Every Tribe, Every Tongue: International Student Ministry at the University of Utah

In light of Lunar New Year, Andy Chan and his friends gathered at the InterVarsity ministry house near the University of Utah. They excitedly made dumplings from scratch and then put handwritten blessing cards with intricate calligraphy inside red envelopes to give out to people for encouragement. “I wanted to bring that joy to my friends here,” Andy said, who got the idea for the activity from his church back in Taiwan—the place where he first experienced God’s love in community. 

Andy grew up in a Christian home in a country where that was a minority experience. As of 2023, only 7% of Taiwan’s population identify as Christian. Taoism and Buddhism are the two dominant religions in the country. Because of this, Andy didn’t have a lot of access to people who were open to talking about Christianity. “People in America are more open to talking about religion,” he said. “Even if you want to debate about it.” 

While others went to temples during religious holidays, Andy spent his time at church fellowshipping and exchanging stories with churchmates. This was formative for him in his faith. When the time came for him to leave the country and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology as an international student in America, he longed to find Christian community. And so, when Andy heard about InterVarsity through his friends, and then was invited by his staff, Christine, to the Bible study, he said yes to attending. 

“I felt belonging,” Andy said, ecstatic about the fact that most people in the group were international students. Even though he felt like he couldn’t keep up with the conversations the first time he attended a Bible study, his interactions with staff, leaders, and fellow students made him confident over time. He learned about other people’s cultures and also grew a deeper understanding of Scripture. 

“The Bible is more interesting than I thought,” he said 

“Back in Taiwan, God to me was a father, or a very far friend,” Andy said. “When I came here and got involved with InterVarsity, I learned that he can be a friend, lover, or someone you feel really close to.” 

Andy particularly felt this during chapter camp, when he had spiritual experiences that made him realize God was closer than he thought and more faithful than he imagined. This has given him the strength he needs to serve those around him. 

Serving the Larger Community 

In the past year, Andy has been a student leader in his InterVarsity chapter, ministering specifically to fellow international students at the University of Utah. Outside of Bible study, they have also started gathering for potlucks. It all began when Andy invited his friend to club room, a space on campus where clubs and organizations gather. This friend loved hosting dinner parties and thought about hosting one for the ISM Bible study. They gathered over Korean, Japanese, and Indonesian food. Although they had originally planned for 20 people, the number grew to 40. Nonetheless, the small room didn’t hinder them from enjoying one another’s presence and all of the food from different cultures. People’s hearts and bellies were full. 

“All they want is to find community, and I want them to find community the way I did,” Andy said, grateful for the experiences he’s had through his international student Bible study. 

Andy has observed that some international students don't completely understand the Christian faith, even though they attend Bible study, because they don't have a lot of context for Christianity. He prays that this will at the very least pique their interest and curiosity about Jesus. 

At the school cafeteria, Andy and his friends saw a Chinese student who was scrolling on his phone and eating alone. They walked up to him, sat with him, and started talking to him in Chinese. When the student was almost finished with his food, Andy thought he would leave, but he stood up and grabbed more food so that he could chat with them longer. His eyes glinted with hope. The next day, the student showed up at their Bible study. 

“There is a God who wants a real relationship with them and loves them,” Andy said. 

Although it has been helpful for him to connect with Chinese students who understand and speak his language, it was still difficult for Andy to get them to come to Bible study or have faith conversations. On top of this, the time commitment for Bible study can be difficult for some students. In order to still get quality time together, Andy has started inviting his international friends to study with him in the library every afternoon. 

The compassion that Andy has for international students has led him to serve at a Chinese church near campus in the upcoming school year. He looks forward to sharing what he has learned from his InterVarsity chapter with the leaders of his young adult fellowship who want to see more Chinese international students worship Jesus. 

“If God can make a lot of freshman students passionate about him, I believe he can make Chinese people passionate about him too,” he said. “I feel like anything is possible with God.” 

To support the work of InterVarsity’s International Students Ministry, click here!