(Check out the stories about those partnerships and volunteers.) 
(Check out the story about these dinners at the beginning of the year here.)

We are excited to share that we have also started an International Dinner at SDSU. I'll tell you about that in a minute, but first, let me tell you about how the UCSD events have been going.

Getting the Word Out

We send out marketing materials to let students know about each event. We utilize email and Instagram for mass marketing, but we also text certain students personally to remind them. On the Day of the event we also go out with posters and invite students personally as we meet them on the sidewalk.

Preparing the Meal

For each event, we coordinate who will cook, whether that is us, a church group, or someone else. The local Cru students and staff also get involved. They love to come, blast some fun music, and connect with students. 

Program & Discussions

Lauren Kish, my coworker and friend, head up preparing the program and discussion topics and questions for each event. We try to always make sure to have students leaders involved as much as possible, so Lauren MC's the event with a different student leader each time. They help to introduce the event, make sure students know who Bridges is, why we are even doing this, and deliver announcements of future events and other ways they can get involved. 

Here are some of the topics we have discussion we have used so far: Hope, Achievement & the Imposter Syndrome, Love, and Stress.

Here are some photos from our old space we were using. It was on the 11th floor of one of the student housing buildings.

We don't have a ton of photos from the new location yet, but here's a few. The new location is on the ground floor for easy access and we never have to book the room, which is super convenient!

The international dinner at SDSU happens once a month at this volunteer's house. He and his wife enjoy cooking and hosting students. They play games, hang out, have great conversations, and share a delicious meal before diving into meaningful discussions that can lead to Gospel conversations all in the warmth of their home. Their sons add a fun element to these dinners as well and they are great at making the students feel at home.

Please continue to pray for these international dinners as they provide opportunities to serve and connect with students from all over the world. Pray that those connections lead to Gospel conversations and decisions for Him.