STORIES

God has challenged me to be more intentional and transparent in my relationships. He has challenged me to think more about serving China and working abroad. He has changed my attitudes and heart for China.
Charissa, UC San Diego

I believe that this summer has led to new discoveries in my own Christian living. The Lord has revealed to me passions and possible gifts that I have never paid attention to. Now, I will continue to develop in the areas of evangelism, prayer and servanthood for others.
Nathan, University of British Columbia

Being around other devoted Christians pushed me to seek God more in my own personal life and how I live out my faith, and how I can witness to family and friends at home.
Leslie, MIT

China was life-altering. While I am beginning to understand parts of why God wanted me to go there, I still do not understand entirely—I’m not sure if I ever will. But I know that there was reason and purpose—as there always is. I walked away with some amazing friendships, a better understanding of and an appreciation for China, and perhaps a better understanding of myself and who I am.
Katie, Boston University

China’s rich culture is tremendously captivating to me. China is the future—and I would love to be a part of it.
Charissa, LeTourneau University

I appreciate how GLS encourages us to learn from Muslims and thus show our love for them, which makes the friendship mutual.
Jocelyn, UC San Diego

I’m really glad that I came. I think God opened my heart and desire to pray for Muslims. Before, I didn’t even know what to pray for but now I have a much better understanding of everyday Muslim life and culture.
Amy, UCLA

The most memorable moment was watching sheep graze with my friend Bekmurat. He is a shepherd boy. I told him of another shepherd boy, David. He wrote many psalms. I also told him of The Shepherd that leads us to green pastures. It was a great illustration to see the words of the bible come to life!

The most joyous occasion was when a young girl decides to turn to God and realize there is something so much bigger than this world. To hunger and thirst for righteousness, giving her the Bible, setting her up with a local sister for accountability.

The most heart-wrenching moment was saying goodbye to all the kids as they were crying their eyes out and asking us to come back next year. Them telling us that they would never forget us and that they will wait for us next year! Doing our secret handshake for the very last time in a very sorrowful way, knowing that we’ll never do it together again.

Justin, UC Riverside

My internship opened my eyes to the rise of social enterprises in China and how important this is for the country’s rapid development. It has spurred my passion for China and for business as a major.
Jessica, UT Austin

I have a greater appreciation for how long-term workers deal with the challenges of living/serving overseas and how they’ve grown from it.
Erin, Wellesley College

The growth of China and all the new possible opportunities open my mind to options serving overseas.
Edwin, UCLA

I’ve gained a lot of insight as to what needs there are and how you can work effectively overseas. I was able to see first-hand what it’s like to live and work in China.
Peter, UC Berkeley

One of the main reasons I enjoy working with GLS is because its leaders make it their mission to challenge their participants to consider long-term service. It is because of GLS, and the various opportunities that I’ve had to meet other long-term associates and workers, that I have developed a perspective on what it means to serve abroad.
Tim, UC San Diego