What is your name? What are you studying?
My name is Christina Ma and I am currently studying Economics at SFU.
How long have you been studying at SFU?
This is my first year.
What is your experience with the culture of SFU?
SFU’s motto is “engaging the world”, and so they are a very accepting and open group. On campus, there are groups of every kind – pro-life, pro-choice and pro legalization of marijuana, prostitution, you name it! As with any academic environment, SFU teems with the pride of knowledge. There is always something to debate about. At the same time, my experience with the professors has been very positive. I feel as though the professors are even more avid learners than the students themselves.
What are some of the difficulties and challenges of being a Christian on the SFU Campus?
Evidently, my stand as pro-life for abortions has been challenged multiple times, even though I have only been on campus for 1 month. Christian values and biblical foundations are what I seek to uphold at all times. My integrity relies on careful consideration – whether it be being graceful during debate, or going to a 3 day art camp and not participating in illegal drinking or hateful bashing of other people. Throughout it all, I pray that I am diligent, and that I represent the love of Christ in my actions.
How has God been shaping and changing your identity and views on mission since joining IVCF?
My identity has been challenged in every single way. SFU has been a time of growth (even though it has only been 1 month! But a lot can happen within 4 weeks!). I have been challenged internally in unprecedented ways. Constantly, I am battling with who I am, who I am meant to be and how my past and heritage has affected who I am today. At IVCF, I joined a small group called Next Generation where we have been trying to balance Chinese values (including our relationships with our parents) to that of God’s character (like God the father in the prodigal son). I am trying to form healthy and positive boundaries in all areas of my life. Needless to say, I have felt the need to re-evaluate, re-organize, and re-prioritize my life in a way that reflects God’s glory and his ultimate plan for me.
What do you hope to see change in your friends and the SFU Campus?
I hope to defend Christ in a way that honors and reflects his affectionate nature. I am standing firm on his love which motivates me to be passionate in what I study and in who I meet. I hope for breakthrough in our campus, so that SFU, a UniverCITY literally on a hill, will be a beacon of light to all other universities. I pray that preconceived misconceptions of Christianity will disintegrate and I pray that Jesus will not be associated with the horrors of colonialism or Western imposition. Rather, I hope that God will be perceived as the righteous judge, healer and provider. All in all, I am excited to see tangible justice come into our school.
How can we pray for you and your ministry?
Pray for newfound hunger to be released into our school. Pray also for our discernment- that we may be bold enough to make a case for Christ, yet humble and sensitive enough to invite others to accept Jesus into their hearts without confusing them. Thank you for sacrificing your time and energy to read this letter. I hope that you will keep the cause of SFU in your hearts and appreciate our earnest yearning for breakthrough in our school.
