First class of Fall 2026 semester starts September 10
Join Us On Thursday
Hands Abroad is an awesome program offering free classes all semester long for international students! It’s the perfect spot to pick up cool new skills, boost your confidence, and make some great friends along the way. Whether you’re here to learn, laugh, or just hang out, Hands Abroad is the place to be for fun, community, and connection!
We provided these free classes for international residents during the school semesters! Learn a new skill and make new friends!
We provided these free classes for international residents during the school semesters! Learn a new skill and make new friends!
MEETING
We meet Thursdays at the Coffee House from 9:00-11:00am.
FREE CHILDCARE
A free nursery is available during class time so parents can focus, learn and connect without worry. Your little ones will be safely cared for while you enjoy the morning!
Free transportation
A free ride for students and their children to and from the University Laundry. The van loads at 8:45am and returns at 11:00am.
50 years of friendship
For the past 50 years U.H.B.C. has had an outreach program to spouses of international students called Hands Abroad. It began in the fall of 1976 because a few women church members saw the need for friendship in the international community at O.S.U. The objectives of Hands Abroad were written in the following statement: “We in Stillwater have been given a unique opportunity to experience and encourage global understanding through interaction with the OSU international community. Hands Abroad was created with the hope that through our love for God and other people, we would be able to use the talents and abilities God has given us to reach out in friendship to women from around the world.”
Our current mission statement reads:
“Our mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ to every person attending Hands Abroad. As H.A. teachers, we want to live out our faith by loving international men and women with the love of Christ. ‘Rather, as it is written, “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Romans 15:21b
‘The whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world.’ Jeff Lewis” Hands Abroad meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters offering three levels of English, as well as, conversational English, sewing, crochet and cooking classes. Midway through the two- hour classes we meet in F.H. for refreshments before returning to our classes. Every international is offered a Bible in their language. Those wanting to learn about the Bible meet at a separate time during the week with one of the volunteers. Many conversations have been had over the years and some have decided to follow Jesus.
Most years we have 18-20 countries from five of the seven continents. Pray for our volunteers to have opportunities to share their faith and for the nursery to be calm and peaceful. Thank you for your support and encouraging words.
Our current mission statement reads:
“Our mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ to every person attending Hands Abroad. As H.A. teachers, we want to live out our faith by loving international men and women with the love of Christ. ‘Rather, as it is written, “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Romans 15:21b
‘The whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world.’ Jeff Lewis” Hands Abroad meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters offering three levels of English, as well as, conversational English, sewing, crochet and cooking classes. Midway through the two- hour classes we meet in F.H. for refreshments before returning to our classes. Every international is offered a Bible in their language. Those wanting to learn about the Bible meet at a separate time during the week with one of the volunteers. Many conversations have been had over the years and some have decided to follow Jesus.
Most years we have 18-20 countries from five of the seven continents. Pray for our volunteers to have opportunities to share their faith and for the nursery to be calm and peaceful. Thank you for your support and encouraging words.
questions?
Have questions about helping with Hands Abroad or about the program? We’d love to help.