The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
My name is Kayra Nur Kaya. I’m 20 years old and in the second year of studying for a degree in politics, international relations and philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London. I was born in Turkey but chose to study here. Alongside my university classes, I work as a barista and participate in the Christian Union, philosophy society, politics society and the international society. I have a special heart for international students.
Students are spiritually open but often hostile to the notion of religion because it infringes on sexual freedoms and identity. People are happy to listen, but often at a distance. Studying philosophy allows me to engage in conversations that challenge assumptions and demonstrate the intellectual coherence of Christianity.
There is a hostility to Christianity in the West that isn’t there in Turkey. I don’t think people fully understand that Jesus was Middle Eastern, and that the gospel spread from there.
I feel people are willing to give me more of a hearing because of my racial identity. I feel I’m more respected than my peers who are white and Christian.
In everything I do, I seek to reflect Christ. I am called to be the light of Jesus in a context where many people are going down different paths and encouraging you to do the same – whether that is drinking culture or using ChatGPT for essays. People know this because they watch me and hold me accountable. I listen to people and do not gossip. I decline some offers and extend others and, as a philosophy student, I answer questions about who I am and what I think.
One misconception I often encounter is that Christians are submissive to their faith without questioning. People are surprised when they realise that we, too, have doubts, go through challenges and can reason and debate on equal terms with non-believers. I aim to show that Jesus is not who they think he is.
In the future, I hope to work in international legislation and peacekeeping, particularly helping refugees, victims of war and those discriminated against due to their religion – which was me, as I grew up in a Muslim country as a religious minority. I hope to help people in different countries who hide their faith for their safety. Please pray that Christian students will have the strength to say who we are and declare the gospel.
Kayra Nur Kaya was speaking to Paul Woolley
No comments yet