A FAITH OF HIS OWN: The story of Vishnu RJ

For Vishnu RJ, Mount Vernon Nazarene University turned out to be about much more than a university to earn a degree. It has become a place where friendships deepened, people walked alongside him through important questions on his faith, and strangers became family.

RJ, an International Executive Studies (IES) student at MVNU, publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ on Oct. 9 through baptism at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene.

“I’ve thought about it for years,” RJ said. “I am here today, not by chance. Everything happens for a reason.”

RJ grew up Hindu in Kerala, a state in southern India often called “God’s Own Country.” Raised to love and respect people from different backgrounds, he developed friendships with Christians that sparked his curiosity about their faith. As he attended church and saw how faith shaped the lives of those around him, he became increasingly interested in exploring Christianity for himself.

“I have a lot of friends that are different religions,” RJ said. “They are beautiful people. … I’ve been experiencing Christianity through them, going to church and everything.”

As RJ built relationships within the MVNU community, he found people willing to listen, answer questions and help him as he explored his faith.

Rev. Tavaris Taylor, Special Assistant to the President, recalled a conversation with RJ that led to this moment.

“Typically, when students come in my office, we have hard conversations,” Taylor said. “And we were having a hard conversation that turned into a beautiful moment.”

About a month before the baptism, RJ contacted Taylor and shared his desire to accept Christ. Taylor asked if he was ready to make that decision. RJ said yes.

“I said, ‘Then let’s do it right now,’” Taylor recalled.

RJ accepted Christ that day. As he prepared for baptism, he made a special request: he wanted MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman to baptize him. With Rev. David Mills assisting, Dr. Castleman was able to fulfill that request, making the experience a meaningful honor.

“I’ve had many privileges in my life, but this is one of the greatest privileges I could ever have,” Dr. Castleman said.

As he reflected on the importance of the moment, Dr. Castleman also offered a personal word of encouragement.

“We’re walking with you,” he added. “This decision today will be a decision that will change your life and those who come behind you.”

The day meant more to RJ than the baptism itself. Looking back, he began to see his decision to attend MVNU in a new light.

“I drove all the way here (from South Carolina) thinking, ‘Why did I choose here as my college?’” he said. “But all the way through, there were people called strangers that cared and continued to help me out.”

For RJ, those relationships have become something deeper. Among those who invested in him were Dr. Jose Oommen, Professor of Engineering; and Dr. Pheba George, Director of the IES Program.

“Today is a great experience,” RJ said. “I’ve been thinking about (accepting Christ) for a couple of years and I’m here with people I made relationships with. Now they are not just people. They are like family. So, this is even more special to me.”

“All I can say is thank you for being here, and thanks for praying for me,” RJ added. “It means a lot.”