 Careful Christian stewards have until Wednesday night this week to take advantage of 2008 charitable tax-deductions warns Dr. Bill Bray of the non-profit Christian Information Service. [read more]
The CIS Mission Board of Directors has approved Colin Campbell, chaplain with the “War on Cancer” in Charlottesville, as a special ministry project. The decision was ratified at a regular board meeting in October, 2008. [read more]
For over 30 years Dr. Bray has used the YWAM Prayer and Planning Diary as a way to stay on track with his personal piety and as a prayer guide for the whole team. "Next to the Bible, this is the most life-changing devotional book I have ever used," says Dr. Bray. "It takes you right into the heart of Jesus for the lost world-it is like walking with God. Plus it helps you plan your daily apostolic action."
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THE volunteers who serve at the CIS Mission Book Table Ministry are offering two free gift books this season as part of their 2008 holiday ministry to needy students, supporters and the whole body of Christ. [read more] |
 OSM calls Christians to share Thanksgiving with visiting students
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (11-13-08) – The president of Overseas Students Mission, Bill Bray, is calling American Christians to share their Thanksgiving with over 624,000 international students. “Many of these students come from societies that have never experienced the joy of Thanksgiving and other American holidays,” says Bray. “This program gives them a chance to meet American Christians in their homes, make friends, and share in the faith experience that created these holidays – and has done so much to shape our value system in this country.” Christians who want to invite a student into their homes for Thanksgiving dinner should call OSM at 434-295-6488 before November 24. Those who want to support financially may send their contributions to Bill Bray at www.bray-missionaries.org or www.OSMission.org The Thanksgiving program is now active on over 850 campuses in the United States. Started in 1953 by OSM, providing Thanksgiving hospitality is part of a “Friendship Family” program that links international students with Christian families year round. Bill Bray, 61, was named president of OSM earlier this year by the founder and chairman, Dr. Bob Finley. He also founded International Students (ISI) which has helped establish “Friendship Partner” programs across the United States. It is now active on 850 campuses. Bray denies that the program is designed to proselytize or convert non-Christians. “We want to demonstrate the love of God as demanded in the Bible, and part of that is caring for visitors. From an educational perspective, part of being here is experiencing American culture and that includes seeing how Americans live out their faiths during these holidays. “Over 85% of Americans claim to be at least nominal Christians, and these holidays which are based on Bible commands and history often include prayers and worship – but no one is forced to participate.” Bray says he is focusing on getting more local churches involved in this effort. Pastors who want to offer the program to their congregations are being invited to call OSM directly at 434-229-6488. “Ideally, we hope this gives a student from overseas an opportunity to be in several different homes while studying at American universities, taking military training, or using other educational settings.” According to the Institute of International Education, there are a record-breaking 624,000 international students in the USA this school year, up 8% from last year. China and India sent the most students to the USA.
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Tax-deductible contributions to:
CIS, INC. MISSIONS
P.O. Box 6511
Charlottesville, VA 22906
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