Robert Benjamin, Director of Financial Aid from Kuala Lumpur to the US in Search of Religious Freedom

Like many US immigrants before him, Robert Benjamin, his wife, Judy, and their Daughter, Melodie, left their home in Malaysia to pursue religious freedom in the US.  “For the most part, I believe we have found what we were looking for,” Benjamin tells Connections. “Malaysia is primarily a Moslem country of 27 million people. Although it is a multi-racial society, containing many ethnic groups including indigenous peoples like my wife Judy, Malays, Chinese, Europeans, and Indians like myself, Islam dominates politics and commerce. Many people treat you differently when they hear you have a Christian surname.”

“Although Judy and I had built a successful clothing sales business in Malaysia, as we became more active in our church, my heart told me that I should pursue studies in theology.”  The Benjamins sold their business and left Malaysia 11 years ago so that Robert could study for his master’s degree in divinity at Andrews University where he graduated in May 2002.

“When we first arrived in Michigan, the thing we liked most was the snow —today, not so much,” he says with a laugh.  While at Andrews University, Robert found a new career in financial aid.  “I love helping students,” he admits.  “When I discovered that I could make a significant difference in young people’s lives by helping them find money for education, I knew I had found my calling.”

Benjamin says he has gotten used to the openness of American people and their willingness to speak their minds.  He especially appreciates being able to go to church without any fear of government suppression.  The only trouble he has had in the US was a year after 9/11 when he and his brother, Richard, were sightseeing in Washington, DC.  “We were circling the White House looking for a parking space and evidently a bicycle patrolman thought we looked suspicious. Before we knew it, our car was surrounded by four patrol cars, three bicycle officers, and a police helicopter overhead,” he says. “They evidently thought we were Moslem. Isn’t that ironic?” Benjamin has been at Holy Cross College for two years.  “Holy Cross has been very welcoming to my family and me,  especially Mark Mullaney, who has been instrumental in helping extend my work visa and in helping me apply for citizenship.”