Thankful for 2020!
Without question 2020 has been one of the most challenging years our world has experienced in recent history. We hope that you have experienced God’s presence, protection, and provision to be more than enough to weather whatever storms you may have faced.
I find it ironic that this global pandemic has happened in the year “20/20” and that, by necessity, we have all had to recalibrate our vision in one way or another. This has certainly been the case for us at ISI. Who would have thought that some of our staff members would come down with a deadly virus called COVID-19 (thankfully no tragedies). Others have been quarantined for 14 days at a time, including our ISI president, Dr. Tan and family. Providentially, in the midst of the chaos of having to shut down normal ministry activities, we have found new approaches to reach thousands of international students here in the US and abroad. In some ways, even more effectively than before!
Due to pandemic restrictions, most of our school year start-up activities had to be cancelled (this is when we cast a broad net to contact as many new students as possible). This resulted in a 25% decrease in total number of new students contacted this year. However, and this is the exciting part, because students were barred from campuses and confined to their living quarters, they had more time to think, re-evaluate priorities, and contact their friends and family. This resulted in a significant increase in students joining our online Bible study groups as well as virtual discipleship opportunities. Additionally, our staff have been able to invest more time into following up on students who have previously returned to their home countries, in order to encourage and equip them for their disciple-making work at home. After all, this is our end game! Nations transformed by multiplying redemptive communities in every dimension of society.
In spite of restrictions and setbacks, we could say this has actually been a comeback year for the cause of Christ among the nations!
Gordy (and Patty) Decker
ISI Ministry Highlights 2020
Your investment matters!
In spite of global pandemic restrictions, ISI’s president Dr. Tan believes God is calling ISI to:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”Isaiah 54:2-3
Thank you for following us in support of reaching the nations with the love and message of Jesus Christ. God’s best to you and yours in the coming year!