Bible Study with Dr. Tour at City Rise Church, 2024.
Courtesy: Osinachi Okafor International Students with Pastor Ben at West University Baptist Church. 2023
Finding an African community like the church was number one on the totem pole of priorities suggested by the counselors at the Rice Wellness Center as a remedy for my homesickness. I found this was a relatively easy task, as I reside in a very religiously tolerant country, particularly in Texas. Not only are there several religious institutions in Houston, but their warmth and reception towards graduate students, along with their community services, are second to none. Bridges International, a non-profit organization, welcomes students from any or no denomination/religion at all with Houston tours, raffle draws, movie shows, bible camps, and dinner nights at little to no cost. In one raffle draw, I won an Ovente electric kettle amidst other catchy prizes like laptops and mobile phones. The churches in Houston often collaborate with Bridges to make the lives of international students easier.
For example, the West University Baptist Church, a.k.a The City Rise Church, offers free shuttling services from the Rice campus to students who wish to worship with them on Sundays. The convenience of a free ride was one of the reasons I started worshiping with them. Again, before service, the church is split into Bible Study Groups, one of which is led by a Chemistry Professor at Rice, Dr. James Tour. His beautiful and selfless wife treats us to a generous breakfast of burritos and fruits before the Bible Studies and a lovely lunch, usually a buffet of different traditional and international dishes, ranging from assorted types of rice to salads, freshly made breads, fruits, lentils and variety of proteins like chicken, beef and eggs, eaten sometimes in the church premises, other times in their lovely residence, every Sunday! That is not all, this benevolent family supplies food to needy international students. The food items range from fresh potatoes, fruits — apples, mandarins, bananas, and grapes — whole roast chicken, and even cooked meals that could last a small family an entire week. Never have I ever met such profound generosity in my whole life! Lakewood Church, aka Joel Osteen Ministries, one of the Mega-churches in America, is not left behind with free movie nights every first Friday of the month, showing yet-to-be-seen/previewed faith-based movies.
Chima, my friend, and I with the Parish Priest of the Ascension Chinese Mission Catholic Church. 2024
Lakewood a.k.a Joel Osteen Ministries, 2024
Streams of Joy, Houston. 2024
Meanwhile, the African churches are also great places for building community. Christ Palace Ministries also offers complimentary shuttle services to interested worshippers. Streams of Joy Houston treats its worshippers to local treats like akara (fried bean balls), puff-puff (similar to donuts), and assorted drinks. Occasionally, these African churches host events that bring the church community together. At the same time, they enjoy African delicacies like Jollof rice, moimoi, and egusi soup, and their accompanying fufu or eba (meals made from cassava or yam).
Several churches in Houston have been very instrumental in helping international students settle in. Most partner with the Houston Food Bank to give students free foodstuffs, including fresh milk, fruits, vegetables, household items, and groceries. The details on the locations and how they run are all mentioned on their website. Rice University is also blessed to have a free food pantry that caters to the needs of its students (only non-perishable food items like tinned tomatoes, fish, peas, corn, and toiletries are offered here). It is located on the Rice Memorial Chapel's left wing (No surprise!), and it could also be accessed only with your “master key”- The Rice Student ID card!
My experiences with Houston’s wide array of church offerings have helped me find a community, ease my weekly academic stress, and even save money. I miss home less, and my network is growing. I hope this post helps you find your footing as a Christian international student as much as it has helped me.
Shalom!
About the author:
Osinachi Okafor was born in Aba, Abia State. She hails from Ebenator village, Azigbo town in Nnewi LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. She is a current Ph.D student in Art History. She got her B.A in Fine and Applied Art at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria in 2017. Read more.
Further Reading:
Rice Life Unveiled: An African’s Houston Diary