BLESSING
A Word About The Coronavirus
Friends and co-workers in loving international students,
Few of us remain unaffected by the actions being taken by governments, businesses, universities and churches to reduce the impact of the pandemic, “COVID-19”. (Duke has suspended all on-site classes and large meetings.) Our schedules, our gatherings, our interactions – all are receiving closer scrutiny or major rearrangement, if not suspension! How much more unsettled do most of our international student friends feel! Anxiety, distress and fear are rampant – and they were already prominent in the normal academic pressures!
Current events, when receiving attention more than that of prayerfully bathing ourselves in God’s Word, tend to distort our perspective. Speaking personally, I feel corrected in my spirit: letting the world shape my thinking and reacting rather than God’s viewpoint forming me. How is our LORD informing and equipping you for this season of stress?
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12)
Within our ISI (International Students, Inc.) offerings the initial COVID-19 prompted rearrangement is underway: Supper Clubs are postponed until further notice, a community service activity is canceled, a pre-Easter outreach is canceled and an annual leadership training is being evaluated for its current “do-ability”. Even small groups or one-to-one meetings, technically not needing to be suspended, are being re-worked (e.g. discovery Bible discussion by Zoom). It’s time to ramp up our praying, realizing afresh that apart from Him we can do nothing.
Our student friends do appreciate, maybe need, our care & our listening hearts in times like these. Many graduate, intl students remain in Durham, in their apartments, with some continuing to access campus labs. Let’s not hesitate to send notes, texts, WhatsApp video greetings, or consider a meet-up outdoors with a snack. We are available to facilitate those communications, if needed. Together in Christ walls can become doorways.
Meanwhile, take care of yourselves – body, mind, soul!
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. (Psalm 105)
Glorying in the LORD’s holy name together,
Scott Hawkins, Campus Director
with Dan * Ginger * Rebekah * Jordan * Judith
Few of us remain unaffected by the actions being taken by governments, businesses, universities and churches to reduce the impact of the pandemic, “COVID-19”. (Duke has suspended all on-site classes and large meetings.) Our schedules, our gatherings, our interactions – all are receiving closer scrutiny or major rearrangement, if not suspension! How much more unsettled do most of our international student friends feel! Anxiety, distress and fear are rampant – and they were already prominent in the normal academic pressures!
Current events, when receiving attention more than that of prayerfully bathing ourselves in God’s Word, tend to distort our perspective. Speaking personally, I feel corrected in my spirit: letting the world shape my thinking and reacting rather than God’s viewpoint forming me. How is our LORD informing and equipping you for this season of stress?
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12)
Within our ISI (International Students, Inc.) offerings the initial COVID-19 prompted rearrangement is underway: Supper Clubs are postponed until further notice, a community service activity is canceled, a pre-Easter outreach is canceled and an annual leadership training is being evaluated for its current “do-ability”. Even small groups or one-to-one meetings, technically not needing to be suspended, are being re-worked (e.g. discovery Bible discussion by Zoom). It’s time to ramp up our praying, realizing afresh that apart from Him we can do nothing.
Our student friends do appreciate, maybe need, our care & our listening hearts in times like these. Many graduate, intl students remain in Durham, in their apartments, with some continuing to access campus labs. Let’s not hesitate to send notes, texts, WhatsApp video greetings, or consider a meet-up outdoors with a snack. We are available to facilitate those communications, if needed. Together in Christ walls can become doorways.
Meanwhile, take care of yourselves – body, mind, soul!
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. (Psalm 105)
Glorying in the LORD’s holy name together,
Scott Hawkins, Campus Director
with Dan * Ginger * Rebekah * Jordan * Judith
Upcoming Opportunities
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SUPPER CLUB - During a semester, once a month, you will host students in your home for a meal. This is a great way to get you and your family more involved in blessing the nations. More Info>>
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PROVIDE A MEAL - A [student led] group of internationals meet in a home twice a month to discuss life's questions over a meal.
Sign up to provide a meal>> HIKING - Join us and students eager for a leisurely walk or something more challenging! Students love opportunities to get away from the "usual," explore the surrounding areas of Durham, and make new friends! Plan a hike or come along with us. Contact Scott Hawkins. |