ABOUT US

GLOBAL FRIENDS MISSION

Global Friends is a community organization that exists to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the international student community. Global Friends seeks to promote cross-cultural friendships and understanding by providing meeting places and activities in multicultural settings between Americans and International students and scholars. 

GLOBAL FRIENDS HISTORY

The concept of Global Friends Omaha began over 30 years ago as a “mom and pop” organization.  In 1979 after Russia invaded Afghanistan, Afghans began to flee the country, some ended up in Omaha, Nebraska.  When Afghan refugees and international students started coming to Omaha, Julie's father began to show hospitality.  One day in a coffee shop, he met a dark-haired gentleman and invited him for dinner. It turned out that this gentleman was the advisor to the King of Afghanistan and the Governor of the capital, Kabul.  Years later, Julie spent time in Pakistan teaching English to Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban.  Upon her return to Omaha, she launched Global Friends! 

Global Friends in Omaha has been running strong for over three decades and sharing the love of Christ with internationals from all of the world.  In recent years, Global Friends has grown outside the boundaries of Omaha, Nebraska with groups in Iowa, South Dakota, and Colorado.  

GLOBAL FRIENDS + THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF ESTES PARK

CCEP desires to be a church where people feel seen, known, and welcomed.  Global Friends extends that heartbeat intentionally to internationals in our community.  Global Friends is a natural extension of our commitment to loving our community and sharing joy and hope beyond our walls.  Through meals, gatherings, and partnerships, this ministry builds deeper connections within our church while also creating bridges into the broader community.  It is an honor to be ambassadors of hospitality in our town.