Determined Not to Become a Christian

“My name is Kenji Kondo, from Japan. My family is very traditional Buddhist and Shintoist. As an atheist, I was against any religion. I came to Canada in 1995.”

That’s how Kenji started his testimony at an ISMC banquet in 2001, just two years after going forward at the altar call of a Japanese evangelist speaking in Calgary. So how did Kenji come to accept Jesus? And what has happened since?

Kenji explains salvation to unreached teenagers

God brought loving Christians into Kenji’s life while he was a student. He stayed at the home of ISMC staff, attended FOCUS Club and even Bible study. But, as a staunch atheist, he was determined not to become a Christian himself, even though Christians served and prayed for him. Kenji was amazed that anyone would pray for his struggles—and even more amazed that they believed and trusted that their God would help him. “And it was so,” said Kenji. By the time he spoke at that 2001 banquet, he had become a believer, been baptized, and was serving in Canada with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Kenji had no intention of returning to Japan. In 2005, he married a Canadian. Later, his family even served for two years in Asia. But God was nudging Kenji about friends and family in Japan, not one of whom knew about Jesus. There had never been a church in his hometown, and no missionaries had ever come to the place.

In 2012, Kenji’s father’s failing health forced the issue. Almost fifteen years after becoming a Christian, Kenji moved back to his hometown to take care of his dad. A few years later, Kenji’s dad miraculously accepted Jesus and was baptized before he passed away. This sparked a desire in Kenji to minister to his own people, and laid the foundation for Kenji and Sandy to join Operation Mobilization, starting a new ministry team in Japan. They served in evangelism and also started a gathering of believers.

Today, in Kenji’s hometown, there is a church plant started by one of the major denominations in Japan. Kenji and his family support Japanese pastors and struggling churches and work to break denominational and geographical barriers throughout his province of Mie. Kenji speaks and interprets at local and international events—including the once-in-seven-year conference presented by the Japanese Evangelical Association.

When a series of large earthquakes hit the Noto Peninsula this January, 360 kilometers north of Kenji’s home, Operation Mobilization was quick to help. Kenji’s coworkers in the affected region became the first to respond, while Kenji was appointed disaster response manager. He kept churches and relief organizations updated, while Operation Mobilization gathered with local pastors and denominations to start Noto Help, an interdenominational Christian disaster response organization.

That student, who was determined not to become a Christian or return to Japan, now prays that this ongoing relief effort will open doors for churches to have unity and for Christians to become salt and light in Japan.

Kenji equips Japanese Christians to share the gospel to people in an unreached area

Housing is still a huge need for international students. In today’s housing crunch, there are so many opportunities for Christians to impact the lives of international students by sharing their home. To get started, contact your local university for information about homestay programs, or check out platforms such as spacesshared.ca which match students looking for safe and affordable housing with hosts who have spare bedrooms.

Why was a non-Christian Chinese student studying the Bible at a Christian college in Alberta? “I had so many questions,” says Alec, “and I was so open to absorb what the truth is.” Alec became a believer that year, but his journey to faith started when he connected with Christians in Vancouver.

Alec, a University of Shanghai graduate, was working in polymer research in 1988 when an opportunity opened for him to study in Canada. But he first had to improve his English. When he arrived in BC, he was looking for housing. Almost immediately, a friend of a fellow Chinese student referred him to Al and Marianne Bohr, ISMC staff who boarded international students.

Alec moved in. The Bohrs, of course, invited him to join the international student Bible studies in their basement and other activities they led. ”I realized they were Christians,” says Alec, “which was totally new to me.”

Alec participated as his schedule permitted, and sometimes came along as Al and Marianne helped other international students. He was curious about what the Bohrs believed, which led to long discussions about Christianity and even to Alec attending church. Alec had so many questions: Why is your family like this? How, in a modern country, can you still believe in God? Don’t you value materialism? “But,” says Alec, “their life really was a testimony to me.”

Then came Tiananmen Square, which changed everything for Alec. “That really woke me up to think about the meaning of life,” he says. Alec was coming to the end of his English program and Marianne, knowing his deep curiosity about the Christian faith, broached the idea of a year of Bible college. Incredibly, Alec agreed. He wanted to learn more about Canadian culture and Christian morals. As he says, “that’s what I always wanted to explore.”

His first semester at the Bible college was filled with new information and opportunities to experience God. Alec’s mindset was changing from materialism to being open to spiritual experience. But it was back at Al and Marianne’s between semesters that Alec surrendered completely to God. That summer he was baptized before returning to Bible college for his second semester, this time as a believer.

