May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy.
May you have perfect peace as you trust in him.
May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Romans 15:13
NIrV
We recently hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year party, and I'm excited to share the highlights with you! It was an evening full of delicious food, engaging activities, and meaningful connections.
Our diverse spread included traditional dishes like xiaolongbao, longevity noodles, and a fun make-your-own-sauce bar. We also enjoyed a lively icebreaker called Zodiac Dash, which helped everyone connect and learn more about each other's backgrounds.
A special highlight was hearing from Lan, a student from Hong Kong, who shared about the importance of Lunar New Year in her culture. Her story opened up a wonderful conversation about cultural traditions and perspectives.
We were also grateful to partner with Hearth, a ministry focusing on Chinese students. Their support was invaluable, and we look forward to more collaborations.
We also celebrated a beloved tradition by handing out hongbao—red envelopes that typically contain money as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Instead of cash, we filled them with gold-wrapped chocolate coins and carefully chosen Bible verses of blessing, reminding students of God’s love, provision, and peace. This small but meaningful gift connected cultural tradition with spiritual encouragement, offering a warm and thoughtful way to share blessings for the new year.
This event was a beautiful reminder of how cultural celebrations can build bridges and create a sense of home. While the night wasn’t explicitly focused on sharing the gospel, it created opportunities for meaningful spiritual conversations, and one student even shared the gospel during the party.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We’re so grateful for the ways God is working through these relationships!
Sam Davis has focused on international student ministry since 2010 and is on staff with Cru and Bridges International in San Diego, CA. His passion for leading others into a close relationship with Jesus is shown in his general love for people and focus on discipleship.
Sam and his wife, Gloria, love to travel, meet people, eat great food, and hike.