When I came to UT as a foreign student from Malaysia in the Fall of 1989, I was very fortunate to find Christians On Campus. It meant a lot for me as a Christian and a foreign student to find a group of Christian students who were caring and receiving. Having left my country and my home and to come to the other side of the globe, everything was new and unsettling. Needing to redefine my future and at the same time reidentify myself in this new community with a new culture and a new language, Christians On Campus became a significant source of support for me.
Because it is a group of Christians that encompasses all races from all countries and all languages, it provided a way for me to be familiarized with the American community. Because of the frequent meetings and Bible studies, in a very short time, my spoken English improved to such an extent that conversing in English is no longer an intimidating matter.
The members of Christians On Campus were also very helpful in practical ways. Time after time they offered me rides to go to the grocery stores. Some married couples would invite me to their homes for home-cooked meals. Only students who are far from their homes can understand and appreciate the practical help and home-cooked meals.
Most importantly, the outstanding aspect that impressed me the most about Christians On Campus was that its members were highly committed to Christ. They were absolute and serious in their pursuit of Christ by praying, reading the Bible, gospel preaching, and service. They viewed their years in the university as an opportune time to lay a foundation for their future Christian life. Because of the privilege of being able to “pursue with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22), I was able to spend my four years uncompromisingly for Christ, and thereby laid a solid foundation for my current pursuit of Christ.
L. T.
— Ipoh, Malaysia
