transition transformation

Transcription

Journal of Testimony
april 2003 vol 1 no 2
one King one Kingdom
transformation
through
transition
Editor’s Note
In high school we had a writing lab
where I used to go before handing in
papers for English class. I got a lot of
helpful suggestions and feedback that
made my rough chicken scratch sound
more polished. However, one of the most
difficult things was trying to rework the
ideas in between. My main points were
usually sufficient, but when it came to
connecting paragraphs, I always had some
sort of writer’s block. I needed better
transitions.
In life, transitioning goes much further
than just finding that good segue sentence.
We chose the theme of transitions for this
issue of JOT because we believe we’re
always living a life in transition, no matter
how old we get. Only in fairy tales can we
capture and bottle up times or moments in
our lives. In the real world, transitions are
necessary because through them, our
experiences not only shape and build our
character, but also refine the ability to
apply our faith practically.
As you begin to read each article, I hope
the theme that comes across reveals not
spiritual death to life, experiencing
different spiritual seasons, entering and
exiting college, changing environments, or
navigating new terrain together as one
Body of Christ—God’s presence and
faithfulness guide every move we make,
from the first step we take to the last mile
we run.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all
reflect the Lord’s glory, are being
transformed into his likeness with everincreasing glory, which comes from the
Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18).
In His Service,
only the necessity of transitioning well, but
ultimately how God uses life’s transitions in
transforming us to be more like His Son,
Haam-Baak Shin
Jesus Christ. Whether that transition is from
About The Cover
“Transformation through transition demands change: a change of outlook, change of character, a change
of heart - yet, all along, at the end of the path of the Christian is the constant Cross and the Christ who
never changes. In doing the cover, I thought of the Riddle of the Sphinx - while the Christian changes with
time, his course is set ... he is like ‘Christian’ in Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, where he is on life's path
and presses on towards the Mark." - Kipum M. Lee
Kipum’s artwork can also be seen on the back cover.
2
april 2003 vol 1 no 2
Features
4 | How to Die in the Desert by Hobart Lee
7 | The Black and White Reel by Matt Rong
From the halls of Unionville High School to the classrooms of Temple
University, one freshman learns that change isn’t about location—it’s about
what God can do in your heart.
PAGE 4
Journeying through spiritual deserts can be easier if you have some guidelines
to help you find your way.
8 | A Second Chance by Riana Pahmer
An undergraduate sister shares about God’s grace, love, and the greatest
transition in her life.
11 | Lessons from Waiting by Christine Lim
PAGE 13
Waiting for God’s timing can be confusing and frustrating, but this young adult
sister learned some lessons from the uncertain period of waiting for Him to
move.
12 | I’ll Go Where He Sends Me by Ronald Lee
As his four years of undergraduate education draw to a close, a Penn senior
prepares in anticipation of where God will send him next.
13 | Class of 2003
PAGE 26
Spotlights
18 | Young Adults on the Move
20 | Ministry Team Spotlight: Missions
21 | Searching for Pastor Young
PAGE 21
Departments
2 | Letter from the Editor
6 | Bookshelf
Quo Vadis, by Henryk K. Seinkiewicz
Why Beauty Matters, by Karen Lee-Thorp and Cynthia Hicks
10 | Note-worthy
On the Back Cover
24 | Perspective by Stephen Shin
“Can I Talk to You?!”
Fellowship tips
by Jen Hogan
Woven & Spun, by Nichole Nordeman
Blessed, by Hillsongs Australia”
26 | Reflection by Pastor David Alas
3
how to
DIE
in the
DESERT
by Hobart Lee
“
H
obart, I regret to inform you that you did not
pass the exam …” Fail? Again? My eyes
glazed over the rest of the email. I couldn’t
believe I had failed another exam.
This makes two. How could I fail two exams in two
months? I knew the rule. Fail three exams your first
semester, and you had to stay behind and repeat the year
again.
