by Janie Mason
Imagine you are a student or scholar studying abroad— in a strange culture with a language you persevere to learn and use effectively. Stimulating, and at the same time, intimidating. You want to experience everything. But, you can use help – a place to make friends, a place that offers ways to experience the culture and the people.
P.R.I.S.M. offers that kind of support to internationals in Pittsburgh. In fact, P.R.I.S.M. – Pittsburgh Region International Student Ministry – exists to welcome international students and visiting scholars to Pittsburgh. Operating out of Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Oakland, P.R.I.S.M. comes alongside these “visitors” to our city in many meaningful ways. Of all the ways P.R.I.S.M. touches lives, most important is helping them experience our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Each August through The Garage Giveaway, Pittsburghers give furniture and household items to new international students as a way of saying “welcome to Pittsburgh”. In 2017 over 500 students from 26 countries came.
On March 30, many will attend P.R.I.S.M.’s, Experience the Passover, to learn about the history and significance of Passover and how it connects to the Christian holiday of Easter. P.R.I.S.M. sponsors Easter Hosting. Imagine the joy of guest and host as internationals join American families at home for their Easter holiday traditions, including a visit to church and a meal. Long-term cross-cultural relationships develop. Others will take the weekend trip to Washington, D.C. April 6-8 to visit U.S. museums and monuments, with church on Sunday. They will stay with host families and get to know them. Year round, there is Sunday Bible Study at a local American home with dinner and transportation provided.
P.R.I.S.M. is one of Hebron’s ministry partners through the Mobilization Team. From P.R.I.S.M.’s Ken Wagoner we hear stories of his work reaching lives for Christ. There are many ways we all can be involved in these ministries. Be a holiday host, give furniture, be a friendship partner, share food and family and friendship. And most important, share Jesus. Impact an international student’s life for Christ and be blessed to be a blessing.
Visit the website at www.prismpgh.org. Contact Director, Scott Boyd, with your interest and questions at sboyd.prism@gmail.com.
