Walking Towards the Light

Here are 4 stories of students who regularly attended our Bible studies this year. While they have yet to call Jesus "Lord" and "Savior", they have gone from skepticism to humbly seeking His truth. Pray for these students. 

Below are the stories of Elle, Emma, V, and T.

Identities have been hidden to protect their privacy.

In an early Bible study this year, we had an engaging discussion that highlighted the journey of a student named Elle, who has been exploring the depths of Scripture with us. Although she identifies as agnostic, Elle’s genuine curiosity and excitement during our sessions have sparked vibrant conversations about faith and theology. Her thoughtful questions and "aha" moments bring a fresh perspective to our discussions, reminding us of the importance of diving deep into God's Word. We’re excited to see how her journey unfolds and are hopeful that her continued participation will encourage more international students to join us in exploring the truths of the Bible. We invite everyone to remain faithful in prayer for Elle and for the growth of our Bible study community!

Two years ago, Emma, a Chinese international student, walked into our Bridges International community, initially seeking only one thing: free food. It was a tough season for her, with little financial support from home, and our dinners were a lifeline. At first, she was upfront: “I’m here for the food, not the Jesus stuff.” But over time, something incredible began to happen.

By her third dinner with us, Emma shared that she had begun to see more than just a meal; she saw a community that genuinely cared for her. “I came for the food,” she said, “but now I’m here for you guys.” From that moment on, Emma’s journey with Bridges took a new turn. She wasn’t just attending; she was becoming a part of our family.

Over the next year, Emma became a leader in our community, welcoming new students to our dinners. She helped create an environment where others could feel the same care and support she experienced. But it didn’t stop there—this year, she began attending our Bible studies regularly, diving deep into the Word, and seeking a better understanding of who Jesus truly is. While she hasn’t yet declared Jesus as her Lord and Savior, we’ve seen Emma grow tremendously in her faith journey.

In a special moment, we took Emma to Barnes & Noble to buy her very first Bible, and the excitement in her eyes was undeniable. It’s been amazing to watch her walk closer to Jesus, and we’re excited to see where her journey leads.

Please continue to pray for Emma as she grows in her relationship with Jesus, and for all our international students that they might find belonging and faith through Bridges.

This year at Bridges, we've seen some amazing transformations, but perhaps none more powerful than the story of V, a student who initially came to us with skepticism and a cold demeanor. When we first met V, she was hesitant, even telling us upfront, "Don’t try to convert me." But she came to our events anyway, slowly opening up to the community, all the while keeping her distance from the spiritual conversations we were having.

As the year went on, we noticed a subtle but profound change. V started to engage more deeply with our discussions, often asking the toughest questions about God and the Bible. Her approach was intense, sometimes combative, but we welcomed her questions with open arms. We knew that real growth comes from wrestling with hard questions. Despite her doubts, she began to soften, showing more care for the people around her and her newfound community.

Her journey took another exciting turn when she started coming to Bible studies—often being one of the most consistent attendees. She was leaning in, eager to understand more, and one of the most special moments came when we took her to Barnes & Noble to buy her very first Bible. The joy on her face said it all. Even though V hasn’t yet made a decision to follow Jesus, we’ve seen her take leaps of faith, and it’s been a privilege to witness.

We continue to pray for V—that she would see Jesus for who He truly is and understand her identity as a beloved child of God. We are confident that God is at work in her heart, and we can't wait to see what comes next.