Repeat the year … All of sudden, I felt like throwing
up. Can’t fail any more exams … I felt helpless as my
world crumbled around me.
After that email, getting up and going to school for
the next two months became difficult, because I felt the
impending doom of failure around every corner. I started
to doubt whether I was smart enough to make it through
medical school. I began feeling depressed, just counting
the days before my next exam.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just school. I had to ask
Pastor Young for some more time so I could focus on my
studies. So, for the first time in four years, I stepped
down from serving at church. Worship, serving God’s
people – the things that once brought me joy –
disappeared off my weekly schedule. Even my personal
life started to unhinge itself, as a potential relationship
didn’t work out, leaving me hurt and confused.
So what do you when you feel like God is leading you
into a desert? When you’re teetering on the edge of
failure? When joy is a word and not an emotion? When
about life in John 10:10 – “The thief’s purpose is to steal
and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its
fullness” (NLT). In high school, God challenged me with
this verse, promising that if I would commit to following
Christ, He would always give me the best for my life. So
now, instead of constantly complaining about my
situation, I resolved to believe and trust that there was a
“fullness” of blessings to be found in this desert.
Not only did God remind me of old promises He had
made, but He also gave me new ones to hold onto. In
Exodus, God outlines for Moses detailed plans for the Ark
of the Covenant and God’s sanctuary. In Exodus 31, God
tells Moses “I have given special skill to all the naturally
talented craftsmen so they can make all the things I have
instructed you to make” (NLT). God reminded me that He
always gives the necessary skill and ability so that His
people can accomplish His purposes. I realized that if
God wanted me to be a physician, He would give me the
knowledge and skill to guide me through school.
So what if you don’t have specific promises from
God? Well … go find them! Start reading the Bible, asking
God to reveal promises for your life. GCC just started
publishing a two-year Bible reading schedule in the
bulletin, a great way to find God’s promises.
So what do you do when you feel like
God is leading you into a desert?
questions come faster than answers, hurt faster than
healing? Obviously, I can’t offer an exhaustive list, but
here are some things that helped me as I wandered in the
desert.
Cling to God’s Promises for Your Life
My favorite verse in the Bible is Jesus’ statement
4
Pray Continually
To be honest, most days I did not feel like praying.
And there were plenty of excuses. I was tired, it was
already one A.M., and I had to get up at seven for class. I
had class reading left to do. I needed some “veg” time in
front of the TV. I just didn’t feel
like it.
And sometimes I bought into
those excuses and didn’t pray.
Those days were by far the
hardest. But when I did pray, I felt
like God stopped heaven to listen
to me (Psalm 116:1-8). At His
feet, I would pour out my
troubles, my hardships, my
confusion, often with tears,
asking God to hold onto me,
because I was afraid of slipping
from His grip. Some days my
prayers were nothing more than
“God help me. It’s too hard. I’m
not going to make it.” When I
think back to my prayer life last
to one my accountability partners
Christian music?
something, but I don’t really want
spiritual deserts. They are like
need you bother me until I
them to end as quickly as
and told him, “I need to tell you
to. No matter what I say or do, I
share.” And bother me he did!
The next day he called me so
incessantly that I finally called
back and shared – just to get him
to stop. At the end of that phone
it was raw and honest, and I
thankful, because his persistence
conversation, I told him I was
learned how to seek refuge under
showed me just how much he
God’s wings (Psalm 91:4).
cared.
Stay Accountable
Do The Things You Did at First
I knew it was going to be a
difficult semester, and I knew I
While struggling through
keeping them updated on my
my friends, so that no matter
wandering in this desert and the
always like a compass, keeping
private devotion to God.
So find those two or three
people who know you best, and
struggled last semester, I found
describing both the difficulty of
joy I was finding in my revived
What are the things that
encouraged you when you were a
young Christian? Going for a
ask them to keep you
prayer walk? Reading your old
recently left a voicemail message
faithfulness? Listening to
accountable while you struggle. I
change you. Between
remembering God’s promises,
praying, staying accountable, and
doing things to encourage your
life to be experienced even in a
desert.
