in music I am beyond enthusiastic to keep pressing forward. I also count the relationships I am forming within this musical family very precious.

It's hard to believe we will leave so soon, and I ask that you would keep the team in prayer. As would be expected from a group of this size, there are many who have never flown and/or have not yet been overseas. Further, there is a lot going on in Spain politically right now and although our immediate safety is not expected to be endangered, complications could arise (check the news or contact me if you desire more info). I also ask for prayer for guidance and boldness among the team, as well as for God to work in the hearts of the Spaniards we come into contact with; for perhaps we were meant to go to Spain to proclaim the Gospel at such a time as this. Lastly. but certainly not of least importance, I ask you would keep those who are organizing the tour in prayer - both on the Spain and stateside end. There is so much weighing on them and I fear people get so caught up in the people performing to think of those or arranged for them to even come.

I will likely not be bringing my laptop to Spain, so I encourage you to connect on Facebook and/or Instagram for brief updates throughout the trip (if wifi allows). My hope is to have an update of the trip up within a few weeks of return. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, it actually means a lot! As always, feel free to contact me anytime. Have a blessed day!

Contact:
elli5255@lbc.edu

Sophomore Year Underway

As I sit here pondering how to bridge the time gap between my last update and now, I can't help but think of how fast time has flown. It seems as though it were only last week when I set out to Ocean City with some glorious international students that I had the privilege to befriend, and just yesterday when I clocked out for the last time at my summer job. It almost feels like I blinked while packing my car to return to my home away from home at Lancaster Bible College, and when I opened my eyes I was six weeks into my sophomore year. However, even as I write this, memories of the time in between flood my mind and reminded me that this is not the case - and thankfully so.

So, what happened in the time in between?
After returning a week early for work (Public/Campus Safty), classes flew into full swing in late August. I dove into what would come to be at the same time the most overwhelming and intriguing class load yet. From learning about my personal leadership styles in my leadership class to the fascinating background of the New and Old Testament in NT 1 and OT 1; form learning to study music and pushing my voice to things I never knew I was capable to the insightful perspectives on the Christian Narrative - I have certainly been kept busy. However, I have enjoyed every moment (or at lest been grateful in hindsight).

This semester for my missions class I am taking Discipleship and Evangelism, which has been both wonderfully insightful and heart-poundingly intimadating. As one would gather from the name, we are both learning to effectively evangelize and actually going out and doing so - which is admittedly not something I had previously done all too often. We have gone on a few outreach trips already, and still have more planned. It has been vary insightful to see how different people respond to the offer of prayer and the gospel. Although many people turned us away, we were blessed with a few conversations with people who beyond our expectations opened their homes for us to come and share with them - all glory to God for their repetitiveness. Outright sharing my faith or offering to pray with people is still not something that comes easily to me, and I will always have things to learn, though I none the less I look forward to putting what I have learned into regular practice; for how can they believe in a God of whom they have never heard? (Romans 10:14).

What interesting things have I been up to this semester aside from classwork?
Well, I've started helping with a youth group at the mother church of the church plant I have been attending since last year (One City Church). I help lead a small group of high-school girls and absolutely love it. There's something about pouring into others that seems to give more energy then coffee (or perhaps its the fact that they have so much energy that if overflows to me). I'm also apart of two choirs at LBC. One is Chapel Guild, which is the gospel choir that I was in last year; the other is the LBC Chorale, which is their more classical choir I just joined this year and am going to Spain with (see next blog post for an update on Spain). I'm pretty sure they are a large part of why my stress level if half of what it was last year.

I'm greatly looking forward to whats in store for the rest of the semester, and I encourage you to keep a lookout for future updates on my upcoming trip to Spain, college in general, and some opportunities in the works that I am beyond excited about. As always, feel free to contact me anytime (and I will try my utmost to get back to you) and I greatly thank you for your time and interest!

Contact:
elli5255@lbc.edu

Learning to Rely on God - His Way (Health Testimony)

It's been a lot harder than I thought it would be, trying to put my thoughts into words. I've spent a good bit of time trying to craft the lessons I've learned through some trials I faced over this past semester into a testimony intriguing enough to read. But now I'm throwing those drafts away and I'm just going to be as straightforward and real as I can be - no matter how cliche it is.

This past semester God decided it was time I learned to truly rely on Him in all things - not just in the financial and protection realm. To administer this lesson, a few things I have long taken for granted that are crucial for "normal" (and especially college) life were unexpectedly and (medically) unexplainedly taken from me. Namely, my overall physical strength and health, mental clarity and academic ability, and most of my people skills. I quickly went from daily runs and frequent walks to barely being physically able to walk across campus; and from never submitting an assignment less than 12 hours early and never missing a class, to extreme brain fog and lack of ability to focus on homework or lectures, causing me to push deadlines. The gaps where these "normal" functions had been where seeming filled with anxiety of not knowing what was happening, and fear of losing the GPA I worked so hard for, or my friends, because I suddenly couldn't even process sound or movement in the dining hall - let alone unfamiliar activities or places.

