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About Us International Student Ministries of New Zealand (ISMNZ) came into being on 6 January 2000 at just the right time, when the numbers of international student enrolments went from thousands to tens of thousands.
The international student sector in NZ is one of the country’s biggest export industries, worth about $5 billion a year, bringing over 100,000 international students study in New Zealand every year. International students leave their home, nations, and families, most often not knowing much about Aotearoa New Zealand. The international student experience can be a positive life-changing time in a person’s life. With the partnership of churches, education organisations and other organisations, we offer pastoral care, friendship, spiritual support and mentoring, through the care for the hauora, the well-being, of international students. In doing so we demonstrate the grace and love of Jesus, striving to reflect His image and reach the nations at our doorstep. |
ISMNZ Staff Workers and Volunteers at 20th Anniversary Kick-off Celebrations
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Nations of the World have Come to NZ Many countries are not accessible to traditional methods of missionary endeavours. To prepare for missions, missionaries often require years to learn the local language and culture, and even longer to build rapport and breakthrough within the local community.
Additionally, many students come from “closed countries” that do not permit religious missionaries or are too dangerous for missionaries to serve in. These fall within the 10/40 window, which is home to some of the least evangelised nations. The popularity of international education has provided us with an opportunity to “do missions” with these people groups, without leaving New Zealand! |
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Returning Well In New Zealand, 80% of international students return to their home countries within 5 years of graduation. Therefore the importance of preparing returnees to return well cannot be overstated. This means training up believers to be lifelong disciples of Christ.
While they are here, we aim to build them up as a Christ-follower, and enable them to see that Christianity is not a ‘western religion’, and it is possible to be a follow Christ without giving up their unique cultural identity. This is so that when the time comes, they will be prepared to go home, continue to grow and serve as a part of the Christian community in their home country. We need your Partnership We partner with education providers, churches and other organisations across New Zealand and worldwide to provide support for international students, hold social events to help students learn about the culture of New Zealand, as well as weekly meetings at the different centres, English Corner, and Bible Studies.
We need volunteers to follow-up, disciple and walk with students. |
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