TCK Voices: Thoughts of a Young International Student

Today, we have Justin with us. Welcome, Justin!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I spent the first 15 years of my life in China. Primarily in Beijing, with several months in Jinan and Guangzhou due to ministries. Then, another several months in Europe and New Zealand for vision trips. At the age of 15, I moved to Phoenix on my own to study, living with church families while underage, then moving out after becoming an adult. Now, I am an undergraduate senior in computer science, preparing to graduate and find a job.

Have you ever wished you could trade your TCK experience for a “normal” childhood? Why?

It depends on whom to trade with: I wouldn’t wish to trade my childhood with another Chinese who has never been abroad, because he often has limited resources for biblical teachings and limited time or permission to explore extracurricular learning (such as programming). However, I would be happy to trade with another American, due to his American citizenship, giving him the ability to work and have a stable life in this free country.

What is an advantage of being a TCK?

One advantage of being a TCK is that it has made me more open-minded and adaptable. Because I was still young when I lived in China, my worldview was not fully fixed yet, so I was more willing to learn from different cultures and adjust to new environments. I’m also grateful that moving to Phoenix gave me the chance to attend a Christian school and learn from Christian teachers, which was an opportunity I would not have had in China.

Has your TCK experience affected your major or career choices? If yes, in what ways?

Initially, I started college majoring in education with the intention of sharing the gospel with children back in China, but then I recognized that it is difficult to share the gospel in the public school system, and Christian schools are not allowed in China. Therefore, I decided to switch my major to computer science, which allows me to use my free time to reach out to other young international students (i.e., TCKs).

How has being a TCK influenced your faith?

Being a TCK has influenced my faith by helping me understand both the difficulties and blessings of following God in different places. In China, there were fewer resources and opportunities for biblical teaching, so it was harder to grow in my walk with the Lord. After moving to Phoenix, I was able to attend a Christian school, learn from Christian teachers, and study the Bible in a more open environment. That became a blessing for my spiritual growth.

Also, living between different cultures has helped me become more discerning. I have been exposed to different values and worldviews, so I learned not to accept everything automatically, but to think carefully about what is true according to Scripture. Because of this, the essentials of my faith have become more established, especially the truths of Solus Christus and Sola Scriptura — that Christ alone is the foundation of salvation, and Scripture alone is the final authority for my faith.

What are some of God’s promises, works, or attributes that have helped you in this journey?

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you,” assured my parents when they gave their permission for me to study abroad alone and entrusted me to church families here. Likewise, the same verse confirms the Lord’s presence, power, and promises when facing challenges.

How has being a TCK influenced your friendships? What are some tips you would like to give to your fellow TCKs who find it difficult to make new friends?

I was once advised to make friends with local Americans only. However, I found the difficulties of cultural differences when hanging out with American friends. On the other hand, I saw many strengths of sharing deeper with other Chinese friends due to our mutual language and cultural background. 

Now, I would like to tell my fellow TCKs: “Don’t limit yourself to certain cultures. Feel free to start making as many friends as you can, then dive into a couple with whom you can click with a deeper understanding.”

What is your biggest TCK struggle, and when did you discover this?

My biggest TCK struggles are connected to relationships and uncertainty about the future. The first struggle is friendship, especially in the sense of sharing deeply with others. I discovered this during my first two years after moving to the United States, when I realized that it was not always easy to build close relationships in a new culture.

Another struggle has been uncertainty about the future, especially because of the difficulty of finding a job in the United States that is willing to sponsor or approve foreign workers. I discovered this more clearly in the past two years as I began preparing for graduation and looking for jobs. These struggles can feel helpless at times, but they have also led me to humility and taught me to come before God with both faith and proactivity.

What is one way you fight these struggles?

One way I fight the struggle with friendship is by trying to be open to building relationships with different people, including both Americans and other international students. At the same time, I have found that my closest friendships have mainly come from local Chinese churches, where I feel more understood and supported.

For the struggle with future direction, I try to respond with both responsibility and faith. Practically, I submit many resumes and continue looking for opportunities. Spiritually, I try to submit my future to the lordship of Christ and trust Him with the results, even when the outcome is uncertain.

How have these struggles also been a strength in your life?

All the struggles lead to more dependence on God, which leads to an increase in strength.

What is one thing you would like to tell your fellow TCKs?

If you are a Christian, then don’t give up faith! “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6 ESV).

How can we pray for you?

With my current full load in school, please pray for a better relationship with the Lord and a better quiet time in devotions.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Justin!