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The International Students Christian Fellowship Club stimulates joy, friendship and laughter among its members. And on Saturday in the Redwood Room, the club extended a similar warmth to guests who came to share in the celebration of Indian Culture Night.

The event was launched with a song in Gujarati by Esha Christie, a business graduate of Sacramento State.

Joseph Benjamin played the tabla, a popular Indian percussion instrument, reminiscent of the bongos.

The night continued with an Indian social dance known as the Garba, presented in traditional Indian garb and with festive dandiya sticks and a short skit in Gujarati that brought the audience to a roaring laughter.

The presentation closed with the singing of the National anthem of India.

The Students Fellowship Club is one of nine Christian clubs on campus, and meets weekly for Bible study, fellowship and other events throughout the semester.

What sets it apart from other Christian clubs is its focus on reaching out to international students, said Marc Sorensen, the club president.

Sorensen, who co-founded the club two-and-half-years ago with electrical engineering student Stanislaus Solomon, said their wish was to develop a more diverse fellowship.

Sorensen, whose parents are missionaries, said he grew up around a lot of ethnic cultures; something he felt was missing in his experience with his former club.

“I learn a lot more about India and grow I my relationship with God,” Sorensen said.

He said that there are approximately 20 members in the club who meet for every Thursday for Bible study.

However, “ministry is the strongest area for the club, an area we hope to expand on in the future,” Sorensen said.

More than half of the club members are from Gujarat, the westernmost region of India.

Sorensen said another aim of the club is to create a welcoming environment for international students.

When international students arrive in the country, members pick them up from the airport and provide tours through downtown.

To help students familiarize themselves with Sacramento and what it has to offer, the club sets up a table in the University Union that offers information about things to do in Sacramento.

He said some club activities include leadership meetings, weekly pot-luck and a trip to Yosemite National Park.

The club will join a conference in Korea to help build missionary work that it will continue in India.

“The most important aspect of the club is that they follow the teachings of the Bible-diversity is extra!” Sorensen said.

The club also meets Wednesdays to help students practice English.

“Although the club is geared for international students, it is open for anyone to join. Our main focus is serving the Lord,” Sorensen said.

Sherry Day can be reached at [email protected]