On October 5 & 6, two van-loads of IFM guests enjoyed outdoor fun, an indoor feast, a dancing lesson, and a special connection to a host family in rural South Carolina. The adventure was hosted by Rev Janet Echols and the St Matthews Parish Church, who have hosted this memorable event for 10 years. Thirty-three international students, scholars, teachers, and family members participated this year, along with a dozen host families in the Fort Motte area. Although the destination is just an hour from Columbia, it feels like a different world from the labs and classrooms of busy researchers, students and teachers. Our hosts opened their hearts and homes to guests, and guests reciprocated with friendship and appreciation. The outdoor part of the adventure included fishing, canoeing, trekking on Gators/ATVs, and a short hike to a waterfall. As evening approached, Lisa from Intervarsity presented an encouraging message, pointing out the cyclical stages of Culture Transition that international visitors go through. After a pot-luck feast, three “callers” taught the group the basic steps of several popular line dances, and then host families took everyone home to continue the experience. For some, this was their first visit to an American home! Sunday morning, hosts brought the group to church, which provided a special lesson for the visitors, followed by even more delicious food! Lots of hugs and contact information were exchanged before we loaded up for the trip back to Columbia. In the past, some students have had the chance to return later to continue the relationships started on an IFM-St Matthews Weekend, so we encourage participants to follow-up with their hosts, expressing thanks and sharing a precious memory in word or with photos.
Thank you to St. Matthews Parish Church for faithfully hosting our students. Janet from our host church shared, “This was our 10th weekend… and according to many, the best. We are blessed to be partners with you and your ministry.”
These trips are a valuable window for students into the authentic lives of American Christians. This coming weekend, two vans of students and volunteers will be traveling to Bryson City, NC for another homestay opportunity. Please pray that these students will be able to connect with the American hosts and that the Gospel message shared by our host church would fall on good soil!
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