Peer into the realities of student converts as they navigate life after joining the Church of Jesus Christ
For several student converts at BYU–Hawaii, life after conversion brings both blessings and challenges. Some found personal growth and newfound opportunities, while others experienced lifelong loss and alienation. Ultimately, all view conversion as more than a simple act of baptism, but an enduring journey of faith through the years.
Finding community and striving for eternity
For Koichiro Akiyama, an accounting sophomore from Japan, losing his best friend was one of the hardest challenges he faced after conversion. After being baptized in 2021, Akiyama introduced the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to his best friend. Although he initially responded positively, several complications arose that led them to part ways.
As for Akiyama’s family, whose beliefs ranged from Buddhism to atheism, their reactions to his conversion were mixed. According to him, his parents were relatively supportive, while extended family members expressed concerns, with some even directly opposing his decision.
In Japan, there have been various conflicts and negative perceptions associated with Christianity, which have caused people to feel concerned [about the religion],” Akiyama explained. He pointed to incidents such as political assassinations reportedly tied to certain Christian organizations and younger generations struggling with the religion as examples of the religious struggles shared by many Japanese.
Akiyama admitted to experiencing a shaken faith. “This was a very painful experience for me,” he said. He shared that his best friend’s decision and familial complications deeply affected him.
Nevertheless, his determination remained. By surrounding himself with people who truly understood his struggles, Akiyama was able to overcome these trials. Over time, he noted a gradual change in his character and disposition. “I became more patient and developed greater humility.”
To Akiyama, our relationship with God is “personal and individual.” He believed that faith should not be shaken by the actions of others, as each person’s spiritual journey is unique and cannot be compared with others.
Having found a new community at BYU–Hawaii, Akiyama now sets his sights on personal growth. He hopes to develop both his faith and academics through studying diligently while preparing for eternal companionship. “‘For with God, nothing shall be impossible,’” he concluded.
Choosing eternal perspective over worldly noise
Conversion usually elicits external criticism, but for Gusti Ayu Diningrat Maria Ratu Monalisa Puspitasari, a hospitality and tourism management sophomore from Indonesia, her baptism in 2017 was instead followed by internal skepticism from fellow members.
For reasons undisclosed, Puspitasari said she had a difficult time fitting in with fellow members. Certain comments and criticisms ultimately led her to feel alienated from the Church and struggle to maintain her hope in Christ, even when her parents supported her conversion. “It is not easy to become a member and stay as one,” she mentioned.
As she served her mission, Puspitasari also experienced struggles related to being a recent convert. She explained that she felt insecure, having only been a member for a few years and feeling limited in her knowledge of the gospel.
Much has changed since then, including Puspitasari’s faith in the Church and her perspective on the world. She found lifelong friends and family, and learned to look past worldly “noise” and focus on God’s “eternal perspective.”
“Noises” in the form of thoughts and opinions still occasionally linger in her mind. Regardless, Puspitasari continues to cultivate her faith with the purpose of becoming the strong daughter God intends her to be. “Conversion did not [end] when I got baptized, but is a long [and ongoing] journey,” she concluded.
Rising from weakness to soften hardened hearts
As a convert of nearly 20 years, Celso “C3” Olivar Glova III, a psychology sophomore from the Philippines, has navigated many changes in faith and overcome numerous challenges related to his family.
Absent of familial support, Glova experienced firsthand the loneliness of being the sole active member of the Church in his family at the time. He shared how he often envied other members who attended church with their family and struggled with feelings of fear, doubt and unworthiness.
Upon serving a mission, Glova explained that he received no support from his family and had to prepare for the mission by himself. “My father even told me I wouldn’t last three months,” he added.
Little by little, I was transformed from a young boy into the person I am now.
Despite these early hardships, Glova still chose to serve, believing that “this was the right path to happiness.” It was not easy, he admitted. For two years, he struggled with difficulties such as physical injuries, feelings of loneliness and even wavering faith. But, through constant reassurance from his mission president and fellow members, Glova overcame these challenges and completed his service.
Returning home as a strengthened convert, Glova’s family eventually changed their perspective. Because of his renewed faith and developed character, his mother decided to become endowed and his younger brother was inspired to serve a mission of his own.
The Glova who once struggled with depression and shrunk from difficult decisions became someone more positive and highly decisive. Someone who valued responsibility and accountability as if it were his “lifeblood.”
For Glova, the key to a long-lasting faith is to keep showing up, trust in God and choose to remain steadfast no matter the challenges or circumstances.
“Yes, I still have struggles. But, I [now] also have the knowledge and experiences to overcome them again and again,” he concluded.