For weeks I tried to hide everything that was happening behind smiles, laughter, and the excuse of stress or poor diet as I was certain that it would only last a little longer and I would be fine, but things only got worse. Before long I could hardly even fake being ok. I found myself running out of straws to grasp at to answer the ever present "what's wrong?" question, with deadlines and finals quickly approaching, and drowning in anxious thoughts that people had dubbed me a total mess and were avoiding me.

It took until one day when it felt like I had hit rock bottom (though it was actually just the floor, because my legs decided standing was overrated) for me to finally realize that I was never going to get any better trying to do so on my own. So, still on the floor lacking the strength to stand, I asked for forgiveness for trying to make it on my own and finally surrendered to what He still had in store for that season.

To this day my flesh still wishes that the learning requirements were satisfied that day and that I was able to jump up and go run two miles, however, that was far from the case, and looking back the rest of me is joyous for it being so. For had I been healed instantly, I would not have had to truly "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) because knowing myself, I would not have been still. And had I not have had to go to my professors explaining why my assignments weren't done on time or have to make special arrangements for exam taking that I would never have considered before because I felt I was too good, I would have lost a valuable and needed lesson on staying humble. I would also not be able to say that there is absolutely nothing aside from God that gave me strength to make it through the rest of the semester, or even a single day (literally); or that because of the grace of my professors, I was able to save my GPA and keep all A's. For I have no doubt that had I continued foolishly thinking I'd be alright on my own, I would have either failed all my classes or had to drop out entirely. So yes, I would say I learned a lot from this season of my life. And though at the time it seemed like the worst thing, I'm now glad for the lessons I have learned from it.

Now I know at lest some of you may wounder if I ever found out what was wrong/if I got better, and the answer to both would be "kind of". I've had a lot of testing done this summer, however, the only thing that has shown up doesn't quite fit all my symptoms. I have however, found some relief in a natural supplement company, called Plexus, and am able to function enough to work full time and do some fun things in my "spare time". None the less, I have still not quite regained my full normal strength or energy and would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Thank you for your time and interest, and as always, feel free to contact me anytime!

Contact:
elli5255@lbc.edu

Welcome to my Blog (Grand Re-Interduction)

As you can probably see from looking, I made this blog in January to post regular updates on, however, this is only my second post. I would like to offer my apologies for not keeping up as I had hoped thus far. None the less, from here on out I hope to be posting at least monthly, though ideally it will be every week or two (I'm also now expecting offers for accountability on keeping up haha).

For the many of you who have never been to my blog before or herd me mention it, this is ware I'll be posting most of my updates, prayer requests, and other relevant things as I journey though college and beyond in preparation for the mission field. In addition to this blog, I now send out physical prayer/update letters twice a year (once after each semester) to anyone who desires to join my growing "prayer support group" and remain updated with a hard copy. I would love to have you journey with me down the road to the missions field, and if you so desire, I invite you to join my mailing list to receive my letters and also to subscribe to this blog to make sure you don't miss anything in between! (This past semester's/current letter will be going out this week, however, no matter when you read this, its never to late to be added to my mailing list)!

I am very open if there is ever a particular thing you would like to see an update posted about (favorite class, missions plans for the coming year, community involvement, what I do with "free time", etc), and invited you to contact me with it if there ever is. Sometimes a given topic or question is just what's needed to get my gears turning! Also, I would like you to feel as involved with me on this journey as possible, rather than just informed, so feel free to email me at any time with questions or to catch up.

Thank you for your time and interest in my journey, I greatly appreciate it! Stay tuned for an update on my freshman year at Lancaster Bible College coming up in the next day or two. I will also be sharing my testimony from a major health battle I fought this past semester soon!

Contact info:
elli5255@lbc.edu

Ready or Not, this Semester's Taking Off

It almost feels strange, to sit at my desk typing on my laptop in my dorm room for the first time in almost a month; to finally see the faces of those who have become close to me throughout the past semester; to know that before I know it I'll be once again knee deep in assignments and papers - but loving every moment of it. Lancaster Bible College, it's good to be back.

Much has happened over break, and as many of you are aware it was a ruff decision deciding to come back, but none the less, here I am. I thank you to those who were praying for me.

Today LBC kicked off the semester with their annual MLK service day, and classes will resume tomorrow, the 17th. Though my credit load is the same as last semester, my courses are much more involved and syllabus shock is setting in, reminding me that learning to better manege time is of high impotence, and that though doing well is necessary, everything does not have to be perfect.

I ask for your continued prayer for guidance and wisdom, and specifically for an interview I have tomorrow for an on campus job. Though adding a job to my already busy schedule is not ideal in my opinion, having it will greatly help and I really hope it will work out.

I greatly look forward to seeing what this semester holds, and thank you for your time and interest in staying in the loop :)