Hospitality Meal at an American Home

Purpose: For international students to experience the love of Christ and biblical hospitality through local Christians. 

Biblical background: God wants us to practice hospitality.
"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality (Romans 12:13).
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers ..." (Hebrews 13:2).
The Greek word "philoxenia" translated "hospitality" in English Bible means "love the strangers." 

Biblical hospitality means loving strangers and welcoming them into our living space. Biblical hospitality is grace that transforms strangers into friends. The Bible teaches us that God is the ultimate Host who has invited us to His home, and He wants us to be like Him by extending His love to others.

Did you know?

• There are over 1.2 million internationals students and scholars in the U.S. 
• These students represent the top 5% of their nations’ brightest people—future global leaders.
• 70% of them have never been invited to an American home.
• There are over 5,000 international students and scholars from more than 100 countries at Johns Hopkins University.

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How does the program work:
Each international student who signs up for the program will be matched with a local Christian who also signs up for the program. The student is welcomed to bring a friend or two to the home of the local Christian. The student and the host will be introduced through email and will communicate to arrange their meeting.

Guidelines for Hosts:

• Pray for God's blessing as you plan to open your home for international students. You can invite your student to your home on the weekend or weekday. Saturday lunch or supper work great.
• Pick students up and take them home. 
• Be sensitive to food restrictions and plan your meal accordingly. You will be notified of any food restrictions the students may have.
• Respect the students’ culture, customs, and beliefs.
• If the students initiate a discussion of your Christian beliefs, you are welcome to respond to their questions. Otherwise, focus your visit on just building a relationship with them and avoid preaching.

Tips for conversation with your international friends:

• Ask them about themselves and listen carefully to their responses.  Topics might include: family, geography, customs in their countries (family life, recreation, work, etc.), and future plans. 
• Avoid projecting the attitude that “America is the best.”  Avoid questions such as, “How do you like America?”  Instead ask, “What do you like the best about your time in America?” 
• Don’t ask questions which might appear to “put down” their culture. 
• Allow international students to ask you questions too. They may ask you about topics which are more acceptable in other cultures than in America, such as your age, cost of your house, etc. Don’t be offended or embarrassed. 
• Learn to pronounce their names, and help them to pronounce yours. 
• Speak slowly and be patient. Avoid slang and idioms. If they don’t understand you, try to phrase your statement in another way.

​Download a PDF file of this information and other information for being a host.