University of Alabama at Birmingham RUF International

Welcome to UAB! RUF-I is a Christian student organization that seeks to serve our international guests through friendship and hospitality. We are thrilled to have you on our campus, and we know that living in a foreign country isn't always easy. We hope to help make this one of the best times in your life. We host dinners, discussion groups, and activities to help international students and scholars meet others, experience American culture, and explore the deep questions of life. We work with the local church to help provide free services such as ESL tutoring, rides to grocery stores, and furniture delivery. Please email me if you have any questions, needs, or just want to hang out.

Join Us

Dinner and Discussion

Thursday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:30
The BCM, 1216 15th St S

Connect

Meet Our Team

Stephen Merwin

Stephen Merwin

Campus Minister
Joanna Woo

Joanna Woo

Intern

Joanna was born and raised in Northern Virginia, living about 45 minutes away from DC. She headed two hours south towards the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, attending James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, VA. She earned a degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies.

Her undergraduate experience was an abnormal one, however, God specifically brought people in RUF, to show His grace towards her, and walked alongside her throughout her journey. She hopes to extend that grace toward her students and the community in Birmingham.

She has a big heart for the outsider, one that is curious about a person’s story, and hopes to ultimately point that person to Jesus. She hopes to serve those whose homes are far away with humility and compassion. Her goal is that they can find true peace and security in the eternal dwelling place we have in heaven, in that they accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

You’ll catch her singing, grabbing coffee with a friend, or cooking a new recipe in her spare time. She's so thankful for this ministry opportunity and is looking forward in seeing where the Lord will bring her in this season!