A summer abroad can be a life-changing experience. Students will bring home changed perspectives and a new way to see the world around them! Our heart is to see many students bring the Light of Christ back to their families, universities and countries!! Pray for those who have encountered Jesus to find local believers that…

Our heart in working with J1 students is to join in the work God is already doing in their lives, helping to further their journey toward belief in Jesus.  For some, that means learning about who he is, for others, it is gaining an understanding of the Bible stories they heard as children.  For some,…

A large part of the All Nations Cafe ministry is bike rentals!  There is a bike rental team, led by Jimmy and Mary Barton, that not only rents bikes, but fixes them, both at the Cafe nights and as a mobile repair team.  The Bartons and their team are generous with their time and resources,…

We have previously prayed about corrupt landlords and helping students who have medical emergencies.  These two things in particular often lead to students needing emergency housing.  Chris and Lisette Ball are J1 Emergency Housing coordinators.  They help coordinate temporary housing for students who have had their housing fall through once they arrive, or they need…

Ministry to J1 students is a huge opportunity, that is really only possible through the many volunteers who take time out of their summer schedules to be present to students.  The ministry varies from greeting new arrivals at the airport to driving students to work in the rain, to helping students navigate social security applications! …

Mike and Kathy Winfree work in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach and the Chamber of Commerce to provide support to the J1 community in a variety of ways!  They are the “first line of defense” for student issues and problems.  Is your employer withholding your paycheck?  Call Mike and Kathy.  Is your housing…

The J1 International exchange program is not cheap!  Students have to pay sponsor companies, buy flights, pay for housing and other living expenses, and also hope to travel at the end of their “work and travel program.”  Many have to get second jobs in order to make enough money to pay for it all!  Before…

Exchange visitors don’t always get to pick their roommates.  They come from a vast array of cultural backgrounds and expectations.  Many who come from wealthy families grew up with “house help” that did all the cleaning and cooking and never learned those skills!  Pray for roommates to be willing to learn from each other, have…

Conflict with employers or managers is another issue we hear about throughout the summer.  Sometimes totally justified, and sometimes as a result of students not being very good employees! (at times, this is their first time ever having to work!) Pray for humble hearts on both sides, and for the J1 students to grow in…

For the next few days, we will focus on some of the primary issues we hear about from students as the summer goes on- first up- corrupt landlords. Housing and issues with landlords/property managers is one of the primary ways we see exchange visitors exploited each summer.  Overcrowding, over-charging, unsanitary/unsafe conditions, and withholding deposits without…