Open Doors at a Public State University

“Are you the Christian professor?” 

 It was 4:45 on a Thursday afternoon, and I was at my desk reviewing my notes for my doctoral seminar at 5 p.m. When I looked up, I recognized two Indonesian students who were part of the first cohort of 30 graduate students attending the University of Houston.

I quickly responded to their question, “Yes, I am a Christian, and I am a professor… I am NOT THE Christian professor. In fact, the director of our program is a Christian as well, and I am sure there are many other Christians here. Now, how can I help you?”

The two students quickly informed me that they had heard me apologize for being late to a Sunday meeting because “I had been in church.” They knew I had offered rides to a Christian church (for cultural reasons, of course), and they wondered if I could pick them up as well. I smiled and thought, “another open door!” Thus began a rather unusual van and truck ministry in the city of Houston, Texas. 

God Provides an Opportunity

The Indonesian program was just one of many co-sponsored education programs by the College of Education at the University of Houston. The university had initiated a strong Muslim educational consortium with the country of Indonesia, and I was invited to be part of the education group that represented our college. In my role as a professor and program supervisor, I was quite aware of the guidelines (or boundaries) of the grant: specifically, we could answer any questions, introduce them to cultural experiences, and involve students in educational opportunities in public schools. I also knew that when this first cohort had finished their master’s degrees and returned to their country, we would be invited to work in Indonesia for an extended period. Most Indonesians (88 percent according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2022) identify themselves as Muslim, and this statistic was certainly evidenced in each of our cohorts. Our role was clear – education and culture and no Christian proselyting! Whatever the case, I saw it as an open door!

More Opportunities   

For more than five years, my husband and I were privileged to drive small groups of Indonesian students (and many of other backgrounds) from the university campus to our Nazarene church and our home, often involving both our minivan and truck. Later, when I taught in Indonesia, my friends provided opportunities for me to attend Christian “group meetings” – those sanctioned and some not sanctioned. Of course, services were primarily viewed as “cultural events” and provided experiences that I will never forget.  

Let me describe a few of these open doors during my almost 20 years at the University of Houston. Discussions with students and colleagues of different backgrounds were frequent, and I was often able to walk through the door of opportunity when asked about my Christian background. Yes, sometimes they were pleasant conversations, and I loved talking about my faith when anyone asked for advice. My office wall contained scripture ABCs with a Bible verse for each letter. I also had a picture of Jesus surrounded by a group of children from different countries. In fact, one day I was quite surprised when the provost of the university, someone who was very proud of the diversity of our institution, entered my room, saw the picture, and said, “I see…. Have a good day!” Then he turned and walked out. I have no idea what he thought, but I was never asked about it, and later he promoted me.

Some Difficulties

Some open doors were difficult to enter. Yes, I am a believer, and God is the center of my life. As a natural “control freak,” I admit I sometimes wondered about this path God had opened for me. And yet, he always provided just the right amount of grace and guidance each time.

Some difficult open doors initially required closed door sessions with professors, staff, or students. As the chair of the department, I needed to often hold students, professors, and staff accountable for their actions while also practicing the fruit of the Spirit. I vividly remember explaining a less-than-positive evaluation to a professor who accused me of being “so religious” that I could not understand his new identity. He was not happy when I responded that my recommendation was based on his teaching job only. I truly believe that God gave me the words to say regardless of his accusations.    

There were so many other doors… some that were closed initially and others that I totally ignored until too late. I will continue to pray that God will allow me to see the open doors of opportunity in my life. My favorite story is one told frequently after the beautiful Easter story of Jesus’ resurrection in Luke 24. The resurrected Christ joined two travelers discussing the recent crucifixion, and they did not recognize Jesus until much later. “Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him" (v. 31, NIV). I pray that God will continue to open my eyes to opportunities to tell the good news of the gospel and about God’s love to all who open the door!   

Dr. Juanita Copley lives in Muskegon, Michigan. She retired as professor emeritus from the University of Houston. She primarily taught mathematics in public schools. Currently, she is a contract author of mathematical textbooks. You may contact Juanita at copvar65@gmail.com.