As part of our work at the National Bridges Office, we’ve captured many stories on camera. Take a look and see the many ways God is changing lives among international students – both through our local campus ministries and our national Vision conference.
Kent was born in Rwanda as the country was rebuilding from the mid-90s genocide. Through God’s work in his life, he was able to forgive those who took the life of his grandparents. He wants all people to know the gospel which can change hearts, campuses, and nations.
When a civil war broke out in Burma, Pawku and her family had to flee. Eventually they made their way to the United States, but the life Pawku found was the opposite of what she expected. Then, as a college student in Denver, Pawku went through a season of depression. This is the story of how God worked throughout the storms in her life.
As a young man in South Africa, Marshall came to know Jesus as a comforter and friend after losing his parents. Then as a graduate student in Sacramento, Marshall found a new family in Bridges. Now, his vision is to be an ambassador for Christ.
Saule grew up as an orphan in Kazakhstan, but through Bridges she found a family in Christ.
Apart from stories of changed lives, we also help create short films to illustrate how God changes lives through the gospel. This film is called “Cabernet” and is a parable of the “exchanged righteousness” found in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). The story centers on a young man named Brett: while on a high-stakes first date with Michelle, Brett discovers a wine stain he can’t remove. It’s based on the account of Jesus healing a leper (Mark 1:40-42). There are discussion questions below that you can use with a friend or a group.
Discussion Questions:
• What did you think of the story? What’s one word that comes to mind?
• What were all the things Brett used to try to clean his shirt?
• What were the pressures that both Brett and his waiter were facing?
• If you were in Brett’s situation, what would you have done?
• What are some examples of other kinds of “shirt stains” – things we’re ashamed of? How do we try to hide these things from others?
• What do you think this film says about how someone can be cleansed of their “stains?”