Aiko
Written by Susie Thompson
Ministry to international students is one of the most strategic Great Commission efforts that a ministry can be involved in. So when Aiko (name changed to protect anonymity), a student from Japan, came to study at PSU in the Fall of 2022, she connected to NCM through a friendship with Miriam, PSU Campus Missionary, in the University Choir. Aiko was not interested in Christianity. In fact, she was highly distrusting of Christians in general. She was, however, eager to practice her English!
As Aiko attended NCM’s English Conversation Corner, a weekly event specifically to connect international and native students through conversation, Aiko became fast friends with a student on the NCM lead team at PSU. Though she was still adamant about not wanting to attend Bible Study or anything else that was overtly Christian, Aiko was enjoying her time spent with the NCM community over Christmas break.
In January, this student leader invited Aiko into Bible study yet again. To our surprise, Aiko said ‘yes!’ Basically overnight, Aiko had gone from trusting these Christian friends but remaining without interest in the faith, to asking questions and being curious about what Christians believe. NCM staff and students were overjoyed to see this change in Aiko’s perspective!
Through the Spring, Aiko continued to come to almost all the NCM events, continuing to enjoy time in community. Her interest in Jesus was obvious, and she requested to start reading the Bible with Miriam. Through the Spring term, Miriam and Aiko met regularly to read through the book of John. This time in the Word opened Aiko’s mind to the possibility of trusting in Jesus, but as she continued in study with Miriam, Aiko ultimately decided that following Jesus was not worth the things that it would cost her. Fighting discouragement, Miriam reminded herself that Aiko’s interest in the person and work of Jesus was real, but perhaps it just was not the right time for Aiko to make the leap.
At the end of the school year, Aiko went home to Japan. NCM students and leaders were sad that it seemed things ended this way. But Aiko’s NCM friendships were too important to just let go of, and she continued to keep up with NCM student leaders Hayley (pictured with Aiko above) and Alondra.
Aiko came back to Portland to visit last summer and to see her PSU friends. She visited with Hayley and Alondra and even attended church with them while she was here. It was during that visit that Aiko’s interest in Jesus became reignited. She began asking questions about Jesus, Christianity, and salvation. Hayley and Alondra were encouraged to see their friend thinking deeply about the Gospel again.
Since Aiko has been back home in Japan, she’s continued to keep up with Hayley and Alondra. This time, however, many of their interactions are in the form of Zoom Bible Studies as they read through different books of the Bible and talk them through. Hayley and Alondra handle Aiko’s questions with the thoughtfulness and care of true disciple makers, and we as a staff are so encouraged to hear about these studies in discipleship each week. Our desire is ultimately for Aiko to experience salvation through Jesus Christ, and we patiently wait as we watch the Lord work in her heart and mind. We are thankful for the privilege of friendship with Aiko, knowing that none of this would be possible outside of the safety of Christian community and friendship.
