letters: to the Navs

What a blessing it has been to know y'all. I'm so glad I found you guys.

Y'all were my first group of Caucasian friends. It sounds strange to say that, but it's entirely true.
The Navigators was also my first encounter with Christianity outside an Asian/Asian-American context.

God showed me what it meant to identify as a Christian, not just an Asian-American Christian. I used to think my identity as an Asian American superseded all else -  I connected with people with shared backgrounds with immigrant parents and blended cultures with different languages and food. But I connected more with this group of people than with the Asian Americans I had met on campus. There is this undeniable passion for the Gospel and Christ that shapes their actions and worldviews. I couldn't help but want to be around these people.

I would describe the overall group of Navs as nice. But nice in, the best and most incredible way possible. I have never met nicer people. My first couple months I was unsure if sarcasm and sass were appropriate at all. But still to this day, I am amazed by the love this group has for Christ and for other people. It is unreal, how caring, and thoughtful, and sincere these people are. They embody what a group of Christian believers should be:

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

I cannot count the times I have felt encouraged, and uplifted, and even convicted, by these guys' faiths. Faiths that hold so tightly to the word and to Christ's promises, and that look to Christ even when things are really difficult.

I praise God for y'all. What a blessing it's been to be with you guys.

from 08.28.2013, freshman day #8

I visited the Navigators today and I actually really really enjoyed it. The worship/message wasn't anything spectacular, and the group was quite small, but the guy leading the group just spoke with such passion when he talked about the mission statement of the fellowship. It was a bit long-winded and I admit I got a bit glassy-eyed in the middle, but you could really tell how devoted, passionate and excited he was about the group and going out to reach the community at IU. Afterwards there were free ice cream sundaes and such, but I got to talk with a group of the upperclassmen there and it was really fun.