I’d like to introduce you to Chintha, a Christian professor in the Middle East. He teaches in a country where few people have ever heard the gospel. Despite the risks, Chintha openly identifies as a follower of Jesus. Through consistent excellence, kindness, and integrity, he has earned the respect of both colleagues and students.
On Chintha’s desk sits a small card with a verse from the book of Acts. Not long ago, a fellow faculty member noticed it while seeking advice on how to fairly distribute workload among different course modules. Acknowledging that he knew Chintha was a Christian, and referencing the verse on his desk, he asked for guidance on the most unbiased way to assign responsibilities. Chintha offered a thoughtful solution, which was well received.
Chintha’s faith also shapes the way he cares for his students. Last semester, one student struggled with speech and learning difficulties. Chintha took extra time to meet with him, offering patient explanations and additional support. With Chintha’s encouragement, the student gained confidence and ultimately passed the course. He thanked Chintha, crediting his extra help for the passing grade. Chintha, in turn, gave credit to God, explaining that it was the kindness of Jesus that made the difference. He has continued to mentor this student, who regularly visits him in office hours and asks for prayer for challenges he is facing. Please pray that there would be more opportunities for spiritual conversations and that the student’s heart would be open to the gospel. Several other students regularly ask Chintha to pray for them as well.
These seemingly small acts matter deeply on a university campus where few voices speak of the gospel. By courageously identifying as a follower of Jesus and faithfully serving as an excellent professor, Chintha has opened doors for deeper conversations about truth and faith.
Today, Chintha is a key leader among a growing number of Christian professors in the Middle East who have connected with the Society of Christian Scholars. He shared:
I have been blessed to build close relationships with fellow members of the Society of Christian Scholars, where we can openly share our prayer needs and support each other. The fellowship has created a strong sense of unity and mutual care, helping us grow together in faith and understanding. I consider it a great privilege to have hosted a Society of Christian Scholars meeting at my home. Ten members attended the retreat, and we spent two blessed days together in prayer, worship, and spiritual reflection.
Please pray that God will raise up more professors like Chintha as faithful witnesses on campuses where few know Jesus. And thank you for your partnership in equipping scholars like him to make a lasting difference for God’s kingdom.
For Christ and the university,
Stan
Image credit: Pexels/Cagatay Kozan
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