So why is the title of this
struggle last semester, I thought I
song lyrics appearing in my head,
me centered on Christ.
you, to teach you, to train you, to
expressing my frustrations and
hopes through lyrics. As I
how far I wandered, they were
pulls you into deserts to break
article, “How To Die In the
accountability. I started talking to
struggles. I attached myself to
realized that sometimes God
junior high, I started playing
guitar and writing songs,
close brothers more frequently,
possible. But last semester, I
spiritual life, there is a fullness of
wouldn’t be able to make it out
alone, so I decided to step up my
bad vacations – you just want
I thought I was making my last stand. But God
helped me, not only by giving me strength to walk
through my desert, but also changing my attitude
and perspective while I was in it. He opened my
eyes to see not a desert, but a beach.
semester, it wasn’t pretty or onehundred percent consistent, but
Nobody likes going through
journals to remember God’s past
Desert”? Because as I started to
was making my last stand. But
God helped me, not only by
giving me strength to walk
through my desert, but also
changing my attitude and
perspective while I was in it. He
opened my eyes to see not a
desert, but a beach. So, like any
good Californian, I propped open
a beach umbrella, spread out a
towel, and got ready to soak in
the Son. JOT
Hobart Lee is a first year medical student at the University of
Pennsylvania. His favorite desert is the Mojave Desert, and his
favorite dessert is baklava.
[email protected]
5
B O O K S H E L F
Quo Vadis
E
written by Henryk Sienkiewicz
review by Tonna Wu
ver think you can find a captivating book full of hope and
one that is difficult to put down, from a Polish translation
— much less written over a century ago? That’s what I found
in this Nobel Prize-winning novel, Quo Vadis, which is set in
the final years of a degenerate Roman empire (A.D. 54-68).
Each chapter brims with passion, courage, and immense
meaning that makes it enjoyable to read.
The title Quo Vadis is derived from John 13:36, where the
Apostle Peter asks Jesus, “Quo vadis, Domine?” meaning
“Where are you going, Lord?” The question in this encounter
captures the novel’s underlying theme: that believers are
called to follow Christ wherever He leads. W. S. Kuniczak’s
translation of this epic Polish novel follows the lives of the
Roman nobleman Petronius and his nephew Vinicius. The two
men lead extravagant, lavish court lives until Vinicius falls
deeply in love with Callina, a Christian. Her faith causes
Vinicius to question the hedonism of the culture he knows.
His turning point occurs when he
experiences a climatic act of mercy by
Christians. Though the Christians are
brutally persecuted by Nero and unjustly
blamed for burning down Rome, they extend
grace and mercy to an undeserving Vinicius.
He ultimately becomes a believer in Christ.
The author, Sienkiewicz, threads hope
between each colorful character. At the core of
this story lies the miracle of how this obscure
religion, Christianity, embraced by a people at
the fringes of society and persecuted for their
beliefs, rises to overcome obstacles and
reshape the world. I highly recommend this
amazing story as it inspires its Christian readers to ask the
question, “Quo vadis, Domine?”
Tonna Wu works at Esperanza Health Center in North Philadelphia,
as a bilingual medical assistant. She has 31 cousins and her favorite
dishes come from her grandmother’s authentic Filipino cooking.
[email protected]
Why Beauty Matters
O
written by Karen Lee-Thorp & Cynthia Hicks
review by Aileen Kim
ne of the first things I hear
of beauty—the beauty of God, the beauty of creation, the beauty
when I mention this book is, “Is
of God’s finest masterpieces: us.
it a Christian book?” It always makes
In exploring this issue, the book lays as a basic premise the
me sad to hear this because it reifies
connection between beauty and love, as seen in the Bible most
the concept that beauty is a topic only
poignantly in the Genesis account of Leah and Rachel. Those who
discussed by the vain or “ungodly,”
are beautiful seem to effortlessly garner love. At the same time,
and that it should be confined to the
loving someone makes that person beautiful. When this
pages of a trashy fashion magazine or
beautifying love is not there, as is so often the case in this
the giggles of a slumber party.
