The experiences that shaped my life are many and varied, but there is undeniably a central “theme” in my life. That is my Christianity. I started going to church with my parents since I was little, and I hated it. There seemed no point in going to church on Sundays nor did I have any interest in reading the Bible. Yet, I went.
It took until only roughly 2 years ago that I began to question my faith and come to grips with what I believed. I went to a short-term mission trip to Arizona to serve the Navajos on the Reservation. During that time, I struggled with my faith, or lack of, thankfully to some avail. I came back that summer a little more mature, and promptly began to see a change in the way I served in ministries and even just my entire attitude about Christianity. I had discovered something, a glimpse of something eternal, and good, something heavenly.
Now, as a student in Baruch, I’m excited to see the challenges that await me. I’m ready to take on hard classes and tackle the workload. I’m just a little nervous about the first semester as I struggle to find a balance between school, work, and church. But I’m excited and hopeful.
Junyu,
Your story about your Christian faith is very interesting, especially because, in some ways, it is similar to mine. I was raised Catholic and I reached a point where I couldn’t stand it. I felt it was very impractical, very mechanical, and very BORING. Though a whole series of life events and a little bit of luck, I stumbled upon a video of a pastor in Seattle named Mark Driscoll. It fundamentally changed my life. I currently go to a Christian church called City Light and I love it. I trek down Friday nights commuting about an hour and a half each way just to go to the service.
I think it’s awesome that serving and ministering helped rejuvenate your Christian faith. Ultimately, that’s what it’s largely about right? It’s about loving Jesus and demonstrating that in part by serving our brothers and sisters. You’re story is very inspiring and I hope that you find great success in all your endeavors!
P.S. Here’s a clip of Mark Driscoll. He’s a pretty awesome guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8s7ZjCYPvY&feature=related