The Global Table: Conversations in International Student Ministry

Why Japan’s Aging Church Could Be Japan’s Greatest Opportunity for Evangelism

Most churches overlook one of the fastest-growing mission frontiers: international students. Yvonne Chu, Asia Pacific Director at International Students Incorporated, reveals how Japan—home to nearly 1.5 million international students—has become a vital but under-resourced mission landscape. With Japan's church aging rapidly and English-speaking ministers scarce, the need for culturally aware, language-capable outreach has never been greater—and the opportunity for impact is enormous.Explore how international student ministry could be a game-changer for the future of the church in Asia and beyond. Yvonne shares her inspiring journey from student involvement in Singapore to leading strategic efforts in Japan, highlighting the urgent need for churches to rethink engagement with international students. You'll discover the unique challenges Japan faces—such as cultural conformity, language barriers, and church resource gaps—as well as practical ways to partner with God on this open, yet underserved mission field.We break down: why international students are a vital bridge to future Japanese church leaders, how local churches are already seeing visitors from around the world walk through their doors, and why long-term investment in these students could revitalize Asian Christianity. Learn about Japan’s ambitious 2030 target to attract 330,000 international students and why the church must lead the way in supporting these newcomers—not just culturally, but spiritually.If you're passionate about global missions, church planting, or innovative outreach, this episode is your wake-up call. International students represent a strategic, accessible, and deeply underutilized avenue to reach unreached people groups and strengthen the church’s future. With concrete insights from Yvonne’s experience, you'll leave inspired to see your neighborhood—and the nations—at your table.Join us as we uncover how the love of Christ can transform a nation one student at a time. Perfect for pastors, students, missions leaders, and anyone committed to making Jesus known across borders. Don’t miss this eye-opening perspective on why international student ministry is essential in the global church today—and how you can be part of it. You can connect with us on Instagram @GlobalTablePodcast or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [globaltable@gmail.com].Please visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ [globaltablepodcast.com]

How Simple Bible Discovery Methods Are Launching Movements in All New Cultures

Discover how simple Bible discovery methods are sparking movements across cultures in our latest episode, "How Simple Bible Discovery Methods Are Launching Movements in Every Culture." Join Valerie and Deej as they explore the M28 discipleship system, a transformative approach that empowers international students to become confident Bible teachers and community builders. Learn how this straightforward, question-based method is making Scripture accessible and igniting spiritual growth worldwide.Key insights include the power of engaging discovery questions, fostering a lifestyle of obedience, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide disciple-making. Hear inspiring stories of students leading family members to Christ and planting churches in Nepal and beyond. This episode is packed with practical strategies for anyone eager to see faith multiply naturally.Don't miss out on these powerful insights—listen now and start transforming your community with simple, Spirit-led disciple-making! You can connect with us on Instagram @GlobalTablePodcast or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [globaltable@gmail.com].Please visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ [globaltablepodcast.com]

Welcoming the World: Churches and the Power of International Student Ministry with David Billingslea

Join us for an inspiring conversation with David Billingslea from RUF International as we explore "Welcoming the World: Churches and the Power of International Student Ministry." Discover how David's journey in global missions has transformed local churches by embracing international students. Learn how diverse cultures enrich faith communities and gain practical insights into fostering inclusivity and spiritual growth. Ideal for church leaders, mission enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about cultural exchange. You can connect with us on Instagram @GlobalTablePodcast or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [globaltable@gmail.com].Please visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ [globaltablepodcast.com]

Supper Clubs: Transforming Homes into Hubs of Cultural Exchange

Unlock the transformative power of shared food and deep relationships with international students — and discover how a simple dinner invitation can bridge cultures and open hearts. International Student Ministry often focuses on translation and academic support, but what if the real ministry happens around the dinner table? In this episode, Valerie and Deej explore the surprising, everyday opportunities to build genuine connection through supper clubs — a simple yet impactful approach to welcoming international students into local homes. Rebecca Lester from International Students Inc. shares stories of families hosting students, forming lifelong bonds, and reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways. You’ll hear about the surprising statistic that 70% of international students in the U.S. never step inside an American home, and how supper clubs are changing that reality one meal at a time. We break down: * How supper clubs create authentic cross-cultural friendships and foster community in a busy world * The logistics of starting and managing these homes and gatherings, including tips for recruiting and training hosts * Real stories of students and hosts whose lives have been transformed through shared food and intentional hospitality * Practical advice for churches, youth groups, and families eager to step into international student ministry with confidence Perfect for church leaders, families, or individuals who want to make an immediate impact, this episode reveals how a simple act of hospitality can multiply God’s love across cultures and borders. If you’ve ever wondered how to tangibly live out your faith among the nations right in your own backyard, don’t miss this inspiring conversation.Rebecca Lester is a field staff with International Students Inc., known for her heart for building relationships that reflect Christ’s love in diverse settings. Her stories of cross-cultural hospitality and innovative ministry are both practical and inspiring.Whether you’re considering launching a supper club or looking for fresh ways to serve international students, this episode equips you to love your neighbor in a way that truly makes a difference. Join us at the global table — where food, faith, and friendship meet. You can connect with us on Instagram @GlobalTablePodcast or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [globaltable@gmail.com].Please visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ [globaltablepodcast.com]

The Radical Risk and Heart of Hospitality—Inviting Everyone In Part 2

Most believers underestimate the transforming power of hospitality—especially in the context of international student ministry. A simple invitation into your home can open hearts to Christ in ways you never imagined. In this episode, Jeff and Rod share inspiring stories from their journeys—baptisms in hot tubs, students exploring faith for the first time, and the radical love that flows from authentic hospitality. You'll discover how creating a welcoming, transparent environment sets the stage for life-changing encounters with Jesus, even without fancy settings or perfect setups.We break down practical strategies for starting a home group: recruiting a committed volunteer team, inviting students through friends, and cultivating trust with clear expectations and a genuine heart. Jeff highlights the importance of intentional relationship-building, from initial recruitment to ongoing training that equips volunteers to minister cross-culturally and serve students effectively. Rod shares stories of how a Bible study in the summer led to baptisms and deep spiritual growth—all in ordinary settings like backyard hot tubs and bathtubs. Plus, learn how to make baptism accessible without a fancy pool, turning any water source into a sacred space for new life in Christ.You'll also get insights into how to invite international students—many from unchurched backgrounds—without overwhelming or alienating them. From QR codes explaining who you are to transparency about expectations, these simple yet effective steps build trust and open doors for genuine Gospel conversations. Whether you’re in a dorm, a small apartment, or even at the beach, water can be your baptistery. Plus, discover the importance of ongoing volunteer training, cultural awareness, and building long-term relationships that sustain your ministry efforts.This episode isn’t just about starting a home group—it’s about embracing vulnerability, leveraging everyday settings, and seeing the Gospel flourish through authentic hospitality. Perfect for anyone hungry to make a tangible impact on students' lives, regardless of their resources or setting. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your home into a mission outpost of love and faith, this is your practical, inspiring blueprint. Join us and be encouraged—you don’t need a fancy venue to make a kingdom difference. You can connect with us on Instagram @GlobalTablePodcast or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [globaltable@gmail.com].Please visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠globaltablepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ [globaltablepodcast.com]