“They will know we are Christians by our Love”
“Love one another. As I have loved you….” For almost 30 years, Friendship House MSU’s guiding principle has been this directive to us from Jesus from the Gospel of John.
In my brief tenure as Executive Director, I have witnessed this love for others through our students (of stated faith or not), board, teachers, staff, and critically — our donors.
This generosity has led to the majority of the work done here being done through spirit-led volunteerism. To keep our lights on, and much else, we have an annual operating budget of just over $100,000. This budget includes only two part-time paid positions, myself and an executive assistant.
Please prayerfully consider using your spiritual gifts to be one of our teachers or conversation partners, and/or if you are financially blessed, to support our ministry with a recurring or one-time financial gift to be a part of our mission to love others — as Jesus loves us!
Dan
Friendship House MSU Executive Director
How we serve
Bible Studies: We have numerous teachers well-equipped to share God’s message while assisting our international community in their English proficiency.
English as Second Language (ESL): We offer classes in a variety of different formats, from current events to preparation for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Conversation Partners/Small /Family Groups: We connect English speakers with our international members for more personal conversations to assist with English and navigating life here in the U.S. — and beyond.
Sewing and Cooking Classes: We also offer recreational classes to build community across cultural lines.
Social Events: Often hosted by member churches or connected with local sites (e.g., Potter Park Zoo), the Friendship House MSU’s calendar is often full of events that bring internationals and U.S. residents together.
Virtual Global Connections: We learned during the pandemic that internationals, from here and around the world, both alumni and new students, are making use of our virtual classes and social gatherings. We will continue being virtual to support our global community.
How to get involved
You can take steps now to make a difference to the Friendship House MSU International Community:
Prayers: Include our ministry in your daily prayer life.
Share our Mission with Others:
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- With members of your faith community.
- With family, friends, co-workers — who knows whose spirit might be sparked for service?
Volunteer:
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- Teach a class.
- Become a Conversation Partner.
- Be a classroom host.
- Groups: Host a dinner or an event.
Conversation Partner:
How to Become a Conversation Partner
What is a Conversation Partnership?
In addition to the typical schedule of group classes we offer each week at Friendship House MSU (e.g., English as a second language (ESL), Bible classes, etc.), we offer opportunities for students to meet one-on-one each week with American English speakers for individualized help. (Both teachers of scheduled classes and conversation partners are volunteers.)
How often do students and partners meet?
Typically, students and partners meet once a week for about 60 – 90 minutes, the same time length as our formal classes.
Where do students and partners meet?
We ask partners to start out meeting their students at Friendship House MSU (929 Sever Drive, East Lansing, Mich., 48823, on the west edge of the MSU campus). It is a safe and comfortable environment for the students. Once a rapport and mutual trust have been established, often the meetings shift to a coffeehouse, or over lunch, or at the American partner’s home or church. For safety’s sake, we ask the partners and students to let us know where and when they are meeting.
What do you need to know to be a conversation partner?
You already know it: English. You also need to have the motivation to want to help someone from another country who can feel homesick, isolated, and culturally shocked.
What is it that International students are looking for?
No matter what is discussed whether English is approached from a formal or informal teaching style, the Internationals are looking for friendship.
Financial Support
- Make an annual gift.
- Set up regular, repeating financial donations based on your personal budget and desired giving pattern.
- If available, designate the Friendship House MSU in your IRA disbursement.
- Memorial gift in memory of a loved one.
For one time or recurring financial donations, please click the button below.
How to Leave a Legacy of Friendship:
You can take steps now to make a long-term gift to the Friendship House MSU:
- Will/Estate Plans: You can designate a specific amount or a percentage of your estate, or simply the remainder of your estate once all heirs are taken care of.
- Insurance Beneficiary: Name the Friendship House MSU as one of your beneficiaries in a life insurance or retirement account.
- IRA Charitable Gift: If you are at least 70 ½, a distribution will help meet your required minimum distribution — and reduce your taxable income.
- Charitable Gift Annuity or Trust: Once established, you will receive an income stream, as well as ongoing savings while the Friendship House MSU will be the recipient of the remaining funds.
- Memorial Gifts: Financial gifts in memory of a loved one.
Making long-term financial plans may simplify your estate for your heirs and may provide them with useful tax savings. We recommend you consult with your attorney or other professional advisors before making any financial decisions.