Because of your generosity, students like Joel have a home away from home at SNU.
The son of a missionary, Joel Puia originally planned to attend university much closer to his family’s place of service. However, when his father came to the United States to speak in Nazarene churches in the South Central Region, they connected with Southern Nazarene University. Now, Joel can’t imagine himself anywhere else.
New places can be difficult, but Joel said that relationships with other students on campus made it much easier. “I was really anxious about making friends and fitting in, but the students here really made me feel like I belonged.”
While he loves playing futsal with his friends and being part of the International Student Society, Joel’s favorite part of campus life is the spiritual aspect. “My faith has grown tremendously. Having chapel twice a week really helped me grow.”
But friends and faith don’t stop at campus boundaries. His church community helped him through some of the difficult parts of attending college so far from home. “The family that I came to know through church, they prayed with me, they stayed with me, they comforted me in my lowest point.”
Joel is studying business, and plans to use what he learns at SNU to continue his family’s ministry. He is confident that his time here is preparing him well, building skills and making connections that he will carry forever. “SNU is opening doors to be connected to the Nazarene community for me.”
And it starts now with another new friend: “He grew up in the Philippines, but apparently his dad knows my dad from seminary and played football with my uncle! It’s a small Nazarene world.”
Thank you for investing in Joel as he prepares to bring the light of Christ to the nations. Now through December 1, your support goes twice as far thanks to some generous challenge donors. Visit snu.edu/givingtuesday to give today.