The Open Door

Posted by on May 6, 2012 under Front Page Posts, Sermons

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Thanks to a relationship that formed with the English Language School at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, our congregation has been invited to help with international students.

As visitors to our community and our country, these young men and women will be well served by our hospitality.  The actions that are called for are simple works of kindness.  Many of these students have financial resources, what they need most is access to resources, friendships, and conversation partners.

Here are some of the simple opportunities:

1. Transportation and Shopping –  These students need transportation to do their own shopping.  City transit and taxi service are not always reliable nor convenient.  The students have means and will manage their own purchases, though they may seek your advice on products.

Examples:

Grocery stores – Harps on Grand accepts Lion’s Cash- (which dorm students have as a part of their housing package), Wal-Mart or Target, Asian Market , Clothing Stores, Book Stores

2. Other Transportation – TB testing is required by AR law for any student on an AR university campus.  About once every six weeks, there is a need to transport students to the Sebastian Country Health Department for these tests.  This is usually scheduled on a Friday @ 1:30 and the following Monday @ 2:35 for new students.

3. Volunteer Drivers – The ELS will welcome volunteer drivers to their scheduled activities.  In some cases, they will reimburse drivers for their time.  These may include out of town trips or outings to activities in town.  Contact ELS for more information.

4. Food – Providing and Picking Up Orders.  We can be a great neighbor to the coordinator at ELS, Malia, by picking up food orders for the students.  Providing lunch is a bit of a challenge while UAFS is not in session and ELS is having classes.  This gap is from May 7th- 29th and again between Summer 2 session and Fall.

5. Waldron Block Party! – This is one of the first big events we are considering.  We could host all the students for a potluck.  This would give us a chance to make relationships.  We need champions to plan this and all potential volunteers should plan on attending.

6. Conversation Partners – The students are working hard to learn English.  They need practice.  This involves an hour once a week.

7. Hosting a Student – ELS arranges for students to stay in host homes.  Homestay Familes are much needed! A family earns $550 per session (4 weeks) per student living with them.

8. Activities – These can be simple game nights, opening your home, outdoor games, pool parties.  If group size is an issue, please coordinate with us and ELS.