In fact, this “traditional view,” as the authors call it, lean on
Genesis 3 world, the effect is a longing for beauty and love in the
perverted images found in ads; in the pursuit of fat-less, age-less
passages like 1 Peter 3:3-5 and Proverbs 31:30 to claim looks
bodies; in “The Bachelor”-style competitions for the love of a
don’t matter and that attending to one’s appearance is sinful.
man.
They respond to this view, however, by posing these questions:
This book is not meant to be an authoritative final word on
“But is that what the apostle Peter and the writer of Proverbs are
the matter, but an attempt at stimulating reflection and
really saying? How do other biblical texts address the beauty
discussion about a deeply important issue. It is a must-read for
question: the account of Eve created in the image of God; Sarah’s
both women and men who have never seriously considered this
and Esther’s experiences in oriental harems; the rape of Tamar;
issue—because “beauty matters for spiritual people….Until we put
and the Song of Songs’s wild celebration of a woman’s beauty, to
this issue on the table, hypocrisy will flourish” (p. 23).
name just a few. And what exactly is ‘the unfading beauty of a
gentle and quiet spirit’ anyway?” (pp. 18-19).
In a moment of true honesty, would we not all say that
appearances matter—ours as well as those of others? (Brothers,
too!) And it matters to God. The scriptures are full of descriptions
6
Aileen Kim is a doctoral student at Penn studying Educational
Linguistics. Some of her favorite books from childhood are The Boxcar
Children, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and
anything Encyclopedia Brown. [email protected]
I
arrived in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the summer
before my sophomore year of high school. Within a
weekend, I had gone from the sunny streets of
California to a neighborhood closely resembling Mel
Gibson’s home in the movie Signs.
I started my time at Unionville High School on the
wrong foot, full of anger and bitterness that I had been
wrested from my familiar life in Cali. This attitude
translated into resentment towards all those around me –
the
through me of its own accord. It wasn’t until then that I
realized that I felt as trapped as I had in high school.
Nothing had changed; I was still constantly bitter and
resentful of all of those around me. I hated how parallel my
life seemed to be between college and high school, but it
showed me how little I had changed since I’d left home.
It scared me to think that even with all the things I
wanted around me, my life was still running the same old
&
Black
By Matt Rong
consciously trying to be happy – there was no light shining
White
R e e l
an antipathy that only grew with time. Whether people
track; I was simply living it in front of a different backdrop.
anything that came my way. When I did find my niche, it
years in a black and white screen and suddenly seeing it in
headphones, and sleeping through classes. All this
and brought me to my knees, because while I saw the
mistreated me or I just didn’t fit the mold, I refused to take In my mind it was like watching reels of my high school
was in isolation, walking through hallways with
frustration led me to think that college had to be the light,
the thing that would pull me out of the abyss I was
endlessly falling through.
Temple University seemed to be everything I had been
looking for, with an inner-city campus and student
diversity that promised me flocks of Asians to assimilate
with. Upon arriving on campus in late August, I was ready
to be entertained, and to live life the way I thought I would
have, had I stayed in Cali.
My first month at Temple was beyond words. I walked
all over the city day in and day out, from Penn to
Chinatown to Temple; I went as far as SEPTA and my two
feet could take me. I woke up late for classes, I roamed
campus during the day, I stayed up late nights doing
nothing, and I slept whenever I felt like it. I surrounded
living color in front of my eyes. This realization shook me,
truth, my heart would not turn. I had grown to love the
bitterness and hatred that ran my life. I was in desperate
need of help, of open-heart surgery. I knew then that only
God had the precision to heal me.
