Rich Mendola has been serving international students since 1980. His first assignment was at SUNY Buffalo. In 1987 he moved to Ohio and began working with students at Ohio University. He moved to Columbus in 1991. His present position is Global Ambassador of International Friendships, a Christian ministry to international students that involves volunteers from local churches in friendships with international students. Before working with international students, he served as the Housing Director at Colgate University where he graduated with a B.A. in 1978. He also did graduate studies in counseling at Colgate from 1978-80. Rich enjoys relating to students from many different cultural backgrounds and has been on trips to visit returned international students 3 times. These trips have taken him to China, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Singapore Malaysia, Sudan, and Tanzania,

Rich is also a church planter. In 1998, he began “All Nations Christian Fellowship,” a multi-cultural church that meets near the Ohio State University Campus. He also has planted a home church – Love of God Christian Fellowship. Rich is also active in the Association of Christians Ministering Among Internationals (ACMI) where he has been a board member and is a frequent speaker. Rich is an active speaker making the needs of international students known as well as speaking on Biblical hospitality. He also practices hospitality, together with Janet, by hosting a home fellowship/church each week in their home. He is married to Janet and has six children and eight grandchildren.

Support Needs:

Rich is thankful for a wonderful support team that has given sacrificially over many years to release him to serve among internationals. The current need is for monthly supporters although all gifts are gratefully received.

Prayer Requests:

• For God to use me through speaking engagements—the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course, missions conferences, and sermons–to motivate the body of Christ to practice Biblical hospitality and to disciple international students.
• That I may serve the Lord well in my new role as Global Ambassador especially as I assist our new ministries in Egypt, Korea, and Taiwan. Pray with me for 2 new locations outside of North America in 2026
• For God to work in the lives of the international students in my Bible study group — that each would come to know Jesus and follow Him wholeheartedly.
• For God to send me key students to disciple.
• Pray for the returnees I am mentoring – Jon. P. and Mohit in India and Theresa and Rahul.