Heather Murray - Washington University
Heather Murray
Washington University
Ministry: Friends of Internationals
Campus Missionary
Mission Statement:
Creating communities of faith among international students on college campuses through friendship, hospitality, and counseling.
Creating communities of faith among international students on college campuses through friendship, hospitality, and counseling.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a Campus Missionary:
I first felt called to international collegiate ministry work after befriending many international students in my own undergraduate experience. I thought I would end up overseas as a missionary, but God has shown me the amazing opportunity to serve people from every nation right here in St. Louis where I grew up. The ministry opportunity with Friends of Internationals was shared with me by a college friend after she served as an intern with Friends of Internationals for a semester. I've been serving on the Washington University campus since 2008.
I first felt called to international collegiate ministry work after befriending many international students in my own undergraduate experience. I thought I would end up overseas as a missionary, but God has shown me the amazing opportunity to serve people from every nation right here in St. Louis where I grew up. The ministry opportunity with Friends of Internationals was shared with me by a college friend after she served as an intern with Friends of Internationals for a semester. I've been serving on the Washington University campus since 2008.
What do you love about doing ministry on your campus?
Working with so many different cultures constantly challenges me to grow! It is fascinating to have my own thoughts expanded to such degrees and to figure out how to understand my faith broadly enough to make it relevant to all peoples but distinct enough that it keeps its biblical clarity. I love the people I meet and seeing their lives be deeply impacted as they have an encounter with Jesus.
Working with so many different cultures constantly challenges me to grow! It is fascinating to have my own thoughts expanded to such degrees and to figure out how to understand my faith broadly enough to make it relevant to all peoples but distinct enough that it keeps its biblical clarity. I love the people I meet and seeing their lives be deeply impacted as they have an encounter with Jesus.
Tell us about yourself and your family:
Since I love cultures, you can rest assured that I love traveling and exploring food from all over the world! I love collecting and cooking healthy dishes and studying varied cultural food and health philosophies. My studies are in the field of philosophy, counseling, and education, so I quite enjoy reading, discussing and thinking in these areas from a global perspective. I enjoy relaxing to some nice violin, cello, or flute nature music, playing soccer, and also by fiddling around with a chosen art project. Being with my close friends & family is my most treasured time.
Since I love cultures, you can rest assured that I love traveling and exploring food from all over the world! I love collecting and cooking healthy dishes and studying varied cultural food and health philosophies. My studies are in the field of philosophy, counseling, and education, so I quite enjoy reading, discussing and thinking in these areas from a global perspective. I enjoy relaxing to some nice violin, cello, or flute nature music, playing soccer, and also by fiddling around with a chosen art project. Being with my close friends & family is my most treasured time.
What do you hope to see happen on your campus/within your ministry in the next few years?
I hope to utilize my counseling skills to develop creative ways to bring more holistic ministry care and discipleship to internationals.
I hope to utilize my counseling skills to develop creative ways to bring more holistic ministry care and discipleship to internationals.
What are some of the things your ministry does?
Connection can happen through ministry luncheons, cultural exchange events, international wives groups and discussion groups, Bible studies, social gatherings and events, etc. We mentor volunteers by building their CQ (cultural intelligence) skills and helping them discover how they can best serve the international community through the unique ways God has created them.
Connection can happen through ministry luncheons, cultural exchange events, international wives groups and discussion groups, Bible studies, social gatherings and events, etc. We mentor volunteers by building their CQ (cultural intelligence) skills and helping them discover how they can best serve the international community through the unique ways God has created them.