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International Students - USA

Darren and Dana Portell

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Meet Darren and Dana Portell, IM Missionaries to International Students in Illinois

We are Darren, Dana, McCayde, and McLayne Portell. We serve international students at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana alongside the Penn family. Our family has previously served in student ministry roles in Taiwan and North Africa, as well as in sports outreach in southern France. Our two older children, McKenna and McGwire, reside in the U.S. with their families. Darren and Dana were both born in Illinois and grew up in Illinois FWB churches.

Why the University of Illinois?

Having lived cross-culturally for many years, we have experienced firsthand the joy of belonging to a community and plan to create a community for our students. We are excited to see how God will use our cultural understanding from having lived in various countries and cultures to draw students into a relationship with Him.

Another statistic about international statistics is also somewhat shocking and disappointing. 85% of international students will never step foot inside an American home. What this means is that all these people who have no knowledge of Jesus are often surrounded by people who do have this knowledge and yet the two groups seldom get together.

How they are ministering to international students

    1

    Connecting with International Students

    English Corner – Darren and Dana work alongside the Penns to connect with students during English Corner. This is an international student organization that provides support with the English language and helps navigate American culture.

    Conversation Groups – Darren and Dana host small groups that meet weekly to encourage international students as they deepen their utilization of the English language. Their small group includes hands-on cooking classes, games, Bible studies, and “big questions of life”.

    2

    Community with the Students Through Hospitality

    Family time – Darren and Dana enjoy hosting students in their home for meals and time spent as a family in conversation or game nights.

    Holidays – The Portells plan to open their home to students on a regular basis; they view this as a good opportunity to share American culture and Christian celebrations with students.

    Recreational pursuits – Darren is enjoying creating community with students through board games, video games, lunch groups as well as conversation groups centered around faith. Dana loves connecting with students over coffee or tea as well as hosting a weekly cooking conversation group in their home. McCayde and McLayne love talking with the students about culture because they learn about their culture and get to share some of their Asian American culture with them.

    3

    Cultivation of Curiosity and Commitment Through Sharing of Cultures

    Gospel Conversations – Connecting with students and being intentional about building community is an avenue to Gospel conversations. By sharing our culture and being open to learning their culture, we foster a natural curiosity about why we choose to live in obedience to Christ.

    Bible Study and Church- Darren and Dana serve alongside the Penns during their established Bible studies and invite students to attend The Bridge Church with them.

How you can pray for the Portells

You can partner with the Portells to reach the international students in Illinois with the Gospel.

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