IFI Peoria History

Jim and Paula see their sixteen year experience overseas in Sénégal as God’s preparation for serving the needs of international students and partnering with them to make Christ known among the nations. Empathy toward foreigners moving into a new land and needing a “free and friendly space” to be welcomed is one of the guiding motivations for their desire to work with international students. Sénégal is known as the country of “Terranga,” which loosely translated into English means, “hospitality at a deep level.” Jim and Paula learned many valuable lessons from the gracious Sénégalese people on how to host. The Hanes also value praying and encouraging others to do their best and to celebrate their success.