For generations, God has been moving people to move the gospel. Today, international students have become one of the most strategic audiences in changing lives for eternity.

More than 6.9 million students worldwide are now studying outside their home countries. Right now, within the 2026 World Cup host nations (USA, Canada and Mexico), more than 2 million international students and scholars are present. Many such international students come to chase “The American Dream,” but many more are searching for the profound hope of Jesus.

North America’s universities are temporary homes for students from gospel-resistant places like India, China, and portions of the Middle East. Traditional Christian missions face barriers to access in those places, but in His sovereignty, God has brought their future leaders to us. And we don’t need special visas or complex strategies to go to them. They are already here.

Already Here, Now

Consider the story of “Fatima” and her husband, “Ahmed.” They came from a region where a public declaration of faith in Christ could cost them their lives. But after arriving in the U.S., they connected with Bridges International staff members and students during an Easter outreach event. “They appeared offended by the life-changing testimonies of Jesus,” said the local Bridges Team Leader, “but later we realized that they were listening with intense curiosity!”

Soon after, Fatima made the life-changing decision to follow Jesus, and she shared her desire to be baptized with a local pastor who had spoken at the Easter outreach. Ahmed supported his wife’s decision and accompanied her to the pre-baptism meeting. There, however, something unexpected took place. Ahmed heard a voice tell him, “Today is your day to follow Me.” And so, both Fatima and Ahmed were publicly baptized that Sunday, boldly declaring faith in Christ.

Their decision has produced significant difficulty. In fact, Fatima’s family is still deeply upset and has ceased communicating with her. Yet the positive impact of their commitment is undeniable. Despite potential persecution, Fatima’s brother-in-law has also come to the Lord and been baptized. Only the Lord knows how many other students and family members will come to know Him through this couple — one example of international students’ potential.

Why So Strategic?

Why are international students known to be a uniquely strategic mission field? The answer can be summarized according to influence and access.

• Influential Individuals: International students will eventually become the leaders of many nations. Only a microscopic portion of the world’s young people will ever study in North America, but those who do represent the top echelon of their societies. The students you meet today will be the leaders who shape the world tomorrow.

• Access to Unreached People: Many international students come from people groups with little to no access to the gospel, but in North America they can freely explore the claims of Christ. Those who trust in Jesus then become an exceptionally strategic mission force with access to people and places that Western missionaries might never reach.

Such world-changing influence isn’t limited to corporate boardrooms or governmental institutions. The ongoing influence of former international students can be manifested in every arena of life, including world-class soccer…

Discipling a Topflight Athlete

Stacy Prescott arose at 2 a.m. one morning in 2023 to watch a FIFA Women’s World Cup match on television in her Louisiana home. She was glued to the screen: cheering, praying, and taking screenshots as South Africa defeated Italy, 3-2. Yes, she loves soccer, but Stacy’s special excitement was rooted in a personal connection. One of the South African players was Nomi Kgoale, a former international student who she had discipled.

Nomi had enrolled at Louisiana Tech University in 2017 and stood out by describing her religious identity as “child of God” on a form for connecting with a friendship family. Because of that, she was paired with a local Christian couple and also contacted by Stacy and her husband, Bill, staff members with Bridges International who had previously ministered in Argentina.

Stacy, a lifelong soccer mom, worked closely with Nomi for several years and now rejoices in her disciple’s on-field demeanor. “She’s Christ-like in her play. She’s joyful, she plays clean and beautifully. She’s a respected leader and she’s respectful of other players on her team and on the other side. And she’s the same person off the field.”

Nomi is truly a remarkable ambassador for Christ:

• Highly Accomplished: Nomi excelled athletically at LA Tech, twice being voted Player of the Year and then being selected as Player of the Decade. After college, she went on to play professionally in Spain before joining Banyana Banyana; the South African women’s national team.

• Openly Committed: While playing in the World Cup, Nomi offered a special posting for all the world to see: “I’d rather have Jesus than anything.” Although she had previously established a “child of God” identity, her on-campus discipleship gave her a greater biblical foundation.

• Uniquely Known: Nomi is known in South Africa as “the lipstick lady” for wearing ruby-red lipstick when she plays. She says she is trying to communicate “something grander” through the lip coloring. “As a lady,” she says, “I like to show love, care, warmth and intimacy with others, and even on the field because the game can sometimes be cruel and nasty.”

Take Action Today

God has brought incredible students — future leaders, people from unreached nations, even world-class athletes — to our campuses. Those who meet our Lord are impacting individuals, families, and global leadership structures for His glory. Will you be one to help reach more of them with God’s love?

1. Meet a Student: Find a Bridges International movement near you and ask how you can personally connect with an international student on your local campus.

2. Invest in the Mission: Support the staff members and student leaders who are dedicating their lives to bringing the hope of Jesus to this strategic, world-shaping mission field.