One-Year Risks and a Lifetime of Change: Elissa’s Story

Elissa Fong shares her journey of discovering what it means to be a Christian beyond the traditions of her family’s Chinese Baptist church. Growing up, she attended church regularly but didn’t question or deeply reflect on her faith. It wasn’t until college that she began to wrestle with her beliefs, questioning whether her answers were genuine or just automatic responses. She also felt disconnected from her faith and struggled with self-worth, wondering if she needed to meet certain standards to be loved by God.

Elissa’s college experience changed her perspective. When she joined the University of Washington, her mom found a campus Christian group, and Elissa became part of an online small group through Asian American InterVarsity. Despite the pandemic, she connected with others in the group and found a sense of community. She was surprised by how quickly she formed friendships and felt supported.

A year later, encouraged by her small group leader, Elissa applied for leadership. This was a significant step for her, especially after transitioning from online interactions to in-person ministry. She felt grateful for the support she received and the freedom to ask questions she had previously avoided. Her experience highlights the importance of community and mentorship in spiritual growth.

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