Even knowing God has begun His healing, I still often
find myself running back to the bitterness and hatred that
embraced me for so long. Because I lived there for so many
years, it is a comfortable place, and it’s easy for me to
want to retreat there when things are rough. But it is at
those moments that God reruns the reel of my life to
remind me how desperately a change is needed for me to
continue living. What a wonder it is that there is a God that
loves me for who I am and is there to show me that with
Him, I am not a lost cause. JOT
myself with all the things I thought my time at Unionville
High School had denied me, and it seemed as if my four
years couldn’t go wrong.
But as easy as life seemed to be, I still often found
myself alone in my room trying to be content. I was
Matt Rong is a freshman at Temple University. He is an avid
fan of hip-hop and in his spare time writes lyrics on pieces of
scrap paper (this article being one of the longer pieces).
[email protected]
7
A
Second
by Riana Pahmer
W
vigorous academic schedule, and the many
henever people find out
where I was born and spent the first eight
years of my life, they always wonder, “Why
in the world did you leave?” They never
understand that the treasures I left behind
then cannot even compare to the riches I
found merely a year ago.
I was born in Tahiti, a tropical island in
the South Pacific and the capital of French
Polynesia. I remember growing up in the
There was nothing I could
do to help my family or
sun, building sand castles on black-sand
beaches, and pretending to be a mermaid
when I swam in the deep-blue lagoons. For
even myself. Though far
the most part, I lived a carefree, happy life
from
I left Tahiti in 1992, my new life in Southern
home,
I
was
experiencing the same old
with my parents and little sister. Even when
California was enjoyable. I soon adapted to
the enormous California highways and the
feelings of pain, sadness,
tall American kids, and mastered the ever-
loneliness,
The years slipped by quickly.
uncertainty
and hopelessness.
valuable phrase, “Hello, my name is Riana!”
However, despite these promising
beginnings, I ended high school with the
sole desire to get as far away from home as
possible. Towards the end of my secondary
school years, the place I used to run to for
comfort had become a depressing
battleground. My parents fought with each
other often, resulting in weeks of the “silent
treatment.” My sister was going through
junior high and struggling with the social
and academic pressures of early teen years.
Dealing with the three of them, SATs,
college applications, music competitions, a
8
hanCe
C
mood swings typical of teenage frustration
was too much. I remember crying myself to
sleep when I thought about the misery
fermenting in my house. For nearly a
month, I didn’t even smile. I hated the world
and everyone in it. I just wanted to get
away.
I came to college with a vision for
change, success and, at last, happiness. At
first, I loved the freedom that college
offered. Though I was struggling with
classes, I was involved in exciting extra-
curricular activities, I made friends easily
and, best of all, I had a boyfriend.
Unfortunately, those things did not change
the situation at home. I received emails
from my family, each of them telling me
their personal depressing point of view
about the daily suffering. My parents were
disappointed with my academic grades, and
my sister was beginning to talk about
suicide as though it were the answer to her
problems. There was nothing I could do to
help my family or even myself. Though far
from home, I was experiencing the same
old feelings of pain, sadness, loneliness,
uncertainty and hopelessness.
My roommate would listen to my
stories with teary eyes, and would kindly
offer up prayers of encouragement to
someone named Jesus Christ. To me, this
was some imaginary friend she always
talked to and about; while I believed a God
existed, I had no real idea who that God was
or what he did. She had invited me many
times to come to church, and while I wanted
to sit on a throne of gold, but instead
would make it impossible.
personal relationship with Jesus, and how
to go, something always came up that
Then a funny, unexpected thing
happened during January in second
semester. My roommate invited me to the
Spring Congregational retreat, as did
several other members of Grace Covenant
Church. I had never been to a retreat, much
less understood what it was about. As it
turned out, that weekend I was completely
wanted to dwell in me; the joy and love in a
much greater it was than anything I could
obtain from a relationship on this earth; and
most importantly, how there was someone
my
I was so broken that night. To this day
prayed, but when I honestly talked to God
miraculously, when I asked my parents for
asked for another chance, I experienced the
reluctantly) with my desires.
