Welcome Banquet 2024

On August 30, 2024, First Presbyterian Church again hosted IFM’s annual Welcome Banquet, attended by around 350 internationals and volunteers from 34 countries. Around each table, volunteers connected with students, who enjoyed a traditional American Southern meal including fried chicken, greens and cornbread. Thanks to partner organizations like RUF-I and First Internationals, we were able to give away many door prizes, including gift cards, Fireflies tickets, and Gamecock gear. Michael Krigline introduced guests to the many opportunities IFM and our partners make available to internationals throughout the year. Special guests also included people from several other local colleges. We wrapped up the night with two special prizes given to ladies in the audience: a necklace created by jewelry artist and IFM Board member Nica Sweeney and a handmade quilt! More special than the night itself, around 30 of our Welcome Banquet Table Hosts have reported that friendships started at the event are continuing! Please pray that God blesses those relationships, and allows IFM to foster many more connections between local Christians and international guests. Would you like IFM to connect you to someone from abroad? Please visit one of our weekly Friday dinners, or sign up to become a Friendship Partner! IFM’s primary goal is to give you opportunities to love international guests in Jesus’ name, filling their time in the US with friendship and the chance to find peace with God.