Fast forward to 2024. Alec stayed in Canada, and now, 36 years later, he’s an elder in a growing Chinese congregation in Burnaby that he helped found many years before. He’s teaching and serving and leading others to Christ. As a consultant for business start-ups (he now has an MBA), he’s active in marketplace ministry. So many years later, he is still impacting his world through Jesus Christ—all because a family was faithful in reaching the nations at their doorstep.

When Huijuan came to Canada from China to join her husband, Huazhou, she had already heard about Ted. An ISMC Regina team member, Ted had been helping Huazhou practice English for years.

Huijuan joined the weekly hour-long sessions that combined English practice with Bible reading. ”We read the Gospels together and discussed what the passages meant to us,” says Ted, “we do our best to teach the Bible to our students and build a good relationship with them.”

Huijuan was impressed that Christians were so nice and willing to help others selflessly. She became familiar with the Bible, occasionally reading chapters by herself. Huazhou even expressed interest in learning what the Bible says about marriage, which led to a group of half a dozen Chinese couples meeting together to explore the topic.

“Our desire is for students to accept Jesus into their lives and follow Him,” says Ted, “but we ourselves cannot make this happen. It is only when the Holy Spirit convinces them of their need for a Savior that they can become believers. Our job is to remain faithful in teaching God’s truths to them and leave the results with Him.”

When Huazhou got a job in Edmonton, the couple still hadn’t accepted Christ despite their interest in spiritual things. After they moved, Ted kept in touch. He tried to connect Huazhou and Huijuan with a local church and even visited them occasionally. Most importantly, he kept praying

A decade after Huazhou and Huijuan moved away, they sent him copies of their baptismal testimonies. Ted excitedly read how they had come to Jesus for salvation, eternal life, and abundant life! They are teaching their children about Jesus. Huazhou’s parents were baptized at the same time. The testimonies mentioned the influence of Ted’s ministry in their lives. So many years later, this ministry is bearing fruit in three generations of one family.

“Because of you,” Huazhou said in his testimony, “I have more joy and peace in following the path of Jesus Christ.”

“We need to keep on keeping on,” says Ted, “because we never know what God is doing behind the scenes. It talks in the Bible about one person sowing the seed and one person reaping the harvest, and together we can rejoice when God shows them their need for salvation and they respond by saying yes!”

Now in her second year of educational assistant studies at Niagara College, Natalia exudes confidence. But it wasn’t always like that. Just over a year ago, when she, her husband and two little girls arrived in Welland, Ontario, from Colombia, they weren’t sure how to start making a life in this new country.

“From the first day of being here, we started looking for newcomer support groups,” recalls Natalia. She came across Niagara International Student Ministries and decided to give it a try. “I felt quite nervous because they are people you don’t know and you have language as the first barrier.”

Ryanna Schlechter, the Welland campus coordinator for ISMC, received Natalia’s message through the Niagara International Students Facebook page. She directed Natalia to the website with its many resources, and encouraged her to apply for a welcome package—hand-delivered fresh-baked goodies and other treats for newly-arrived international students.

A few days later, Ryanna delivered the gift to Natalia at their Airbnb. When Natalia mentioned they were moving to a new place and Ryanna realized the apartment was unfurnished, she connected Natalia with Niagara’s on-going furniture ministry. “We quickly rallied volunteers and furniture donations to meet the need,” says Ryanna. Natalia recalls how valuable this practical assistance was—things they didn’t need to buy to equip their home with the basics.

But Natalia is especially grateful for relationships that developed through these interactions. “The first help we received was furniture, clothes for our daughters and toys,” says Natalia. “Then we began to meet more people by participating in the activities they plan, which on an emotional level is quite important. And they gave us spiritual support by inviting us to participate at church services in Welland.”

Natalia & Ryanna enjoying an activity together

Lineke, one of the volunteers who brought toys for the girls, became like a grandma to them. She invited the family to church, and soon Natalia was also attending the Bible discovery class that Lineke leads.

Growing up in Colombia, Natalia knew about God. But in Canada she learned what it means to have a relationship with Him. “We are much closer to God every day,” says Natalia, “seeing His mercy through the help we receive.”

Natalia describes the kindness of those who helped them as an affirmation that God is near. “The truth is,” she explains, “they cannot imagine what it is like to find this type of support in a new and unknown place. This makes us think that there really are good people and that God will always help us.”

More about Ryanna and her ministry.