Christ. In that powerful instant, the
first message I heard that Friday night:
the first time, I began to breath freely. I
asked us to look into our lives and to think
someone who didn’t deserve to die
disgusted with myself. I felt so filthy and
anything wrong) took my place because He
and renewed, just like the pastor was
painful reality, I could have confidence and
being a pure habitation for God. The pastor
about what we saw. I had never been so
ashamed. I wanted to be purified, cleansed
saying, but I didn’t know how.
I woke up the next day with the same
about the muck that was in my heart and
saving grace and merciful love of Jesus
heaviness inside of me was released. For
love I will never find anywhere else.
disgrace? Who would listen without judging
Though the conflicts between my parents
new chance? Did I even deserve a new
more lost and alone than ever, I have faith
yet again, all alone, bearing my shame and
their lives. The greatest lesson I have come
pain by myself.
That night, the pastor encouraged us to
pray. I didn’t know how to pray or what to
have confidence and hope
for the future.
are still not resolved and my sister feels
that His power and love will be revealed in
to understand is that He, not I, is in control.
I believe with all my heart that one day, my
family will understand that too. I can’t help
loving as Jesus Christ wants to be, and is,
someone greater than a king who deserved
could
As a Christian, my life is very different.
just began to talk. As I spoke to myself (or
from the pastor began to come to mind:
I
chance I had prayed for. Such unconditional
but rejoice and be thankful to know that
so I thought), the things that I had heard
reality,
this
transformation wasn’t my own doing, but
pray for, and so I did the same as everyone
around me: head bowed and eyes closed, I
Understanding
painful
someone who is so powerful, faithful, and
my friend. JOT
Riana Pahmer is a sophomore in the College at Penn. She enjoys walking
around campus on sunny days, talking to squirrels, and eating Nutella
straight out of the jar. [email protected]
He
live.
nothing I could to help my family, today and
was even further ashamed – I didn’t know
chance? No…and there was no one. I was,
to
hope for the future. While before there was
God’s sacrificial act gave me the second
me? Who would forgive me and give me a
me
wanted me to live. Understanding this
relationships between opposite genders,
whom to turn to! Who could understand my
wanted
because
(because unlike me, He hadn’t done
everyday, I can pray for them. My
and I thought about my own relationship. I
place
finally understood the meaning of the cross:
heaviness in my heart. During the afternoon
seminar, he talked about Christian
of the cross: someone who
that shame upon Himself because He loved
me so much.
it remains the hardest prayer I have ever
And so I went. I will never forget the
understood the meaning
didn’t deserve to die took
dirtiness hidden inside of me, but who took
week after, all my music commitments and
permission to go, they complied (though
f i n a l l y
who not only had the power to cleanse the
free. No exams or papers were due for the
rehearsals were cancelled, and
I
9
Note - worthy
Woven &Spun
Nichole Nordeman
Review by
W
hether it is in the lyrics of
her songs or even in this
Heaven. The album begins with the
forward to her new album, Nichole
extremely successful single, “Holy,”
Nordeman is an artist whose
which enjoyed ten consecutive
refreshing honesty. In her latest,
Radio Weekly’s alternative
September 2002, she departs from
her simpler piano-driven pieces
and instead focuses more on God
recounts God’s faithfulness in His
relation to our lives. And while she
Featuring a style that is soothing
process was much more
Nordeman deserves a place in
themes I’d written about
anticipated, the end product is a
recommend “Woven and Spun”.
perhaps, other than me,
lyrics compel active listening and
writing is characterized by a rare,
weeks as #1 on Christian
“Woven and Spun”, released in
As I began to write for
this record, I knew that
God was nudging me
toward something new.
Something other than
the familiar, confessional
previously. Something,
me,
me.
