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…

The All Nations Cafe team puts on a big “Christmas in July” event every summer as an outreach event.  Students are excited about the chance to experience an “American Christmas” and have a great time!  The ANC team uses this as an opportunity to explicitly share the gospel in a large group setting with the…

Exchange visitors come here with a wide range of religious backgrounds- from atheists from the former Soviet bloc to devout Muslims from Central Asia, Buddhists from Thailand to Roman Catholics from Spain.  Each student is on their own unique journey, and many are curious about Christianity and the Bible.  Some have never even seen a…

Imagine you are in a foreign country with no family or close friends, and you break your leg and become immobile?  What would you do?  Who would you call?  With limited resources and connections, students who are in emergency situations are in very vulnerable positions.  Believers in the city regularly step in to help, providing…

Day 15- All Nations Cafe (ANC) – For the next few days, we will focus on some of the ways local believers attempt to connect with J1 Students in a meaningful way for the sake of the Gospel.  First up- All Nations Cafe!All Nations Cafe is a ministry that serves exchange visitors in a variety…