by Gayla Parker

Y.J. is from Ethiopia and currently a student at Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She worships in secret, because her parents do not approve of her faith. That does not stop her from being involved in sharing her faith whenever possible with friends, students, and family. In asking her what it is like to live in America this is what she had to say:

Missions Interchange: When did you move to America?

YJ: I moved to the US two years and six months ago when I was 16.

MI: Did you know English before arriving or did you learn after your move?

YJ: In Ethiopia, I had English as a class since elementary school. But, I never really used it to communicate with anyone outside of class. Yes, I knew the language, but I learned to use the language after moving to America.

MI: What is it like for you on an American campus?

YJ: Being on an American campus really changed my life. High school in the US was not the best time for me. Now I feel like coming to college is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I have made a lot of great friends and have been involved in many amazing organizations such as Campus Crusade for Christ and Baptist Student Ministry.

MI: Did you become a Christian in America?

YJ: I went to a Christian school in Ethiopia until my sophomore year in high school. That is when we moved to America. While at the school, I accepted Christ in the second grade. I was actively involved in many of the activities in my school. Once I came to the US, I grew apart from the Lord. But when I came to college, I got involved in Christian organizations. As a result, I’ve grown closer to the Lord again.

MI: Are you able to share Christ with your family? If so, how can our readers pray for them and for you?

YJ: My parents are Orthodox Christians and they do not know that I am involved in campus ministries. They told me that the only approved religion is Orthodox and I should not go to a different church. Right now, this is the hardest and most crucial struggle I’m facing. I want to be able to share Christ with my parents and I ask the readers to pray for me that God will give me the courage and strength to open up to my parents. Also, pray that He will open their hearts to hear what I have to say.

MI: What is your life verse?

YJ: John 3:16

MI: What is your favorite worship song (English or from your first language)?

YJ: My favorite English worship song is “When I Think About the Lord” by Hillsong United. It tells my story and how God just picked me up and changed my story completely.

MI: How do you live out your faith on campus?

YJ: I always try to reflect the love that Jesus has for each of us by just being with people and helping people as much as I can.

MI: Do you plan to go on a mission trip while you are in college?

YJ: Right now, no. Primarily because my parents do not yet approve of my involvement with Christian activities and churches. But after I talk to my parents and am able to receive their acceptance of my faith, I feel like I should be able to go.

MI: What is your major and how will use that as you continue to live out your faith after college?

YJ: My major is nursing. My plan after college is to go back to Ethiopia and establish a nonprofit organization which provides support to kids who have lost their parents for different reasons and live on the streets. I believe that God has blessed me with a great compassion towards kids. Through nursing I can be more caring for them and do a lot with my training.

MI: What is your advice to US-born students so that they will know how to help those who were not born in America feel comfortable on campus?

YJ: I just want to say that coming to a different country and trying to adjust to the lifestyle is very hard. I encourage all the US-born students to be open to different cultures and be willing to explain things that we might not understand. I also want to thank all the people God has blessed me with on the Salisbury University campus for being so welcoming and generous.

Gayla has just joined Facebook.  She is enjoying keeping up with old and new friends.  This is also her prayer list, she prays for those on her friends list.  If you would like her to pray for you just sign up as a friend or e-mail her at gparker@bcmd.org