John and Linda Berger
Team Leader and Ministry Representative
|
We were both raised on farms in Illinois – John near Kankakee and Linda near Rockford. Linda accepted Christ as her personal savior as a youth at a Billy Graham movie presentation, but really began to mature in her faith in her 20’s when she and John began to attend an evangelical church. John accepted Christ in his college years when God spoke to him through a message at a church that he attended on an invitation from a co-worker. |
We met as students at ISU and were married in February 1973. John has a BS in Education degree in biology and Linda has a BS in Education degree in special education. Most of Linda’s time was spent at home with our 3 sons Aaron, Tim, and Steve. Aaron was married in 2004 and we now have 4 grandsons.
As our sons were launched onto their own, we began to explore how God could use us in the second half of our lives. Through the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class, God confirmed our call to missions. At that time He opened our eyes to the needs of international students on the campuses in Bloomington/Normal. During a search to determine what current ministry organizations were doing to reach international students, we identified International Students, Inc. (ISI).
God has ignited a passion in us for international students. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 has become a life verse. “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”
As our sons were launched onto their own, we began to explore how God could use us in the second half of our lives. Through the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class, God confirmed our call to missions. At that time He opened our eyes to the needs of international students on the campuses in Bloomington/Normal. During a search to determine what current ministry organizations were doing to reach international students, we identified International Students, Inc. (ISI).
God has ignited a passion in us for international students. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 has become a life verse. “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”
Amy Mammadov
Ministry Representative
I was born and raised in a small farming town near Bloomington-Normal, so it was natural for me to attend Illinois State University for my studies. As a freshman and sophomore I lived a few floors below the International House in the dorm, but it wasn't until I began attending International Talk Time during my graduate studies that I really made some international friends. That's when I learned how awesome international students are! I was (and continue to be) amazed at the bravery, creativity, and unique perspective international students bring to ISU campus.
So when I graduated and began working in town, I did not want to leave ITT! Instead I continued to attend the weekly ITT events as a community volunteer, but after a few years I felt God asking me to become more involved. As a follower of Jesus, I was inspired by his teachings in the Bible book of Matthew chapter 25 where Jesus told his followers that if we love him and want to serve him, we should love and serve other people:
'For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then the righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'
Through the love God has filled me with, I am happy to welcome and serve international students and I look forward to becoming your friend!
So when I graduated and began working in town, I did not want to leave ITT! Instead I continued to attend the weekly ITT events as a community volunteer, but after a few years I felt God asking me to become more involved. As a follower of Jesus, I was inspired by his teachings in the Bible book of Matthew chapter 25 where Jesus told his followers that if we love him and want to serve him, we should love and serve other people:
'For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then the righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'
Through the love God has filled me with, I am happy to welcome and serve international students and I look forward to becoming your friend!