I love you because God loved me first!

An Exclusive Interview with Gao Rusan, a Co-Worker of European Campus Ministry (ECM)

In 2006, during the interview class at KRC’s Cultural Ministry Camp in Pennsylvania, missionary Chien Chih-Yu from the European Campus Ministry (ECM) was invited to be interviewed (see Issue 8 of this publication, "If Not Now, When? Advancing Toward Europe"). At that camp, Rusan Kao, a sister living in New York City and once an international student herself, had a “chance encounter” with Teacher Chien. That meeting stirred in her a burden for students far from home. With a heart to “cook meals for international students,” she went to Dresden, in eastern Germany. One trip became two, and short-term missions turned into mid-term missions. Rusan ended up staying for half a year—not only cooking, but also assisting Chinese international students in many ways, becoming the beloved “Sister Kao” in their eyes. Her reflections on ministry were featured in Issue 12 of this publication under the title "A Missionary’s Letter Home."

Rusan Kao has become one of the key coworkers of ECM, personally witnessing the ministry’s growth and the evolving challenges faced by successive generations of students. During this interview in Taiwan, the reporter met with her and invited her to share recent developments within ECM.

Different students, same unchanging love.

KRC: Please tell us about the growth of the European Campus Ministry (ECM).

KaoECM began in 2005 with three campus fellowships in eastern Germany (Dresden, Chemnitz, and Cottbus), and has since grown to 18 campus fellowships throughout Germany. The original vision was “from fellowship to church planting”; currently, three churches have been established in Dresden, Mannheim, and Cologne. Each has full-time pastors, some of whom were previously trained as students and have since settled down locally after graduation. As these individuals grew and moved on in life, the original campus ministry gradually expanded to include families and children as well.

Of course, there are still several fellowships focused on student ministry, mostly in areas with fewer job opportunities. These fellowships continue to reach out to students, “deliver” spiritual newborns, and nurture them in the faith, with the hope that they will carry their faith with them to serve wherever they go—whether by joining a church or opening their homes to host new students and help establish new fellowship gathering points. Among the 18 fellowships in Germany, two-thirds have been established through this model.

Since the end of 2023, ECM has expanded into Paris to assist with student ministry. Besides Europe, they have also established two centers in Israel.

Currently, some of the teachers coming to the short-term mission are retired professors or professional experts who can assist international students academically. The long-term or permanent staff are responsible for providing support in daily life.

KRC: Over the years, what changes has ECM experienced? How have the student groups differed? Has the ministry strategy changed accordingly?

Kao: Previously, a large influx of Chinese international students came to Germany, primarily because the cost of studying in Germany was much lower compared to studying in the UK or the US. Tuition fees in France are also relatively low, leading to a steady increase in the number of international students there as well.

In 2005, the students ECM first reached out to generally came from less affluent family backgrounds. They were simple in character but capable academically and able to overcome the challenges of difficult German language courses. International students coming to Germany must have strong self-discipline to succeed and graduate in a self-driven environment.

Early students came to study carrying their family’s hopes and a sense of mission, often living with financial hardship. The fellowship attracted many students by offering meals, which allowed coworkers to share God’s love through communal dining and practical support. At that time, besides offering loving companionship, we sometimes had to take on a teaching role—guiding them in interpersonal skills such as appropriate social conduct and the generosity of sharing with others.

In recent years, the number of students studying in Europe has increased, coming from various family backgrounds. Most are the cherished only children in their families, greatly pampered. When they enter the independent and free learning environment, if they lack self-discipline and do not practice moderation, they often realize after two or three years that earning a degree is difficult, and they end up having to return home. We often tell students at orientation that although the learning environment in Germany appears relaxed, self-discipline and avoiding procrastination are basic requirements for studying. Besides helping students adapt to life abroad and different cultures, we also need to help them develop moderation and self-discipline.

Students from affluent backgrounds enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and are accustomed to using digital devices. Gatherings and meals no longer attract them. Hidden behind their screens, although their lives are secure and worry-free, their spirits are fragile and they are easily prone to depression.

In the past, ECM invited knowledgeable and experienced speakers to deliver messages, but now it’s easy to find excellent courses online. How can we attract these Gen Z young people so they can look up from their screens and notice us? I believe it comes down to sincere and authentic love. The traditional way of sitting and listening to sermons may not suit today’s youth; we need to engage them through interactive and creative methods. No matter the method, letting them experience genuine love and care remains unchanged—they still need elders who can listen to the voices of their hearts.不管甚麼方式，讓他們品嘗真愛及關心是不變的，他們仍舊需要能聆聽心聲的長輩。

Times change, and the student groups differ, but what remains constant is the missionaries’ original intention—to love them like their own children; to care for them just as God cares for us. Whether short-term or long-term missionaries lead in any way, they need a tender heart and a sensitive spirit to discern thoughts from conversations and the students’ eyes, building relationships. Only when we genuinely care will they be willing to listen to our sincere sharing of the journey of faith.

We hope that the visiting short-term missionaries can stay for at least three weekends, preferably concentrated during the orientation period, to arrange programs such as music evangelism or various special topics.

Boldness and protection that come from God

KRC: What moved you during your service trip to Israel? Are there any unforgettable moments or scenes?

