Avoid asking your Friendship Partner about his/her age, weight, salary (amount of money earned from employment), and family problems. Southern Americans like to give out compliments, and this is considered good manners. Your Friendship Partner may compliment you on...
Volunteer Opportunities
Friendship Partner
Ministry area
All Link, Augusta University, Dinner & Discussion, Discipleship, ESL Class Team
Gifts / interests
Care, Cooking, Discipleship, English language, Family/Children, Hosting, Outdoors/Active, Social, Talking
Time investment
Really depends on your availability and the availability of the international. Twice a month is a rough guess, for 2-4 hours each time.
Purpose statement
One of our greatest opportunities and the greatest needs we can meet is just to be a friend. This takes humility and availability.
Summary of goals
- Get trained
- Pray for the Lord to prepare you and lead you to the right person
- Wait for a match (and keep praying!)
- When matched, just invite them into your life as the Lord leads
Details
Friendship partner training.
Prerequisites
Fill out volunteer application form (see "apply" in the main menu), Be approved as an in-person volunteer, Pass background check, Be an active participant of a local church
Others you would serve with
| Alongside |
Related Equippings
What is Friendship Partners The Friendship Partners program pairs international students and scholars in the greater Birmingham area with internationally-minded families and individuals This program seeks to promote friendship and understanding between people of...
Americans, like all people, have unique social customs. A few are discussed below, but it is impossible to list them all. By observing your American Friendship Partner and asking questions, you can learn about Southern American customs and courtesies. General Facts...
Friendships Americans are usually very "friendly" and very open when you meet them. It can take a long time, however, for a true "friendship" (close relationship) to develop. In the US, people enjoy doing things together and exchanging ideas. This can lead to...
Your Friendship Partner is here to connect you to the Birmingham community, but there are many services they cannot offer. Do not expect your Friendship Partner to provide you with: Academic advice Immigration advice Medical advice Financial advice Employment...
Chats by phone, FaceTime, text, or Skype Emails Attending events together Visiting your Friendship Partner’s home to observe and participate in everyday family life Attending birthday and/or holiday celebrations together Running daily errands together (such as...
Adjusting to the Birmingham Community. Your Friendship Partner will be familiar with Birmingham and can serve as an excellent resource to acquaint you with many aspects of life including shopping, social activities, local attractions, and entertainment. Sharing...
Be a Storyteller In evangelism and discipleship, we encourage volunteers to assume the role and posture of a storyteller. Why use stories? Stories are powerful, memorable, and facilitate________________ change. Storytelling is a ______________ form of communication...
English Conversation Partner Questions I have an interest in a specific country. Can I be matched with someone from that country? We will certainly make a note of your country's interest and will match you if there is someone available from that country. However,...
Friendships Americans are usually very "friendly" and very open when you meet them. It can take a long time, however, for a true "friendship" (close relationship) to develop. In the US, people enjoy doing things together and exchanging ideas. This can lead to...
The rewards of participating in a community program with American students and families are many, from discovering new and valuable friendships to expanding your knowledge of a different culture. By educating Americans about your country, you will contribute to...
Closing: Next Steps, Prayer, & Evaluation I'm Trained... Now What? Please review the volunteer handbook and appendices in the back, including frequently asked questions by volunteers (Appendix H) and IFI volunteer resources (Appendix I) Am I an IFI Volunteer...
Welcome and Introductions: Self-intro and group appreciation Remembering our 35/40 year roots- Ann Lindsey about the year it started. Our founders started the ministry in their “spare time”- Lindsey's and Longshore laypeople started this ministry and gave of their...
What is the Friendship Partners Program? The Friendship Partner program is an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and friendship. For many years Briarwood Church has participated in this program with UAB, which has proven to be very rewarding for both...
At Trinity, we are committed to loving and welcoming international students and scholars at the University of Virginia. One way we do this is through matching families and individuals with internationals as "friendship partners." Friendship partners are simply...
Partnership Activities: Spiritual Conflict and Prayer
Partnership Activities: Spiritual Conflict and Prayer
The battle is real, and perhaps especially so when God’s heart for the nations is at stake. You will want to be in prayer for yourself, your family, and for your international students. Here are some helpful thoughts and a guide to aid you along the...
Partnership Activities: Discipling International Students
Partnership Activities: Discipling International Students
There is little more rewarding than investing in an international student by helping to set them up for a lifetime of faithful witness. You need to develop a deep relationship and understanding of their home culture, religion, and context in order to do this well....
Not every international student needs help with their English, but many do and it is a great way to get to know one or two students and to serve them in a very practical way. You’ll also enjoy times over tea or coffee, having them over to visit with your family, or...
Not every International Student Ministries chapter has capable student leadership (yet) for developing a small witnessing community engaged in Scripture and taking risks to follow Jesus together. You could be a great asset by leading a small group and helping to...