Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37 NKJV)

For the first time after my 9 years of PhD studies, life has moved on. I became a doctor and an IFI intern.

My story with IFI began with the interest in Indian culture. As an ethnomusicologist, Indian classical music and dance always attracted me in an engaging way. I studied them, taught the theories and religious contexts, but never had any hands-on experience or been close to any Indian friends. The turning point was a South Asian dance retreat I attended last summer, where I got to observe the Indian/Hindu living style in a closer distance. All the knowledge I’d learned and taught suddenly became tangible stories and real people. Through these friends, God made me think seriously about how to share the gospel and truth with them. They are so religious, devoted, and seem to lack nothing in spirit. (although I’m sure it’s not true!). How can I bring up conversations about Jesus among them? How to respect their culture but introduce Jesus Christ to them? What do all those Indian myths and epics mean to them? What do they think of Christianity? Beyond what extent will I become offensive by sharing my belief?… …etc. I realized how blank I was in this field.

It was the same summer when my ministry with a Chinese group reached a temporary conclusion. Looking for a new community of more Indian friends (both seekers and believers), I ended up in a Bible study group that several IFI staff attended. That was how one year later, I am here, blogging as a new IFI intern. 🙂

The first month with IFI was hectic due to all the welcoming activities. However, being back in ministries has filled my heart with joy. It’s especially so as I’m re-learning what I used to be familiar with in an unfamiliar (Indian/international) context. God has brought me back to the excitement and fear when I was first involved in campus ministries, and reminded me frequently to rely on Him on every work I do, no matter how simple it seems to be.

Before the semester started, I attended a party that welcomed all new Indian students. It was a bit intimidating for me to be the only Asian face among them all, but because of that, these students remembered me well and liked to be my friends! Praise the Lord for a wonderful start! I know there’s a long way ahead, and there might be frustration awaiting, but God encouraged me one day in my quite time: “Everyone who is of the truth hears my (Jesus’) voice” (Joh 18:37b NKJV). Yes, I know that the Hindus might be the “hard soil,” but I also know that they are precious souls in God’s eyes. There must be people of the truth, who will hear the voice of Lord Jesus!

Now, can you find me in the picture? 😉