I Came to Australia for Uni and Found Jesus

When May Li first arrived in Sydney from mainland China, faith wasn’t part of the plan. Improving her English was.

“I was trying to look for some student society on campus to practice my English,” May told Hope Mornings.

“At the same time, I was curious about Christianity.

“I found Power to Change on campus.”

What May discovered in the English discussions, hosted by Power to Change, was not what she expected.

“Those people genuinely cared about me, and I can really feel that love from them,” May said.

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Power to Change is a Christian network active on university campuses across Australia. It aims to “connect people to Jesus and each other” through Bible studies, events and conversations about faith.

But the feeling May experienced in Power to Change communities was not the same thing as instant belief in what they proclaimed.

“When I was reading the Bible with them, those stories seemed like myths to me,” May said.

“I asked them a lot of questions about how do you prove it?

“Is there history? Is there evidence?”

May’s scepticism began to shift after reading The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel.

This influential book tackles common objections to Christianity by interviewing scholars and exploring difficult questions about God, suffering and truth.

“After reading that book, I saw many of my questions were actually answered,” May said.

“I started to believe maybe God does exist – but that was only my head knowledge.”

As she was introduced in Australia to things of God, Jesus, the Bible and Christian faith, May also went on to complete her studies to be a teacher.

To apply for education roles, May had to pass an English exam.

After multiple attempts and as many failures, May reached a breaking point.

“I took that exam like 10 times,” May said.

“Every time it was [just] short.

“Before my final attempt, I prayed for the first time in my life.”

“I was crying, asking God: ‘If you are real … what do you want me to do?’”

This moment of intense personal pressure proved pivotal, a surrender to the God who is above and over everything, including May’s employment

“I got my result on Christmas Eve. I passed the exam, and right afterwards, I got a job straight away,” May said.

“At that point, I really experienced God’s gracious love towards me.”

Her own life has been overhauled by the peace, promises and provision God delivers through faith in Jesus.

“Before I came to Jesus Christ, I felt as long as I put effort into things, I can achieve anything… life is under my control,” May said.

“But now I can see how I rely on Jesus every day and let him direct my life.

“I no longer need to strive on my own.

“I can rely on his promises and trust that God has the best plan for my life.”

Australia’s universities are home to a large and diverse international student population.

In early 2026, more than 620,000 international students are studying across Australia from countries such as China, India and Nepal.

Instead of continuing to teach in a classroom, May works full-time with Power to Change to walk alongside international students navigating the language, culture and life questions which she wrestled with.

“I felt God was calling me to share the gospel with those students because I used to be one of them,” May said.

“I can relate to their struggles.”

“Sometimes it can be hard for them to talk to locals.

“There are some cultural barriers there.

“I can support them in a way that they really feel supported.”

Looking ahead, May’s hopes stretch far beyond herself.

“I pray that God would raise a generation of students across Australia who truly know Him, love Him, and are equipped to share the gospel with others,” she said.

“University is such a strategic season.

“What they discover during this time often shapes the direction of their whole future.”

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature image: Supplied