MLHS International Ministry: Celebrating Growth and Impact

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

Coco | MLHS Freshman

Nora | Incoming Sophomore

Valeria | Incoming Sophomore