Kana never imagined becoming a Christian. Her Chinese mother has a Muslim background and her Japanese father loves shrines and Buddhist altars. But when she came to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver on a language exchange, Kana met Christians for the first time. Returning to UBC a few years later, she joined a Japanese Bible study hosted by ISMC. “I was fascinated by how Christian people see the world,” she says, “and I professed to believe in Christianity.” But Kana wasn’t ready to get baptized—a big step in Japanese culture—because she was worried about reactions from family and friends.

After returning home, Kana realized she didn’t know any Christians nearby and had no idea how to select a church. “When the pandemic made the whole world panic and everything was shifted online, finding a church became even harder” she explains.

During this time, family members faced much stress, not only because of quarantine, but also health issues and a job loss. Kana stopped eating for days; she stopped reading her Bible; she even tried to distance herself from the ISMC Japanese Bible study that now met online. “I thought my faith would fade away,” she admits.

Her father saw how much she was struggling and helped her move to a new place away from the stressful home environment. She started attending the Bible study again and an ISMC worker invited her to an online Global Returnees Conference*. “I met so many people who met Jesus in different countries and came back to Japan as Christians, just like I did,” says Kana. She now meets online regularly with people from the conference. “After a long time of depression,” says Kana, “I opened the Bible and got connected to Christian people once again.”

Kana kept praying to find a church—and realized that God had already been piecing together the answer to that prayer. Her mother discovered that the family chiropractor was a Christian; he brought Kana to his church. “For the first time since I came back to Japan,” Kana says, “I truly believed this is where I belong.” When her family came to pick her up after church, they were impressed. They met the pastor and chatted for almost two hours!

Kana is now planning her baptism at her new church. Looking back, she is amazed at how God prepared everything she needed: a Christian community when she became weak; a church that has helped her share her faith with her family; and the reassurance that God had not given up on her, despite her many struggles.

Kana’s dad visiting her new church

*The Global Returnees Conference encourages Christians returning to Japan from all over the world. It is led by the Japanese Christian Fellowship Network, an ISMC partner.

Michael brought his planned and reasoned approach to life to Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC in 2017. Taking a post-bacc in supply chain management, he reasoned, was the most efficient route from Ukraine to permanent resident status in Canada.

His introduction to FOCUS Club was equally measured. Michael had made a decision to socialize more, so he attended TRU’s Clubs Day. “I was specifically looking for a club where I could meet some local people,” said Michael, “not only international students.” He accepted a friend’s invitation to FOCUS Club.

The first meeting included pizza, games, and socializing with other international students and volunteers. “I was surprised at the amount of Canadians who were not otherwise connected to the university,” said Michael. He became a regular at the Friday night meetings.

Michael and a student volunteer at a FOCUS Club fundraiser

FOCUS Club included discussions about a faith that differed sharply from what Michael was familiar with. “Before I came to Canada,” he says, “I knew faith as something mandatory, unless you came from a specifically atheist family. In my community, not many people will dare to say something bad about God, but very few follow the way of Jesus.” In Ukraine, Michael was not exposed to much religion, but he was taught to stay away from all but the orthodox churches. Little wonder he was cautious.

But Michael was also curious. After attending several FOCUS Club sessions, he decided to see what a Canadian church looks like, so ISMC Kamloops City Director Jeff Torrans helped him find one to suit his personality.

Compared to Ukraine, church in Canada reminded Michael more of a performance than a religious service, with a stage, rows of seats, music, and “public speaking”. But he liked it and appreciated the church’s academic approach to the Bible, so different from what he was exposed to in Ukraine.

Michael explored faith just like he approached life: rationally and logically. He began to study the Bible and have discussions with the Pastor, which led to researching Christian apologetics. God met Michael where he was at, and through the process, Michael became convinced of the solid arguments behind Jesus.

Michael still has his life completely planned out. At the FOCUS Club grad celebration, he talked about his future plans—right through to retirement and grandkids! After graduation, Michael became a follower of Christ. Now those plans also include growing his faith.

Jenny Zhu was born in China, grew up in Panama, and completed her education in Canada. She has since moved to Spain with her husband and children, where she shares God’s powerful grace with those around her.

Listening to the students around my table discussing their experiences of living in Canada took me back to my own student days, reminding me how God used that time to draw me closer to Him.

Like the international students I hosted for Friends for Dinner* during my last year in Canada, I knew how hard it is to start over in a foreign country. When I came to Canada for high school, everything was new—culture, food, language, lifestyle—and I was alone and apart from my family. In Grade 12, my parents went bankrupt and didn’t have the money for me to continue studying.

