Daniel* arrived in Tempe, Arizona in 2023 from East Asia. He was there to pursue a master’s degree, excited to make his dreams come true.
His expectations were high, as he’d watched many American movies. However, he was soon disappointed– Arizona was pretty different from what he’d seen. He also struggled to adjust to the climate and find friends.
“Tempe didn’t make a good impression,” Daniel explained. “It was hot. I didn’t get along with my roommate. And I felt desperate because I knew nobody.”
In addition, Daniel felt stuck in place, as he didn’t have a means of transportation. Since he didn’t know anyone in the area, it was hard to do the basics, such as grocery shopping.
Fortunately, one of his classmates invited him to an IFI event. There, he met Dylan and Shania, IFI Tempe leaders, who plugged him into community.
“IFI helped me so much,” Daniel said. “They gave me rides to get groceries and to attend main events. They even helped me buy my own car! But above all, they showed care for me.”
Not only that, but Daniel became increasingly curious about Jesus. He’d heard about him back home but never committed.
“I was looking for the truth,” Daniel stated. “I followed Buddhism for two years, but gave up because it wasn’t helping.”
It was at a Christmas service that Daniel’s perspective towards Jesus shifted.
“I saw people kneeling and bursting into tears– they were so sincere and grateful,” Daniel said. “I saw true joy and was moved. I knew something was happening.”
At that moment, a craving for the same joy was birthed in Daniel.
Once Christmas was over, Daniel didn’t stop attending the church. Spring semester sped by, and he became a regular attendee. He felt their warmth and kindness.
Aside from church, Daniel joined Dylan and Shania’s IFI Bible discussion group.
“I enjoyed learning the Bible with others and listening to testimonies,” Daniel mentioned. “I kept studying on my own throughout the semester and even attended another campus group focused on the love of God.”
Summer came and it was time for Daniel to visit home. He was nervous because he didn’t know where he’d attend church. Little did he know he’d be connecting with another IFI leader, Cindy Wu, who introduced him to churches in his hometown. God was pursuing him through IFI!
“It was so amazing!” Daniel exclaimed. “The crazy part was meeting one of the pastors at the church Cindy connected me to: I told him I was going to California for my internship and needed a church. He told me their church had a service trip in the same area of Cali as me! And on top of that, we discovered we were on the same flight!”
Everything seemed to fall into place… until Daniel got into an accident.
“IFI was very supportive,” Daniel said. “But I was confused. I asked Dylan why I got injured. I wanted to give up on God. Looking back, I now understand the realities of spiritual warfare.”
“I want to show love like I was shown love,” Daniel said. “I want to provide service to others, depending on Jesus to care for me and to move through me.”
After long days of processing his journey and talking to others, Daniel finally concluded that Jesus was the Way in July 2024.
“I want to show love like I was shown love,” Daniel said. “I want to provide service to others, depending on Jesus to care for me and to move through me.”
**Student name and photo changed to protect privacy
