Campus Staff

Parrish, FL

https://isianneadrian.weebly.com/

As Campus Staff in Central Florida, Anne has been worked for 15 years with international students at Florida Southern College (FSC) in Lakeland, University of South Florida in Tampa (USF) and presently at the new state school, Florida Polytechnic University (FPU) in Lakeland. In Tampa, working alongside a sister ministry at USF Anne established an English conversation class for international women (students and graduate students’ wives), building relationships with them and their families. Because of her own background (see below) she has had a special emphasis on Muslim women.  After leading that group for 9 years, the Lord brought on two new committed and very competent ISI staff women, Audrey Welch and Nancy Jonsson, to assume that responsibility along with a wonderful team of volunteers that she had recruited from local churches over the years.  That ministry continues to thrive while Anne continues to provide support in the form of resources and encouragement to them.

In Lakeland, Anne established a new ministry (in response to the faithful prayers of DiAnn and Landis Fleming who had been a passion for that for many years) at FSC, enlisting a network of churches and volunteers to work alongside in meeting the needs of these very intelligent, vibrant students from around the world. As is typical for all ISI works, she gave leadership to these volunteers in planning welcoming and fun events, help with practical needs, being Friendship Partners and leading Bible studies and spiritual discussions.  When the new state university, Florida Polytechnic, began she initiated the ministry at that school where it has finally earned the commendation of that administration – to the glory of God!  About 5 years ago she began a small International Women’s Connection group similar to work in Tampa, but more as a friendship building group since there isn’t so much need for English skills.  Presently that group has Iranian, Bangladeshi, Syrian, Russian and a German woman in it and a few American volunteers; she hopes to see this grow as well.

Just recently, Anne and her husband, Kent, have moved to the Bradenton-Sarasota area for him to assume the Senior Pastor position at Christ Presbyterian Church so that has changed her availability and her schedule in Lakeland.  A new staff development has also impacted that ministry so Anne’s role is in transition, but still very engaged.  Anne considers it a great privilege to get to know and serve these students and to point them to the One who is Life!

Anne and Kent have two grown children and three wonderful grandchildren. Having grown up as the child of missionaries in the Middle East, Anne has always had a special love for and sensitivity to people from that part of the world as well as, an empathy for the experience of being a stranger in a strange land!