by Charis Marshal, Student Public Relations Writer
In 2024, more than 450 refugees arrived in the greater Dayton area — many from the Democratic Republic of the Congo — bringing new languages, cultures and stories to southwestern Ohio. How can local residents best connect with them and help them bridge the cultural change?
Serving Refugees Through Friendship and Faith
Students from Cedarville University are serving these refugees through International Family Night (IFN), a monthly event held at Beavercreek Christian Church. In this program, the students build relationships by playing board games, sharing meals, studying the Bible and providing academic tutoring. Focusing on a need in the local community may not be a normal Friday night plan for college students, but these Cedarville students are excited to travel to the church to make a gospel impact.
Carli Hutchison, a senior social studies education major from Ashville, Ohio, serves as the current president of the International Family Night org, a student organization that started six years ago.
“Serving at IFN has humbled me,” said Hutchison. “I still get to serve the refugees, despite everything happening in my life. I am so thankful for the opportunities to spend time with them because I genuinely love them and have developed true friendships.”
Games, Meals and Ministry in Beavercreek
Refugees and volunteers start the evening with friendly games of basketball, volleyball or badminton, and many of the volunteers spend time playing with the children. About an hour into the evening, everyone gathers for dinner and a monthly birthday celebration.
Between 20 and 30 Cedarville students volunteer regularly at IFN. Many are introduced to the ministry through the university’s Teaching Diverse Learners course. Education students often fulfill their cultural diversity clinical hour at IFN, where their shared passion for teaching and the gospel often keeps them involved beyond the requirement.
Sharing the Gospel and Academic Support
Cedarville students began leading short Bible studies at IFN within the past year.
“Many of the refugees often have some idea of what Christianity is,” said Hutchison. “Together, we open God’s word, share the gospel, and seek to anchor our Christian faith in the Bible.”
In addition to discipleship, volunteers often assist refugees with academic tutoring. The many education majors in the group enjoy helping refugees of all ages — from elementary children to adults in college classes.
Faith in Action: Lessons in Service and Compassion
Through IFN, Cedarville students are not only helping refugees adjust to a new culture, but they are also learning lessons in compassion and service that extend beyond the classroom. Their continued involvement reflects the university’s mission to equip students for Christ-centered impact — both locally and around the world.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
