At college in the Middle East, Nisin wanted to learn as much about God as he could, but it was his last semester of school before he was able to hear God’s call. He assumed that God’s will for him was to continue his education.
Even in the first semester of his senior year of college in 2005-2006, his plans centered on graduate school. His parents strongly encouraged him to go on in school and get a masters in Finance or Law; Nisin, himself, envisioned going abroad to study after graduation. International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) staff work was the last thing he thought he’d consider. That was until his staff worker planted a seed at the beginning of his last semester, encouraging him to consider coming on staff after graduation. Nisin had good leadership experience and possessed such an open, approachable demeanor, that his staff worker knew he would make an ideal intern.
Nisin and his family are expatriates, as many residents of his Middle Eastern city are; the majority of the population comes from around the world to work. His father had moved his family from India to give his wife and children greater opportunities. Having grown up in this oil-producing, metropolitan city, Nisin understood a cosmopolitan culture, but as a Christian he didn’t like it. He looked forward to leaving this city, strained under the weight of consumerism.
At first, Nisin refused his staff worker. He felt convinced that his path included further scholarship, not staff work. He no longer wanted to live in the Middle East – he wanted to get away. But Nisin continued to feel God nudging him, pulling him towards accepting the internship. It wasn’t until his applications to graduate schools abroad had all been rejected that Nisin felt convinced God was calling him in a different direction. And although Nisin was disappointed, he trusted that God had a plan for him.
He decided to accept the internship. After reflection and prayer, Nisin realized that God had done much to prepare him for staff work. Having already been a leader in the fellowship, he was accustomed to the culture of the school; he had experienced reaching out to students, and he knew the ways that God was moving on campus first hand. So in preparation for the internship with IFES, Nisin came to the United States after graduating to attend the School of Leadership Training (SLT) at Cedar Campus, an InterVarsity training camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
At SLT he learned new ways of serving as a leader, approaching and resolving conflict, studying Scripture, and evangelizing his campus. When he went back home, he felt prepared to lead students at his school.
Since then his skills as a leader and passion as a disciple of Christ have grown tremendously. As an intern Nisin has learned to rely on God for leadership when the chapter faces challenges and to turn to him for guidance. He has felt challenged in serving a multi-ethnic chapter – in spite of growing up in a city filled with migrant workers from various ethnic backgrounds.
With a warm grin that crinkles his eyes, Nisin speaks of his time as an intern thankfully. He appreciates all that God has taught him, and all the opportunities he’s had for growth: already he has been to the United States twice for training, for SLT, and then again for Urbana 06. God has used Nisin’s potential to shape and change him into a strong leader. “Once you pursue God,” Nisin said, “God will direct you to your calling.”
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA is one of the founding members of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students.