A Christian couple in the community responded to my predicament by opening their spacious home to me. They helped me with my homework and my English. I had grown up learning that love always comes with conditions, but there I experienced unconditional love for the first time. This couple loved me so much, I always felt like a daughter. Through them, I came to understand a little of our heavenly Father’s love for me.

Jenny revisiting her high school

I had responded to an invitation to accept Jesus at a summer camp before coming to Canada, but didn’t really know much about God or faith. In Canada, God worked in my life, and in the thirteen years I was there, He gave me a new identity and purified my heart. God’s grace started to heal wounds caused by abuse, rebellion, bitterness, and shame, preparing me to give to others as I had received from Him.

I’m honored that God has seen fit to use my struggles to help others. I now live with my family in Spain, where I serve as a translator for my Chinese church. Before the pandemic, we started bringing missionaries from Canada to help organize a summer youth camp. This year, God opened a different door; our church is using Zoom to reach youth in Panama. I am also in the process of equipping myself as a Christian life coach to mentor women and families, helping them see God’s purpose in their lives.

In so many ways, my ministry reflects my life and the powerful grace I experienced from our heavenly Father who works all things for good.

Jenny Zhu
Former international student

*Friends for Dinner is an ISMC hospitality program that brings international students into Canadian homes for a meal during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Please visit www.friendsfordinner.ca for more information.

My name is Faye and I am from China. In 2012, I came to New Brunswick to finish high school because Canada is well known for its welcoming multiculturalism. The Canadian teachers and students at the Christian school I attended in Saint John made me feel at home.

The following year, I attended Douglas College in BC. Sometimes I felt really lonely; I didn’t know how to get involved in Canadian society. But one day, a Chinese girl told me about FOCUS Club while we were walking to class. Even though I was shy, I decided to attend. What a great opportunity to have fun, eat nice food, and meet international students and local students. That’s where I learned more about Jesus and how great the good news is. I felt loved by others and enjoyed being with those lovely Christians, regardless of their age. I saw lots of joy in their lives, even when they had difficulties.

As I learned more about Christianity, I desperately wanted to have a pure life. I couldn’t do it by myself, because I was weak and knew Jesus was the only One I could rely on. The Lord knew my thoughts, and prepared me with a new job where I met my future husband. We became good friends and discussed the Bible and Christian books together. I started to read the Bible every day, attend a Mandarin service, and go to a young adult fellowship. I became a Christian in 2016 and we married the following year. Our daughter was born in 2018.

God listens to my prayers, solves my confusion, shows me my problems and provides strength and encouragement. I try to honor His Word by how I conduct myself. I desire to be a good wife, mother and daughter because I want my family to see the characteristics of a Christian woman in me. Even though it is difficult for family members to recognize the changes, I want my life to clearly show that God’s teaching and guidance makes a tangible difference.

Faye F
Former international student

My name is Yaeji (Emily) Ra. I was born in Korea. My parents’ families were Christian to varying degrees; while I acted like a Christian, I just followed the letter of the law like a Pharisee, not realizing that true holiness must be motivated by God’s love.

After finishing grade five, my family immigrated to British Columbia. That meant entering grade six without any English ability! Another adjustment: changing my hard-to-pronounce name to Emily.

After graduating from high school, I took engineering because it was the only bachelor’s degree with which I could find a well-paying job quickly. Money, I thought, was the path to acquiring everything I wanted. I graduated from mechanical engineering and started my career as a field engineer in Red Deer.

In the summer of 2017, I was in a terrible accident while driving to Prince Edward Island. The doctors doubted I would survive and put me in an induced coma to deal with a badly swollen brain. My pelvis, sacrum, and left femur were broken. Despite seven brain surgeries, doctors had little hope of my surviving, telling my mom that if I did, I’d be bedridden for life.

Mother did not give up hope. She trusted that Jehovah Rapha (the God who heals) would heal me. While I was in the induced coma, she patiently read the Bible to me in Korean and English. Her prayers were answered over two years. Although I still struggle with some pain and short-term memory loss, it was only by God’s grace that I regained most of my language and singing ability.

After my accident, I no longer chased money; I followed something far more valuable: a promise from the never-changing God: “I will not leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). What joy to know that with everything having been taken from me, I could find all I needed in Christ.