B
lessed is a worship album
Christian chart. The real gems are
her usual private soul searching,
called “I Am”. This song beautifully
Himself, His goodness, and His
walk with her throughout her life.
readily admits that the creative
and widely accessible, Nichole
challenging than she had
anybody’s collection. I highly
collection of heartfelt songs whose
Danny Hahn is a senior about to
graduate from the Engineering
provoke deep reflection, all the
School at Penn. He enjoys whacking
while humbly deferring to the
pots and pans with chopsticks and
power and grace of our Father in
Blessed
pretending he’s a rock star.
[email protected]
By H i l l s o n g s
Review by Fred Kim
celebrates God’s worthiness and the
celebrating the Glory of God as it privilege that we as believers can
is displayed in our daily lives.
share in as we worship. The song
Inspired by Psalm 84, “Blessed are
“Son of God” particularly touched me.
this album captures the dynamic
Lamb, Jesus Christ, this song has
thread running through each song is
myself and to worship Christ, not
the idea that as we pour out our
only for His worthiness but because
pouring out His blessings and mercy
the great cost that I may know Him
those who dwell in Your house…,”
essence of worship. A common
hearts to God in worship, He is
upon us, even more. The title track
“Blessed,” sets the tone for the album
as it proclaims the intimate nature of
our relationship with our Heavenly
Father. In general the album
10
Danny Hahn
Shouting of the worthiness of the
truly helped me to get my eyes off of
of how even in my sinfulness He paid
more. I recommend Blessed.
Y u p . T h a t ’ s D a r l e n e.
Fred Kim is a junior in the College at Penn.
His favorite ice tea is Arizona Green Tea
with honey. [email protected]
...lessons from
Wait..i..n...g
2
by Christine Lim
00… 199… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1!!! I had counted
projects became just that, “projects,” rather than weapons
down from day 200, and here I was finally walking
to destroy spiritual strongholds. His words now rang loud
across The Kimmel Center in my cap and gown,
and clear, “You are not ready to be used. You have more
with no more papers or thesis to worry about. As my
knowledge, but lack compassion; you have suffered
daydreaming of all that was to come. I was ready to
not ready to love the city as I love, to die for them as I
colleagues gave their ‘moving’ speeches, I sat in my seat
change the world! Fight health care disparities! Advocate
for human rights! Battle the AIDS epidemic! God had
through lessons, but there is still little humility. You are
have died for them.”
His gentle rebukes fed my soul. I was humbled and
called me into public health with the purpose to love and
encouraged by His unrelenting love for me. The
serve His city… it was finally time to put into practice all
uncertainties and unanswered questions took the backseat
that I had learned! In anticipation of the job He would lead
as God’s promises re-surfaced on my heart. I repented
me to, I prayed, “Lord, I’m ready now. Use me!”
Weeks passed, then months, and my dreams were no
longer. I soon became tired of trying to describe myself
with three words for employers, and of trying to think of
and asked God to restore in me His heart. I asked for
another chance to be used, the privilege to be sent, and
the faith to be a blessing wherever I would go.
And that continues to be my prayer. I want to be
responses for questions to which I had no answers. More
faithfully worshipping and shining Christ’s love wherever I
than being unemployed, I was in a state of utter confusion.
am. As I work in clinical research, I sometimes wonder
and endless possibilities, left me feeling fearful, insecure,
bring me next. I am waiting in prayer to be sent back to
ever make a difference for the Gospel? Could God use
calling is not light, humility sometimes hurts, and my
The dauntingly nebulous present, with its uncertainties
and faithless. ‘What was the purpose of this life? Would I
even me?’
One day, after another unsuccessful attempt to “sell”
myself, I was discouraged and stopped to pray. God
reminded me of when I first moved to Philadelphia. I had
come with Hebrews 11:8 in my heart, with faith that as I
obeyed God’s call, He would make me a blessing wherever
I went. I had come excited and hungry to serve, but that
what purpose God has for me here, and where He will
the inner city, but My Father is still getting me ready. His
surrender isn’t always whole, but I have decided to follow
Jesus, and there is no greater joy. JOT
”Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you
prepared for me… Then I said, 'Here I am…I have come to
Hebrews 10:6-7
do your will, O God.”
heart was no more. Rather, I thought His blessing had left
me and wanted to quit.
