IFM’s history spans four decades. In the 1980s, Dr. Raj started IFM and began connecting the Church to international students, scholars, and their families. Throughout the years, many people have worked with IFM to facilitate this mission. Marilyn and Tom Bassett are just two of these wonderful people who have been with IFM since the 1990s. Here are some of her stories!
How long have you been serving with IFM?
I began working some with IFM in March of 1993 while I was a student at CIU (and also Cru staff)
I worked full-time, beginning in the summer of 1996 after I finished my studies at CIU.
Now I serve on a more volunteer relationship with IFM.
What was it like in the beginning of your time with IFM?
Because I was a student at CIU, I could only come to the USC campus one afternoon a week and then also attend the Friday night IFM dinner. Meeting students at the Friday night dinner was a great help in making connections with students whom I could visit later and try to begin a more lasting relationship.
It was definitely a learning experience for me! Because I had worked with people in Swaziland who had a knowledge of God, I found it so different to work with people, particularly Chinese, who seemed to have no understanding of God. I also had to deepen my understanding of other religions like Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.
How have you seen it grow since then?
I am sad to say that I have not seen it grow so much since then. Part of the reason for this is the fact that we no longer have “visiting scholars” or the Confucius Institute from China.
On a positive note, however, I feel the smaller crowds give us a better chance to build quality relationships with those who attend.
Why do you think it’s valuable for volunteers and financial partners to be involved in a Friday Night
Dinner at least once a year?
I think God wants us to not only give money but give of our time to reach out to these internationals the Lord has brought to Columbia. Being involved at least once a year helps a person have a better picture of what they are funding or whom they are seeking to reach with the Gospel. It should also stimulate them to pray more for this ministry/outreach.
What ministry stories can you share with us?
One thing I have learned is “don’t quickly give up on an international to whom you are trying to build a relationship.” I saw one of my Chinese friends become a Christian ten years later after leaving Columbia. We are still close friends. I attended her baptism in Charlotte.
I met with one Chinese wife weekly for about 5 years, but she still did not become a Christian. She and her husband then moved to Texas. There they got involved with a very good Chinese church and both became sincere Christians. Later they moved to Maine where they led the Chinese Ministry at U of Maine. Now they are in Missouri still active for the Lord. She and I still meet via the phone to pray and do Bible study together.
I met (argued) with a very intelligent Chinese PhD student for 3 years at the IFM office. She finally surrendered to Christ, helped lead the Chinese Christian student ministry at U of SC, finished her doctoral studies and graduated from CIU with a Master of Divinity. My dear friend is now back in China ministering by doing translation work and teaching online.
Another doctoral student from Thailand received Christ and returned home in 2001. She and I are now doing a monthly Bible study via Zoom. She and her husband are very active in their church there in Bangkok, Thailand.
I share these stories, but I must also say that ministry to international students/families is a patient ministry. One may invest in a person for a long time, and yet never see them surrender to the Lord. We are seed planters. God does the rest. However, it may surprise us when we get to heaven to find who is already there or who arrives later!
Why should people volunteer and financially partner?
People should volunteer and give because that is what God wants us to do. . Relationship building is such an important part of reaching internationals for Christ. Without the involvement of volunteers, the outreach is limited to fewer people.
One must also give in order to help with supporting those who are involved full-time with the overall administration of IFM. The upkeep of the IFM office building takes money as well. Investing in IFM is investing in Kingdom building for the Lord.
Thank you Marilyn (and Tom) for your faithfulness in this ministry!
Without dedicated volunteers as these, we would be unable to see souls won for Christ. They sincerely exemplify the endurance of Paul in Acts 19:8-10.
May God encourage you and bless you with these stories.
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