Reaching the Nations Without Leaving Home (Forum International Student Iniative)

Richard Weston

International education is now a global phenomenon, ensuring that bright, aspiring students are on the move everywhere. International students are found on campuses across the world, including students from areas where the gospel of Jesus is hardly known. These students have the potential to become the world’s future leaders in politics, business, and education. When away from home, such students are curious to find out about local culture, eager to make friends and open to new ideas. They are more willing to consider Christ than at any time in their lives. For churches in places where these students study this is a unique opportunity to change the world for Christ, without leaving home and usually without learning another language. Relevant and practical tips to help pioneer ministries such as this will be discussed. This workshop will also include stories of students lives changed by the ministry.

Richard Weston began his working life as a solicitor (lawyer) in London. Following two years at All Nations Christian College, he and his wife Catherine have spent the past 23 years in ministry among international students. They began in Cambridge with the Kairos Trust and then moved to Oxford in 1990 with Friends International to plant international student ministries in local churches. Since 1999 Richard has served as National Director (CEO) of Friends International.