Kao: In late May to early June 2023, I went with several coworkers, responding to the invitation from the Chinese Ministry of the Israel Evangelical Mission, to lead a gospel camp. The local coworkers were early Chinese entrepreneurs or workers who had gone to Israel. They noticed the increasing number of students but were not yet familiar with student ministry, so they asked us to come support them. The students there are quite accomplished—many are elites, including numerous doctoral and postdoctoral scholars.

When we arrived, although the Israel-Palestine conflict hadn’t officially started yet, missiles would occasionally fly over Israeli airspace causing disturbances. We heard sirens in the rented house and didn’t know whether to take shelter in the bomb shelter. Having never experienced war before, we were completely confused — when we opened the window and saw missiles flying by, we even took photos, treating it like watching fireworks. Later, neighbors “enlightened” us and explained that every building has a bomb shelter, and at times like these, not going to the shelter is against the law.

Israel’s transportation system is not as developed as in Europe, the weather is hot, and the cost of living is quite high. Students live spread out, so it’s very difficult to have regular gatherings like on German campuses, which poses a challenge for student ministry. Because of this, I’m even more grateful for the coworkers in Germany—they are all former students passing the baton from one generation to the next. Nowadays, students themselves handle the administrative work for organizing camps and events.

KRC: Over these many years, what are some memorable experiences?

Seeing the changes in the students. : From rejection to acceptance, and now becoming coworkers; not understanding the true meaning of love, behaving with “misguided love,” until being touched by God’s love. Every story and testimony deeply moves me.

Some students often skipped classes and didn’t study well during their free campus life. After accepting the Lord, their whole lifestyle changed—from being “poor students” to becoming “top students,” which is very inspiring. There were also students addicted to gambling; the coworkers found them and counseled them to break free from the addiction. But before doing these things, they had to love them enough for them to accept the counseling.

For me, “casting out demons” was a very special experience. I had never encountered it or received any training before. One student told me that there was an evil spirit in his room causing him to be sick, have headaches, and even be hospitalized. Doctors couldn’t find a solution. The episodes always happened in the middle of the night. I even took him to the emergency room, but they couldn’t find any cause. The Holy Spirit reminded me to ask what his problem was. He said that every night a “female ghost” came into his room, preventing him from sleeping, and he could only sleep after dawn.

I was shocked after hearing this and didn’t know how to handle it, especially since there were no experienced pastors nearby. I prayed earnestly and, together with a few student coworkers, went to the boy’s dormitory. We first repented and confessed our sins, asked for the cleansing and covering of the blood of Jesus, invited the Holy Spirit to work with us, prayed for God to send angels and heavenly armies to protect us, and commanded the unclean spirit to leave in the name of the Lord Jesus. That early summer day, the sky outside was clear and bright, but inside the room a strong wind arose, and the heater creaked loudly. As we kept declaring, praying, and praising, everything gradually became calm.

After returning to the residence and reflecting carefully, I was truly startled. Why did I have the courage to dare to do such a thing? Perhaps it was because a mother’s love makes one strong! This also testifies that the Lord within us is greater than anything else. This experience allowed everyone to witness God’s great power and reality, and this student has now become the leader of the campus fellowship.

The courage and boldness given by God were exactly what I needed at that time. If I were to do it again now, I might not have the courage to lead a few spiritually young students to carry it out.

Bringing Chinese international students back to the Father’s home

KRC: Please talk about the current challenges ECM is facing and its future direction.

Kao: The changing environment and times present a major challenge. In the past, students were not materially wealthy but had a hungry and thirsty heart for righteousness. This generation, however, does not know thirst or hunger. Our coworkers still need to tell them—with complete love and acceptance—that they actually do long for true love!

These students, cherished at home, set out to study far away like ships sailing into the vast ocean. We hope that through the fellowship, they can feel love and a sense of home amid this unpredictable and sometimes stormy sea. Love may bring pressure or sorrow, but it opens hearts and brings peace. My fellow campus coworkers and I are all willing to embrace them with unconditional love, hoping they will come to know God.

There are now many Chinese international students in Europe. Besides Germany, we have also started campus ministry in Paris. This is a different environment; in Germany, the student ministry directly enters the campuses, while in France, it works in partnership with local Chinese churches. The early Chinese immigrants in France worked in various industries, so the churches there are less familiar with campus ministry but have quite a few physical resources. What they lack are long-term resident staff. We thank God for expanding ECM’s vision, and the coworkers are also learning to serve together with different churches.

I believe that for a ministry to last long-term, intentional passing on of leadership is necessary. We hope the focus of the ministry will be on the students, with teachers playing a supporting role, because teachers cannot always be there to supervise. Resident coworkers also cannot stay in the same position indefinitely, so succession planning should be done early. For example, I now need to spend much time in Taiwan caring for my parents’ health. But I trust the students will take up the responsibility seriously, continue serving diligently on campus, and wholeheartedly maintain the fellowships.

We hope that every campus fellowship established by the European Campus Ministry (ECM) will not only be a hub for evangelism but also that students who benefit from the fellowship can, through their work or family life, go to different places to start new fellowships and churches, continuing the legacy of faith. Just as ECM coworkers have cultivated and nurtured the ministry over the years, they have also sown seeds of faith that have blossomed everywhere, bringing Chinese international students back to the Father’s home.

To learn more and get involved with the European Campus Ministry, please visit our website https://www.ecministry.net/.

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