Hi, I’m Julie Tofilon. I grew up in a Jewish home, met Jesus as an exchange student to Finland my senior year of high school, and gave my life to Him the next year, after researching how He is truly God Incarnate. He called me into cross-cultural work and service from day one, using my love for international cultures and people, encouragement from His Word, the influence of my Finnish believer friends, and direct leading. At first, that meant reaching out in college, and founding the International Friendship Club there. Then, after graduation, marrying my husband and us starting the International Friendship Club locally in our hometown of Urbana, IL. There, we developed a group much like the model of IFI– befriending students and families, and meeting their physical, emotional, relational, psychological, and spiritual needs.

We later went to graduate school, and overseas to teach English and Cross-Cultural Communication in Asia and the Middle East. I have an MA in Cross-Cultural Studies, and DMin. in Leadership, with an emphasis on cross-cultural organizations. I also have Graduate Certification in Biblical Counseling, as well as being a credentialed Leadership Coach and Spiritual Director. Whenever we’ve been back in the U.S., we’ve continued to reach out and help international students and refugees wherever possible.

The last 11 years we’ve been working with a Chinese church, where my husband is the English-congregation pastor. I’ve been serving alongside him as his unofficial partner, wherever led and needed, as well as counseling and coaching people online.

Now things have come “full circle”– the Lord has called us on from here, and me back into international student/family service with IFI– to pioneer a new work at the University of Notre Dame. As Ministry Team Leader my role includes: 1. Reaching out to, befriending, and getting to know international students and families; 2. Recruiting and training volunteer team members from local churches to help in every aspect of ministry, as the Lord has designed and leads them; 3. Identifying and training internationals on and off campus to join and serve on the team.

As new staff, I’m currently just getting started, but my favorite part of my job will likely be, as always, befriending, getting to know people of all cultures, and helping them see they’re welcome, loved, and significant.

Personal fun fact– my husband and I love to court on the court– basketball and badminton(!) Also, he comes from a Greek-Italian background, and you know mine, so we tell people from experience “There is no longer a separation between Jew and Greek!” 🙂