Ministry Focus
The Josephs were appointed by Missions Door in 1983, and started their ministry as Campus Ambassadors in 1984. At Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, the Josephs have the opportunity to minister among the more than 15,000 students who have come to the United States from over 140 different nations. Eighty percent of these students are from the 10/40 window, the least evangelized parts of the world. Ben says, "America is fortunate to have the world come to her - a foreign mission field at her doorstep. There may be no better opportunity for world evangelization than that of reaching international students for Jesus Christ. Not only do they represent a potent missionary force as they return to their homelands, but the opportunity for open interaction is often much greater on a university campus than in their native countries." Ministry is orchestrated through a variety of activities and events: airport pickup, hospitality ministry, monthly activities where students can meet other students and American families, host-family programs, which provide a home away from home, conversational English classes, furniture giveaways, one-to-one and group Bible studies.
Faith Story
Ben Joseph was born and raised in a Christian home in Kerala, India, but didn't come to know Christ in a personal way until he came to the United States. In 1972, while attending Southwestern College in Phoenix, Ben gave his life to the Lord and shortly thereafter felt himself called to Christian ministry.
While attending Denver Seminary in 1975, Ben married Aleyamma, another native of Kerala, India, who had accepted the Lord when she was 9 years old.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Ben and Aleyamma by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
In colorful communities and along scenic highways, diverse people and landscapes span coast to coast
Iconic American traditions include Thanksgiving dinner, jazz music and the Super Bowl. They meld with eclectic examples of multicultural heritage: numerous local Chinatowns, family-owned taquerias and even cowboy boots, which originated among the nomadic Huns of eastern Europe.
The nation's landscape shows just as many contrasts — sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, open plains and vast deserts, rugged mountains and winding canyons, and abundant rivers and lakes.
The ideals of life and liberty that founded the United States have made the country one of the world's most prosperous, though not without dark chapters and present troubles. Crime, discrimination and ethics violations make regular headlines, and many people live below the national poverty level.
Families view education as essential to the pursuit of happiness, if not also a path to wealth and power for the most ambitious. Yet Americans also demonstrate a charitable spirit of generosity toward neighbors and nations in need.
Freedom of religion grants opportunity for all faiths, but Christianity holds particular influence in country's history and daily life.
Your participation with Missions Door supports ministry in the United States among college students, including many international students, in collaboration local churches. It also enables social outreach, church planting and leadership development in a wide variety of communities — among Native Americans and other cultural groups, and in urban and suburban settings where growing and changing demographics create new opportunities for the Gospel.
Cultural Snapshot
Aside from the Native American, Native Hawaiian and Native Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans and their ancestors immigrated to the United States.
Faith Fact
In a 2013 survey, 56% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives” — a larger number than any other wealthy nation.
Country Profile
Population: 320 million
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% unaffiliated, 21% Catholic, 6% other
Languages: 82% English, 11% Spanish, various others
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 16%
Ministry service area:
Campus Ambassadors
Ministry location:
Arizona, United States