News by Tess Chierici "It is a way to encourage them in God and to keep them strong in the Lord."

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous News | Send mail to The Voice Host program for MKs and internationals seeks volunteers Multnomah Bible College is starting a host family program for international and missionary students whose parents live outside the United States. Dr. Tom Kopp, director of the intercultural studies department, is recruiting faculty and staff to participate. The program would provide students with a home for breaks when the dorms close. The program would also show students how American families function and help them compare differences in cultures. To date, no faculty or staff have signed up for the program. Dr. Kopp said he feels the lack of participation has resulted because information was sent out late. He said staff and faculty lacked time to talk with their families about the program. No alumni or churches were notified. Plans to contact alumni through staff and faculty are underway. Dr. Kopp hopes to recruit enough volunteers to begin the program spring semester or maybe next fall. Several students also see a need for this program. Paul Root, whose parents ministered in India, has opened his home to students with no place to go during breaks. Root said, "It is a way to encourage them in God and to keep them strong in the Lord." Aubrie Woods, a missionary kid from United Arab Emirates, said she thought the program sounded like a good idea. She said it would provide "a chance to feel connected, not stranded or left on your own." Not all students agree. Mariko Aihara, a transfer student from Japan, has lived in the United States for six years. She said that she has had bad experiences living with American host families. "Personally, it makes me more homesick being around someone else's family. It depends on if you meet the right family." Families considering hosting a student will need to commit for at least one full semester but preferably for a whole year. Families also need to be prepared to take in two students at a time. Teaming students together will help them feel more comfortable. Besides holidays and breaks, host families are encouraged to invite students to family activities such as Sunday night meals, picnics or a hike. The purpose is for students to see how American families function and to feel like part of a family. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous News | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2001 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.