International Students Ministries of New Zealand (ISMNZ)
ISMNZ began in 2000, so we are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. Our ministry context is international students and migrants, and with over 90,000 students studying in NZ this year the world is coming to us and is at our doorstep. We long to see International students and migrants become lifelong followers of Jesus and a transformative influence in their workplaces, families, communities, and societies.
Our mission is four-fold:
- Serve International students to aid success in their study and post-study experience.
- Embody the love and welcome of Jesus, assist students holistically and provide opportunities for them to personally encounter Jesus.
- Equip Jesus-followers with biblical knowledge to become disciple-makers who share their faith with others.
- Encourage, resource and empower people to work effectively with international students and migrants.
We currently have ministry teams in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. We value partnership with local churches and other mission agencies to reach and disciples international students and migrants.
Prayer points:
– Praise God for the students we’ve welcomed to events around the country. Pray that we can build meaningful relationships with new students and help them to encounter Jesus and find life through him.
– Praise God for our 7 interns, and other young believers, who are committing time and energy into ministry activities, and their personal relationship with God. Pray that God will give us wisdom, and insight as we develop them.
– On 3 May, the ISMNZ board, and National Leadership Team will gather in Palmerston North to seek God’s direction and work on developing our 5 year strategic plan. Pray for God’s hand to be upon this process so that we might know those things that are important to do to achieve our vision and mission.
– Regional camps are planned for 20-22 June (central region), 27-30 June (Southern) and 26 July (Northern). Please pray that we provide camps that help bring transformation and growth, and that God would draw new students to join us.
– Increased partnerships with local churches that want to be involved in ministry to international students and migrants.