More Than Numbers

Christ-followers and New Testament, Bible-believing churches in the United States and other Western countries have a tremendous opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission to disciple the “nations.” How? By ministering to the international students that the Lord has brought to our universities and colleges to pursue their degrees and research.

The number of students who are here, that we have the opportunity to befriend, serve and share Christ with is amazing.

The Institute of International Education provides us with some exciting figures and information regarding the “nations” of the world who studied in the United States during the 2008/2009 school year (its latest figures).

Total International Students: 671,616 (Note: This figure represents a 7.7% increase over the 2007-2008 enrollment numbers of 623,805.)

(Note also: At a recent November 2009 missions conference I attended, the number of international students studying in the United States is reported to exceed 705,000.)

Top Seven Nations of Origin:

India – 103,268
China – 98,235
South Korea – 75,065
Canada – 29,697
Japan - 29,264
Taiwan – 28,065
Mexic – 14,850

Other nations in the top twenty nations included Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, France, and Nigeria.

Academic Levels:

Undergraduates – 269,874
Graduates – 283,329
Non-degree – 51,812

Top Three US States With the Most International Students:

California – 91,124
New York – 74,934
Texas – 58,188

The University of Southern California (Los Angeles) had the highest international student enrollment with 7,483 students. The 7th university in terms of international student enrollment was the University of Texas at Austin with 5,703. The 16th was the university where my family and I minister, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with 4,583 international students enrolled (4,560, Fall 2009).

As you can see from the above numbers, the LORD of the Harvest truly has brought the “nations” to us.

There is no need to get a passport, shots, and pay alot of money for airplane tickets to go half-way around the world to share the Gospel with the “nations.” Just take a look at your local university or college.

The “nations” are just down the street!

~ Reach Students ... Disciple the "Nations" ~

Note: All numbers above reflect 2008-2009 figures except where noted.