Christmas International House A Holiday of Friendship with International Students

HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

Christmas International House began in 1965 when Harry F. "Pete" Petersen, assistant minister at First Presbyterian Church, Huntington, West Virginia suggested to his congregation that there was a need for housing of international students over the Christmas Holiday.   He and his wife sent letters to colleges and universities east of the Mississippi River to invite international students to come to West Virginia for the holidays.   That first year, they hosted 180 students in their church. With such an overwhelming response by the students, Rev. Petersen was convinced the program was needed by the students, and was a mission opportunity to show ‘hospitality to the foreigner among us’. (Deuteronomy 10:18)

Pete Petersen

In 1966, seven churches in other states joined the program and in 1967, a total of 14 churches participated.   Eventually, the program spread nationwide with a central office located within the Presbyterian Church’s Board of World Missions.    At its peak, 1,500 students were hosted across the nation by churches of various denominations.   More than 30,000 international students have participated in the program since 1965, with 20,000 turned away due to lack of space.    Currently there are about 50 programs throughout the United States.

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CIH is based on friendship evangelism, peacemaking, hospitality, and believing that God loves all persons.   Its ministry involves meeting student needs in terms of housing, food and interaction with others.   It provides the opportunity for both students and hosts to gain a better understanding of people around the world.

Christmas International House is a member of  NAFSA: Association of International Educators

06/07/2005