Studying with Fresh Eyes

Ada grew up in a Buddhist home in Syosset, Long Island, New York. When she started middle school, Ada began making friends with Christians. They asked her if she was a Christian, and this confused her. After all, Asians are Buddhists, aren’t they? She was curious, so she bought a Bible and read it. Throughout high school, Ada attended Christian events with her friends even though she often felt out of place.

As a freshman at Binghamton University-New York, Ada was invited to attend church and offered a ride by an InterVarsity student. Ada was surprised to find that she felt comfortable in church. Ada was drawn to the fellowship she experienced in church and at InterVarsity events.

Ada’s roommate, Helen, was involved with an InterVarsity small group for freshmen students and offered to host it in their room. Ada became involved because the group met in her room. In the beginning of October, Ada told Carrie, “I’m not a Christian. Can I still attend this group?”

“It’s all right for you to attend. It will help all of us to have you looking at Scripture with the group with fresh eyes,” Carrie told her. Reassured that she could be involved, Ada continued to attend both the small group and any other InterVarsity events. Through all of these activities, Ada was able to get to know members from the InterVarsity chapter and discuss Christian faith and the Bible with them.

After a few months, Paul, the Outreach Coordinator for the chapter, asked Ada “What’s keeping you from accepting Christ right now?” Paul assured Ada that she didn’t have to be completely doubt-free, but that Jesus brings us through a process. Paul’s reasoning made sense to Ada, and they prayed together as Ada accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Ada continues to attend the InterVarsity small group and is part of Outreach activities, welcoming new students into the Fellowship and making them feel comfortable. Besides attending a small group, Ada is also meeting with a sophomore student to study the Gospel of John.

Ada told her InterVarsity friends at a Large Group meeting, “It’s good to know I have so many brothers and sisters in Christ.”