African Student Fellowship of Reno
Our Story
Students from Africa have a long history in Reno. One of the primary links to Africa from Reno is the Mackay School of Mines at the University of Nevada, Reno. This renowned school trains future mining engineers to lead mining exploration, processing, and related fields in geology, metallurgy, hydrology, geothermal and petroleum industries. Africa's rich abundance of natural mineral resources has always needed to raise up native Africans to lead in these industrial efforts. This led to many students and even families from countries like Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa and others to come study in Reno. Many of whom obtained work-experience jobs throughout Nevada, and the West, especially in Elko, the center of gold mining in the USA.
In the late 1970s, a young Kenyan international student came to the University of Nevada, Reno to study. He found there was little Christian witness on the university campus. In those days, Reno still had a "Wild West" feel, with very few churches, and many sinful vices that was part of the culture.
Moved by God's heart for young people, this international student started the first Intervarsity Christian Fellowship chapter on the university campus. This has gone through ups and downs, and changes throughout the years. It is still one of the original campus fellowships in Reno and exist today, primarily reaching American college students. Over the years, Intervarsity at UNR has reached thousands of students, and continues to do so. Learn more about IVCF here.
In the late 1970s, a young Kenyan international student came to the University of Nevada, Reno to study. He found there was little Christian witness on the university campus. In those days, Reno still had a "Wild West" feel, with very few churches, and many sinful vices that was part of the culture.
Moved by God's heart for young people, this international student started the first Intervarsity Christian Fellowship chapter on the university campus. This has gone through ups and downs, and changes throughout the years. It is still one of the original campus fellowships in Reno and exist today, primarily reaching American college students. Over the years, Intervarsity at UNR has reached thousands of students, and continues to do so. Learn more about IVCF here.
Campus Ministry Growth
Campus ministries in Reno slowly grew from the 1990s through today. Many of these ministries include Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Reno International House (part of International Students Inc.), and Chi Alpha. In addition to these several local churches, including All People Christian Church, Living Stones, Resonate Church and others. Many of these ministries have student leaders who are African international students in the past.
The contributions of Africans in Reno's ministry community goes both deep and wide.
The contributions of Africans in Reno's ministry community goes both deep and wide.
