MISSION CANADA CAMPUS ASSISTANT
Ministry Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Ministry Focus: Campus Ministry
In 2022, 58.6% of Canadian university students reported regular feelings of loneliness, a figure that is even more pronounced among international students who struggle to form friendships cross-culturally with Canadian peers. As a native born South African and Jesus lover, Xelian's heart beats to create welcoming environments where students can build meaningful relationships, find a sense of belonging, and experience the love of Christ in tangible ways. The significant presence of international students at the University of British Columbia (UBC), with over 17,000 visa-students at the Vancouver campus alone and 12,000 of these hailing from the most unreached region of the world, highlights the critical need for outreach and inclusion. Xelian is particularly passionate about engaging with these students, who often experience high levels of loneliness and social isolation.
Xelian has been heavily involved with Alpha at UBC, coordinating the last session on behalf of all Christian clubs at UBC with more than 150 different attendees, a large percentage of whom were international students. He has also personally walked with numerous students beginning a friendship with Jesus. Recognizing that young adult experience the highest rate of religious conversions, several times more than all those over 30 years old, Xelian sees an abundant harvest - though the harvesters are few. Xelian's heart is not simply to make converts, but to see people fall in love with Jesus so deeply that their ultimate desire is for others to know this love too. Xelian spends a great deal of time discipling young men to become disciple-making disciples.
Reaching unreached university students is a vital mission field, nurturing both those who are exploring their faith and those who are already committed Christ-followers during this pivotal time in their lives, providing guidance, support, and a sense of community that is essential for their spiritual growth and overall well-being. Xelian is committed to fostering a community that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, offering unconditional love, and fervent prayer. By embracing these students, he believes that this ministry can serve as a beacon of hope and bridge to spiritual transformation for those who are far from home and seeking a deeper purpose in life. The urgency to love all unconditionally, give freely, and pray together fervently cries out to use from the faces of the vagabond souls at UBC. As God is bringing His lost sheep to our table, will we feed them?
