For one UI student who traveled more than 5,000 miles to campus, making new friends was a must.

But UI graduate student Bingxuan Wang knew she also needed a place to continue practicing her religion. That’s when she found out about the Chinese Evangelical Church of Iowa City.

Church members decided to reach out to international students, knowing the loneliness many face in a new country. They help them with day-to-day problems, such as finding grocery stores and apartments.

“We know how difficult it is for people new to the area to adjust to life away from home,” church leader Hanwei Chan said.

David Klemm, UI professor of religious studies, said Iowa City offers many ways for people to feel comfortable practicing religions from all over the world.

“There are numerous opportunities for these students to enter into a community where their native faith is practiced,” he said.

One way the Chinese Evangelical Church helps students assimilate is by helping Chinese students new to the UI solve practical problems and also act as a support system.

“We’re just like a big family,” Chan said.

UI sophomore Zhizhou is a member of that family.

Originally from Shenzhen, China, the 20-year-old came to the UI knowing only a handful of people in the Chinese Scholar Association. Eventually, through a tutor in the English as a Second Language program, she became connected to the church in April.

“The community [of the church] is what really drew me in,” she said.

Shenzhen is a much bigger city than Iowa City, and at first, she was uncertain how to interact in a smaller setting than she was used to.

Now, the shy girl sings in the church choir.

“They said they needed voices; this was the first time I sang,” she said.

Members gather for Bible study on Friday evenings and on Saturday for a worship service in the basement of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 123 E. Market St. Both gatherings are a chance for members to worship, enjoy community, and experience a taste of home.

Every week a different family of the congregation volunteers to bring a home-cooked Chinese dinner to share with the 50-plus people at the weekly gathering.

Those who dined at last week’s meal enjoyed noodles, vegetables, and chicken. As children laughed and sent brightly colored paper airplanes whizzing overhead, He talked quietly about finally feeling comfortable in Iowa City thanks to her new family.

Students may notice some cultural differences about the way their religious community operates or is perceived in the United States compared with in their home country, but Klemm said numerous faith traditions are welcomed locally.

“[There is an] astonishing representation of religion groups in Iowa City,” he said.