God’s Timing, Not Mine

I joined the Fulda SMD group back in November 2023 when I first moved to Germany for my studies at Hochschule Fulda. I spoke no German and didn’t know anyone, but despite this, being among Christian community was important to me. It eventually occurred to me that perhaps there were other new international students who felt the same as me and after months of prayer, and seeking Godly counsel, God made clear to me the goal of spearheading an English-speaking international group. For 3 semesters, I struggled with starting and leading this group by myself. I faced many challenges such as getting students to join, and stay committed; balancing my own studies and responsibilities; struggling sometimes in my own faith and being unsure how can I lead in those moments; wanting to be welcoming to the non-believers who sometimes came but also struggling to answer questions they had about Christianity; and so much more. Eventually in September 2025, I had finally settled on the very difficult decision to disband the international group as I had not much left to give of myself and sadly there was no one else to take over after me. Suddenly, within the next few weeks, I began receiving messages from random students who found my contact,and were interested in joining the group. And since November 2025, the international group of the SMD Fulda has grown from 2 people to around 8 who I’ve had the pleasure of guiding, advising and essentially training to take control of the group after I leave. Each of these students have such a heart for Jesus and others and it has been so much more enjoyable for me to be in the background as a leader and organizer and watch them grow in their faith and confidence in leadership. It once again reminded me that things happen according to God’s timing, not mine. I am thankful to God for this experience and blessing. Now our prayer is to continue growing the group, increasing our visibility on campus and touching the lives of as many students as we can, all according to God’s perfect timing and will.