With my recovery, I stopped being a pharisaic Christian and sought God personally, embracing His love. Today, I live to serve His kingdom. I rejoined the Montreal Gospel Choir, using my voice to worship and bring joy to others. I started an Airbnb Experiences soap making workshop, and by God’s grace, connected with many participants, sharing my testimony.

Although the pandemic stopped my soap making workshops, I use YouTube to share the joy of the Lord, and His miraculous healing and transformative power in my life, through my singing.

Yaeji (Emily) Ra
Former international student

Montreal Gospel Choir Christmas Concert 2019

Montreal Gospel Choir Christmas Concert 2020

Kuldeep Bartia is an international student from northern India. She and her family are Sikhs, a community with strong values and beliefs of unity, justice, freedom of religion, and community service. Kuldeep’s journey in Canada not only led her to Jesus, but through many bumpy roads, she came to know Him as her protector and comforter. She is impacting her family’s perspective on Christ.

Since childhood, Kuldeep had a passion for aviation because her dad serves in the air force. Kuldeep studied aerospace engineering and obtained her private pilot’s license. Since there are few aviation opportunities in India, Kuldeep’s parents encouraged her to go abroad for higher education.

Kuldeep arrived in Canada in 2017, studied mechanical engineering at Fanshawe College and continued with a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at Montreal’s Concordia University. Her dream? Become an aeronautical engineer.

Encountering Jesus just before a Storm

Kuldeep’s spiritual family in Canada.

While studying and working part time in London, Kuldeep first heard the story of Jesus from a coworker who later became her godfather. She was touched by Christ’s love and sacrifice to redeem mankind from the consequences of sin. After accepting Jesus as Savior, Kuldeep decided to get baptized. “There are many gods in India,” she said, “but Jesus is the only God who truly loves me.”

Just as Kuldeep’s life seemed headed in the right direction, life became more challenging.

At the end of 2017, she was diagnosed with PSE, a disease that can lead to liver failure. As an active young lady who never had major health issues, she was devastated and did not dare inform her parents in India, choosing instead to navigate the situation alone. She hoped her health would stabilize if she followed her doctors’ instructions. But after a year of treatment, while studying and working part time, the doctors said her liver was 90% damaged and that she needed an immediate liver transplant. Although she put her name on the waiting list, the chances of finding a suitable donor were slim.

Following the recommendations and encouragement of doctors and friends, Kuldeep informed her parents who purchased a ticket for her return to India. Five hospitals refused to handle Kuldeep’s surgery even though her younger sister was prepared to donate part of her liver. The doctors claimed such procedures come with a mere 5% survival rate. Even though Kuldeep’s parents did not know God, they prayed and didn’t give up hope. One hospital finally accepted her for surgery.

Encountering Jesus in a Dream

On August 2, 2019, during her 18 hour surgery, Kuldeep encountered Jesus in a dream.

I was covered with thorn bushes, and saw Jesus come close. He said, “Come out, girl!” I responded, “I can’t. I am stuck and bleeding badly!” Jesus replied, “Girl, do not worry about anything, just come near Me and you will be fine.” He held my hand and helped me out of the bushes. Once I was out, Jesus wrapped His arms around me, and I started to cry. I still remember Him whispering in my ear, “Be strong and courageous. You will overcome.” I opened my eyes with tears rolling down my face, and found myself in the intensive care unit with tubes all over me.

Kuldeep and her younger sister.

Even though the surgery was successful, the doctors were surprised to see Kuldeep come back to her senses. After 20 days, she could talk and the first thing she said was to tell her parents about Jesus in her dream. They were amazed and grateful. On that day, they visited a nearby church and said a prayer of thanksgiving.

The encounter with Jesus in the dream not only changed her family’s view of God, it gave Kuldeep tremendous courage and hope despite her weak body. After a few months, she got her strength back and was eager to complete her last semester in Canada.

Encountering Jesus in the Hurdles

Kuldeep returned to Canada earlier this year. Due to her liver condition, she frequently needs antibiotic treatments. Something she didn’t expect is that her health expenses were no longer covered. Since her surgery was in India, the insurance company identified hers as a pre-existing case even though the liver disease was first diagnosed in Canada. Left with few options, Kuldeep set up a long term payment plan for her health expenses. She anticipates paying it after she graduates and gets a job.

Kuldeep said that despite the many hurdles in her life, Jesus promised she will overcome. “I will put my trust in Him, He who understands my pain. I know I am not alone, and I don’t need to worry, because over the past three years, despite the difficulties, I continually experienced His provision and support through those He put on my path.”

If you want to help Kuldeep pay her health expenses, visit this GoFundMe page.