International Friendships - Columbus, OH
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IFI Bible Discussion Groups
IFI offers weekly Bible studies exclusively tailored for international students, scholars, and their families. IFI Bible studies offer international students the chance to learn more about the Bible and to build friendships with Christian internationals. In addition to studying the Bible, most of our small groups eat together regularly. No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary for students who want to participate in any of IFI’s weekly Bible study meetings. You can review a list of groups below.
If you have any questions about which small group may be best for your student, please contact the leader of that group directly. All of the groups are evangelistic in nature. Most of them have students from China and Korea. While a few of the groups have a specific cultural group or target audience such as Thai students or international moms.
Please consider not just inviting your student to a group, but possibly visiting that group with him/her for the first time. If that is not possible, then please let the small group leader know. Perhaps they or one of the other leaders of the group could contact your international friend and invite them to come and/or offer a ride. Thank you for taking the time to help your international friend get connected with an IFI Bible study group. May the Lord continue to bless your friendship.
If you are considering doing a one-on-one Bible Study with your international friend, please email Leila for a list of suggested resources.
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
First Church of the Nazarene, 142 King Avenue, 43201 |
Other Details: |
Transportation provided |
Meeting Times: |
Friday, 7:00pm for dinner |
Synopsis: |
Jesus is the most important person in the Bible. Learn about his life from beginning to end. Learn why his life is so amazing & important! We eat together each week. Practice your English, understand Western Culture better, understand why people believe and follow God, and evaluate why you believe what you believe. Rich has taught the Bible for 27 years and has written several Bible study guides. He welcomes people from all backgrounds to come and ask questions. Childcare is provided. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, 43214 |
Other Details: |
Multicultural Group Study, Transportation provided |
Meeting Times: |
Friday, 7:30 pm |
Synopsis: |
Mike’s group Bible study is a great opportunity for you to practice English and make new friends! We provide dinner every Friday night at 7:30. We also play ping-pong and English word games. From 8:30-9:30 Mike teaches lecture style through the Bible. You will learn the Bible’s basic teachings. After 9:30, we will play games and socialize. We have extra group activities and parties planned during the year. Please email Mike if you need a ride. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
689 Harley Drive, University Village area |
Other Details: |
Mixed Group Bible Study, Transportation provided |
Meeting Times: |
Friday, 8:00 pm |
Synopsis: |
This group has attracted a wide age range of people and occupations, from graduate students to full-time workers, singles and families. We usually meet at Karen's home, an easy walk from anywhere in University Village. This is a discussion-oriented Bible study group. It's also a great place to improve English skills and make long-time friends. And we enjoy singing and celebrating holidays together. New people are always welcome! |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
Columbus Mennonite Fellowship, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, 43214 |
Other Details: |
International Wives ESL & Bible Study, Transportation Provided |
Meeting Times: |
Thursday, 1-3 pm |
Synopsis: |
Practice English, make new friends, learn American culture and the Bible and do special activities. Email Joyce for a ride. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
Old Recreation Center, Buckeye Village |
Other Details: |
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Meeting Times: |
Monthly on 1st & 3rd Monday, 9:30-11:15 am |
Synopsis: |
Meet other mothers, form new friendships, practice English, and learn about child-related issues facing moms raising children today. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
3326 Kirkham Road, Columbus, OH 43221 |
Other Details: |
Bread of Life Fellowship, Transportation provided |
Meeting Times: |
Thursday, 6:30 for potluck |
Synopsis: |
We welcome people from every nation and focus on learning the Bible together and growing in our friendship. Eat potluck dinner together from 6:30 to 7:30. From 7:30–8:00 we sing worship songs and do an icebreaker. Bible study is from 8:00–9:15, and prayer is from 9:15-9:45. After 9:45, we talk/hang out, play board games like 5 straight, UNO, Nintendo Wii, etc. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
5723 Sandalwood Blvd., Near 161 and I-71 |
Other Details: |
Your Home Away From Home, Transportation provided |
Meeting Times: |
Friday, 7:30 pm |
Synopsis: |
Enjoy learning about the Bible, making new friendships, and practicing your English in an American couple’s home. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
Colony Square Apartments, Chambers Road |
Other Details: |
Multicultural Bible Study, Transportation Provided |
Meeting Times: |
Friday, 8:00 pm |
Synopsis: |
This fall we are studying major individuals in the Bible to include Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Paul. Newcomers are always welcome! |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
462 Glenmont Ave, Columbus 43214, North Clintonville area |
Other Details: |
Multicultural Bible Study in Acts, Pick up service can be arranged |
Meeting Times: |
Every other Friday, 6:30 |
Synopsis: |
This group is designed to help communicate the principles of the Bible and to serve as a place where students and visiting scholars can come, relax, have fun, and make friendships. We often host holiday gatherings and plan fun activities which can include children. We have three children and are happy to have other children in our home. Potluck dinner at 6:30. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
462 Glenmont Ave, Columbus 43214, North Clintonville area |
Other Details: |
Women’s Multicultural Bible Study |
Meeting Times: |
Every other Friday, 6:30pm Starts 1/15/10 |
Synopsis: |
This small group is designed for visiting international ladies, students, visiting scholars, and mothers to come and discuss the teachings of the Bible, ask questions, and form friendships. Ladies with children normally leave them in the care of their husbands. |
Leaders(s): |
Charlie Maxwell |
Location: |
1962 W Lane Ave |
Other Details: |
Men’s Multicultural Bible Study |
Meeting Times: |
Every other Friday, 7:00pm Starts 1/22/10 |
Synopsis: |
This group is designed for international students and scholars who want to improve their English skills while investigating Christianity. |
Leaders(s): |
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Location: |
5257 Davidson Road, Hilliard, Ohio |
Other Details: |
Thai Friendship Group, Pick up service can be arranged |
Meeting Times: |
Every other Friday, 7:30 |
Synopsis: |
Informal way for Thai students to build friendships and get to know more about God. |
Leaders(s): |
George Chow |
Location: |
3326 Kirkham Road, Columbus, OH 43221 |
Other Details: |
Bible Tea Fellowship, Transportation provided |
Meeting Times: |
Friday, 6:30 for potluck |
Synopsis: |
We welcome people from every nation and focus on learning the Bible together and growing in our friendship. Eat potluck dinner together from 6:30 to 7:30. From 7:30–8:00 we sing worship songs and do an icebreaker. Bible study is from 8:00–9:15 and prayer is from 9:15-9:45. After 9:45pm, we talk/hang out, play board games: 5 straight, UNO, Nintendo Wii, etc. |
