International students will get a taste of Christian culture Friday evening with a traditional Easter dinner.

Baptist Campus Ministries on Marshall University’s campus has hosted this dinner for international students for the last three years.

Senior secondary education major and BCM member Annie Brownfield said many members of the ministry have giving hearts towards those in other countries. Brownfield said organizing this dinner gives students a chance to help those individuals here in Huntington.

“We decided we wanted to have some sort of reach-out event specifically for international students,” Brownfield said. “So many MU BCM students have a heart for missions and spend their spring breaks and summers doing overseas ministry, so INTO and other exchange programs allow us to continue our ministry here in Huntington.”

Brownfield said BCM students will be preparing the traditional dishes, including ham, turkey, a wide variety of sides and desserts. There will also be vegan and vegetarian options for those whose religions keep them from eating meat.

Brownfield said the event will include dinner served by BCM students and a short story about the meaning and history of Easter to the Christian faith.

Brownfield said this event is perfect for students who may never get to experience a real Easter celebration in their home country.

“We just want to build relationships with international students and show them the love of Christ since they may never experience it back home,” Brownfield said. “Also, so many international students come to the U.S. and never actually become friends with American students or take part in American traditions so this provides them with the opportunity to do so.”

The dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Friday in the Campus Christian Center.

Nancy Peyton can be contacted at [email protected].