April 24, 2000
Odessa native finds God in long journey to Brownwood
___By Bryan Mize
___Howard Payne University
___BROWNWOOD--Helen Khais, a Howard Payne University student from Ukraine, never dreamed attending chapel at the Texas Baptist school would change her life.
___In fact, Nov. 17 appeared to be another typical day for Khais. After attending a morning class, she made her way to Mims Auditorium, where she settled into her chapel seat among other Howard Payne students.
HELEN KHAIS (right) came to Brownwood from Odessa, Ukraine, to attend Howard Payne University. The influence of friends like Vennessa Gonzalez, a freshman from Menard, and chapel speakers led Khais to commit her life to Jesus Christ. (Photo by Bryan Mize)
___Instead of preparing for a time of worship, Khais thought of upcoming class projects and assignments. It was the usual routine.
___But the message that day was given by Jeff Neal, a 1990 Howard Payne graduate and member of the Power Team, an evangelism ministry that uses feats of physical strength to illustrate the spiritual power of God.
___At the conclusion of Neal's message, Khais asked Jesus Christ to become her Savior.
___"When I asked Jesus into my heart, I began to cry," she said. "As I looked around, my friends knew the decision I made, and they began to cry."
___Now she has a different perspective on chapel.
___"Before that day, chapel was just something I had to do," she said. "I never thought about it being special. But my experience that morning changed my life. Now I go to chapel to allow God to speak to my heart."
___Khais credits her roommate, Vennessa Gonzalez, and other friends for helping her to grow in her relationship with God.?
___"Vennessa taught me the importance of prayer," Khais said. "She told me to talk to God just like he's my best friend."
___Looking back, Khais can see the ways God has worked in her life.
___As a 13-year-old, she met Eugene Hawkins, a Brownwood businessman who was on a mission trip to Odessa, Ukraine. Her mother, Natasha, served as an interpreter for the mission group. Through that relationship, the Texan encouraged Khais to consider attending Howard Payne when she graduated from high school.
___"I call Eugene every day just to let him know how I'm doing," Khais said. "He really cares about me. I am thankful for him because he has helped me so much."
___As the first international student to enroll in Howard Payne's Academy of Freedom honors program, Khais was well-prepared for the demands of college. She attended one of the top high schools in her hometown, a school where students who receive three C's are automatically dropped from school. In her final semester, her subjects included English, French, three literature courses, math, biology and history. She earned an A in every course during her last three years of high school.
___In addition to her studies, Khais enjoys the social interaction with other Howard Payne students and serves as vice president of the International Student Association. She also appreciates the modern conveniences available in America.
___There are many aspects of home Khais does miss, though, including family and friends. In December, Khais made her first trip home since she became a Christian. She was uncertain how her friends would respond to her testimony.
___"I didn't know how they would react, but I was determined to talk about it because it is the most important thing that has ever happened to me," she said. "They were open to what I said. My best friend even helped me find a Baptist church to attend in Odessa."
___Khais has gained an appreciation for the people God has placed in her path who have helped her adjust to a new country and school--and who provide encouragement in her spiritual journey.
___"Howard Payne is an outstanding college," she said. "I am so thankful to be here. If all people had the opportunity to attend a Christian college, the world would be a better place."
___
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