LCMS World Mission Blog

Linda Steinbart, ISM director in Tempe, Ariz., shared this update. “The last weekend in September, I had the privilege of taking two international students, one from China and the other from Taiwan, on a retreat to Camp Aloma, in Prescott, Ariz. They were excited and thankful for this op¬portunity. While both learned the meaning of retreat through firsthand experience, I learned what it means to leave everything to follow Jesus. Hiking to the top of a bluff where a large wooden cross stood, my friend from China told me about her conversion to Christianity. It sent shivers down my spine hearing her explain all the comforts of life before Christ–living with her parents, enjoying a very good career working for the Chinese government, and experiencing close family ties. She was bathed in financial success until she learned about Jesus and her calling to follow Him.

“After considerable thought, she resigned from her position, gave up her Buddhist background, and moved to the United States, even though she didn’t speak a word of English. When she arrived one year ago, she lived in California for two months with a friend, then moved to Arizona to begin her new life in Christ. Living alone, her focus was Bible study throughout the day. The Lord led her to Christian fellowship, free English les¬sons, and eventually, the Chinese-American Church. Jesus called her, she heard Him, and gave up everything to follow Him. God was busy working in her life. When we met in March, it was quite difficult to communicate, but today, we converse easily. Within 10 months of arriving in the United States, she had learned enough English to be admitted to the English-as-a-Second-Language master’s program at Arizona State University. Once she masters English, her goal is to enroll in a theological university where she can learn more about our Savior.

“From the first day that we met, it has been evident that she loves Jesus and wants to know Him more and more. The theme of the retreat was ‘The Simplicity of Prayer.’ On Saturday night of the weekend, we at¬tended evening worship. As the time approached to receive the Sacrament, tears were rolling down her face. She was preparing to meet her Lord. I thank God for bringing us to Camp Aloma to meet at the cross and share our love for our Savior. Our trip together brought us another step closer as sisters in Christ. I am thankful for this and pray for continued spiritual growth, not only for my international friends, but for all of us.”

• Learn more about International Student Ministry, Inc.