MLHS International Ministry: Celebrating Growth and Impact - April 2025 Update

MLHS
Apr 1
7 min read

Updated: Apr 2

International Coordinator Renée Ruediger — *International Coordinator* *Renée Ruediger*

A Message from Mrs. Renée Ruediger, International Coordinator

Dear MLHS Community,

Our international program is built on the incredible connections between students and host families. When you welcome a student into your home, you're giving them the chance to experience life in a new culture and make memories that will last a lifetime. You give them a loving home with a Christian heart to help and serve each other. At the same time, students bring fresh perspectives, new friendships, and a bit of their own culture into your home.

It's a two-way street—students learn, grow, and immerse themselves in local traditions, while host families gain a deeper understanding of the world and the wonderful people who populate it. The bonds formed through this program create a lasting impact, making us all part of a global community.

Thank you to everyone involved for making this journey so special!

Have you been looking for a new outlet to show God’s love to others?

Hosting an international student may be the perfect option for you! Hosting is an outlet to serve the Lord & help young scholars live according to His Will. What better people are there to help our international students grow in their American high school experience than the families of our current Manitowoc Lutheran High School students!

Hosting an international student isn’t just a blessing for the student—it’s also a growth opportunity for your own family. As you engage with someone from a different culture, your family will be stretched in ways that can deepen your faith, foster greater compassion, and build unity in your household. Hosting a student may help you grow closer as a family and even strengthen your own faith as you share your values and traditions with someone eager to learn from you.

To learn about our International Ministry program visit our website by clicking here.

Stories from Students that need homes next year...

Zedao | MLHS Sophomore

Hello! My name is Zedao. I am a sophomore at Manitowoc Lutheran High School. I am originally from Hangzhou, China. I first applied to MLHS back in the Spring of 2023 for the upcoming school year, but my visa was denied 2 times before I was accepted. I was thrilled when my visa process was finally accepted. It felt as though I waited forever! Now that I am here, I never want to go back. I’ve made so many friends, and I can’t imagine leaving them.

Back in China, I spent all of my time studying. I never had any time to do the things I wanted to accomplish. Now that I am in America, I can do all the things I wanted to! I even joined the wrestling team and robotics team since I have the time for it. If there was a badminton team at school, I would have joined that too. I may have overcommitted myself a little bit, but it is better than having no time at all.

I enjoy watching anime after studying at night, and I like to call my family when I get the chance. My favorite anime is Gundam, but I will watch anything if there is time for me to do so. I play badminton with my friends at the YMCA whenever I can. It is my favorite sport, but the YMCA does not have a badminton net, so we have to use other nets instead. I also play the clarinet in band. I have been playing for several years now.

My father is a pastor, so I grew up in a religious house. I take God very seriously, and believe He is the reason I am at MLHS today. Faith is a priority in my life, and I would like to live with a family likes to talk about God. I get along well with pets and siblings, but I can be quiet when I first meet people. It takes me some time to warm up to others.

I know that I want to go to college in America after high school, but I have not decided what for yet. I am interested in too many things right now to make that decision. I know God will lead me no matter where I end up. I cannot wait to meet my new host family!

David | MLHS Freshman

Hello! My name is David! I am a freshman at Manitowoc Lutheran High School. I am originally from Beijing, China. I first applied to MLHS because my sister is a junior here. Since then, I have made many friends and fill my days hanging out with others.

My friends all say I'm funny and energetic. I love badminton and running, and participating in cross country. I love spending time with my sister Christina at the gym and at home as well. I also enjoy roller skating and adore pets. My dog back home is named "Monkey". I will play any game you give me, but one of my favorites is Call of Duty.

One thing I want to accomplish while in America is going to a good university. I am not sure what I will do for a job. Maybe a pastor... or a mechanical engineer... or a car mechanic? One thing I know for sure is that MLHS has been a great opportunity for me.

I was in the campus house this year. I would still like to be in the campus house if possible, but my host mom feels overwhelmed, and I want to do what is best for her. I have no preferences for host families. I think I can adapt to any setting easily.

Coco | MLHS Freshman

Hello! My name is Coco, and I am from Hangzhou, China. It is a busy city in the heart of China. I am currently a freshman at MLHS, but my host family has relatives moving in and will no longer be able to host me next year. They have been amazing for me, and have helped me get out of my shell.

My favorite hobbies are singing, reading, and painting online. I love being in choir, and have been singing with others since I was a little girl. I can be quite shy about my art sometimes, but not about my singing as much. I am not very big on sports, but I want to get better. Actually, I am trying out track and field right now! I know it is important to be active for your health. It is just not something I really enjoy. I also like playing video games! Anything fantasy-related is fun for me.

Both of my parents are pastors in different respects, so faith is important to me. My host family is helping me plan my baptism since I never got the chance back home. I don't know what I want to be when I am older, but I know God will be there with me.

I am not picky about host families. I am respectful and get my chores done. I would prefer a quiet house if possible. I am not an outgoing person, so I may get overwhelmed by a lot of people. I am excited to spend another year at MLHS with a wonderful family!

Nora | Incoming Sophomore

Hi! My name is Nora. I come from a small village in Valencia, Spain. I am a freshman this year. My parents heard about how amazing America is from their colleagues, so they decided coming to Manitowoc Lutheran High School would be a wonderful opportunity for me! Also, I have been learning English for some time, so I can communicate well with Americans.

I have a younger sister. My grandparents also live next door, so we spend some weekends together. We are all Christian. Actually, I am going through Catechism classes this year, so hopefully I can learn more about Christianity before I get to MLHS.

I am not very into sports, but I enjoy swimming. I also love reading romance, romantasy, and history novels. I can read 600 pages in 1 night! Some of my other hobbies include listening to music, social media, and playing my flute. One of the reasons my family chose to go to MLHS was so that I could be in a strong music program.

I don't have much difficulty with English, but I may feel tired after speaking English all day long. I hope my host family is kind and has a younger or older sibling for me to hang out with. Multiple siblings would be even better! I have no preference towards pets. Both sides of my family have cats and dogs.

I can't wait to be there!

Valeria | Incoming Sophomore

Hi there! My name is Valeria. I am from Algemesi, Spain (which is about the same size as Manitowoc). I am a freshman this year. I decided to go abroad for a year to get better at English, meet new people, and do more with my life. Not that my life is bad, but this type of experience exciting!

I am very close with my parents, and I have 2 cousins that are like brothers to me. I am nervous to be away from them, but I know that my host family will make me feel better. They will help me grow in Manitowoc. I am also Christian, so I am happy to be going to a Christian school where I can talk about my faith.

I love to dance and hope to be on the cheerleading/dance team at MLHS. I also like everything related to the arts: drawing, painting, drama, etc. While in America, I would also like to get along well with my host family, since family is important to me.

I have been studying English for 3 years, so my English is okay. I find listening the hardest, so you might have to slow down when you speak to me. I know it will be difficult learning in a new language at first, but I will continue to work on it throughout the school year!

I would like my host family to have 2 parents. I am good with children and pets, though I have no preference towards animals. I am excited to find out who my host family is!