This fall, Christopher Yuan had the privilege of hosting the Holy Sexuality Conference chapel series at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. Although the October weather was crisp, Bethel College warmly opened their doors to Christopher and his mother, Angela Yuan, to speak to the student body during Chapel. As some of you know, Christopher started in the Doctorate of Ministry program at the “other” Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Often referred to as the “heartbeat of Bethel College,” the chapels are a place where students excitedly attend to glean truth on important topics. With the recent growth over the past couple of years, being asked to speak in chapel was not a task Christopher took lightly.
After speaking in church services in Iowa on Sunday, Christopher and his parents set off for Mishawaka. They were welcomed by a hospitable stay at the college’s guesthouse to get some much-needed rest and prepare for the next day’s chapel.
On Monday, October 11, 2010, Christopher set the scene for the conference chapel series by sharing his testimony to around 1,000 students. Two days later, in Wednesday’s chapel, Christopher’s Holy Sexuality Conference continued as he spoke on how the gospel shapes our understanding of sexuality and our ability to share the gospel to those who identify as gay or lesbian.
A student conveyed to Christopher after the conference, “I really enjoyed and was intrigued by what you had to say… I saw things through a new perspective that I needed to see, and now I am able to love people the way that God wants me to love them no matter what their circumstance may be.”
Shawn Holtgren, Vice President for Student Development, had this to say about Christopher’s ministry to the students, “Christopher Yuan stands as a compelling example of God’s grace and transformative power. His unforgettable story has made a lasting impact on my life and our entire campus. Christopher communicates with a humble boldness and a graceful truth. People from all walks of life will be inspired and challenged by his moving testimony.”
