While earning a degree in electrical engineering at Stanford University, Eyosias Samson’s life was transformed through spiritual growth in Chi Alpha. He is currently working as a product test engineer in the IOT group for a semiconductor company and volunteers in youth ministry and other non-profits to live on mission.
What was your involvement like in Chi Alpha?
I got involved in Chi Alpha Stanford during fall quarter of my freshman year. I loved it immediately, signed up to go to Winter Conference that year, and I was set. I made a couple cameo appearances on the worship team playing the cajon during my last year, but my true spiritual gifts lay elsewhere. I served as a life group leader, Chi Alpha president, and learned to run sound (shoutout to the faithful servants in the back).
How did Chi Alpha impact your life?
A Chi Alpha senior invited me to lunch a few weeks after school started my freshman year and told me that Stanford can be a place where you thrive and grow in your walk with God. Over my time at Stanford, I was constantly challenged by my peers to grow in my faith. Instead of just getting by, I grew in ways above and beyond what I could have imagined. This came in different ways, from realizing that the Holy Spirit could be directing every minute of my day to thinking of worship services as times where I could encourage and be encouraged by others. Quiet time became less of a chore and more of a time of intimacy with the King of the universe.
My time in Chi Alpha still blesses me today. I had the opportunity to visit the Bay Area last summer and I got the chance to introduce Glen and Paula to my fiancée (now wife) so she could put faces to the overseers of so much of my spiritual growth.
What is your current occupation and what do you do on a daily basis?
My degrees are in electrical engineering, and I work as a product test engineer in the IOT group for a semiconductor company. I design hardware and develop software to test electronics chips that enable wireless communication. Electrical engineering is a great way to make tents and I highly recommend it.
How are you continuing to live on mission and pursue discipleship?
I am passionate about young adult and youth ministry. I volunteer as a high school youth leader and as a young adult men’s group co-leader through churches I attend. I also volunteer with a non-profit that serves children of all ages in low income housing. I am very thankful to have a job that gives me the flexibility to serve in multiple ways. I have the wonderful privilege of being discipled by an elder from my church. I get the opportunity to mentor other employees at work and I enjoy that as well.
How has the ability to give in the marketplace impacted your walk with God and community?
Giving without expecting anything in return/lending without expecting repayment, Jesus taught so radically about money. I never feel more rich than when I give money away. Giving is a declaration of faith that our God provides and I have seen his faithfulness time and time again. When I first started giving, I used to be so surprised when God would give me the same amount back through unexpected means. Now I see examples of his faithfulness and I know that His giving far exceeds mine so it is just a privilege to be able to show Him my affection.
What advice or encouragement would you give to other alumni who are trying to live on mission in the marketplace?
I was torn between going into full-time ministry or working in tech. God opened doors for me in the marketplace, and I took that as confirmation that is what He planned for me. Ministry is not confined to an office building or limited to overseas. God has given me opportunities to minister at work and outside of work. But both are very different environments than a college campus, so I struggled a lot with feeling like I wasn’t doing enough because I kept comparing it. Life post college is very different, but God does not change. He is a patient and will show you opportunities.