God challenged my thoughts. “What happened to your
old prayers, Christine? You used to say, ‘Here I am, Lord. I
Christine Lim works at the University of Pennsylvania
Abramson Cancer Center. She loves bubble tea, smiley
faces, and walking into puddles.
[email protected]
have nothing much to give, but use me for Your glory!
You used to cry out for the people I love… you used to be
filled with compassion… you used to love even when it
hurt.” That broke me. As I reflected back, He showed me
how I had studied away – learning, but not growing in
love. I had eagerly sought refuge in innovative but futile
public health programs, rather than claiming the only
power that could break any addiction. My outreach
11
“I’ll
“I’ll Go
Go
Where
WhereYou
YouSend
SendMe”
Me”
By Ronald Lee
I
still cannot quite believe
that graduation is coming
up in less than a few
months. As I head towards the end
of my college career here at Penn, I
am filled with mixed emotions. Most
of me is excited at what God has in
store for my future, yet there is a part
of me that is a bit anxious about the
uncertainty. No matter what
happens, though, I am confident that
God knows what is best for me, and
will guide me to where I need to be
next year.
I was not a Christian when I
arrived at Penn, and I did not really
think that I would want to pursue
God during my college years. I was
very independent and self-focused,
and like most people, I believed that
my hard work would be what led me
to success. But even though I was
doing well in classes and everything
was fine on the surface, I still felt
very empty on the inside. I was
looking for some type of
breakthrough in my life, but I just did
not know where it would come from.
Little did I know that God was already
running after me, and that He had
great surprises planned for me.
I began to read the Bible, and
began to understand a bit more
about what Jesus Christ did for me.
It was a gradual process, but through
going to family group, talking to
various people and attending prayer
times, I finally understood that Jesus’
blood had washed away all my sins,
and that I had freedom in Christ. I
was able to accept Jesus Christ as my
Savior in the spring of freshman year,
and I can truly say that my life has
never been the same since that time.
It has been an awesome journey, and
I feel like God has been planting
many seeds in my life during the past
few years.
This past school year, I have been
going through medical school
interviews, as I feel that God has
placed a burden on my heart to serve
people in the medical field.
Throughout this whole time, God has
really given me much peace in my
heart, and I am truly thankful for
that. My theme for this past year has
been getting back to the basics. I
have been trying to read the word of
God, spending quiet times meditating
on His goodness, and meeting up as
believers. It has been so refreshing,
and I think establishing this firm
foundation will be crucial as I head
towards my post-college years. As of
right now, I still am not sure where I
will be headed in the fall, but I know
that if God wants me to serve Him as
a doctor, there is nothing that can
stop that from happening.
This upcoming summer, I will be
heading to Kensington with the Inner
City Missions team. I am looking
forward to seeing how God can
expand my heart for the lost, as well
as help me to deepen my relationship
with Him. I am glad to say that my
confidence is in a God who is so
gracious and so willing to bless. As
graduation day slowly approaches, I
am sure that I will become more
reflective on these past four years. I
would not trade any of those
precious moments because I know
that my God has been shaping me
and molding me to His likeness. As I
look to next year, I am filled with
much excitement, and I anticipate
that He has even greater things in
store for me! JOT
much as possible with fellow
Ronald Lee is a senior in the College of Penn. Though he
assumes a mild-mannered exterior, a pop culture manic
lurks beneath the surface. [email protected]
12
Compiled and Edited by Sang Lee
13
What do they have to say?
This year’s graduating seniors is the largest class to ever graduate from Harvest Fellowship. As the theme of this
semester’s issue of JOT is transitions, we wanted to hear what our seniors had to share as they enter this time of
change. Due to the volume of answers to this survey, some responses were omitted and others were edited because
many of the same sentiments were shared and to keep the length reasonable. It’s our hope that this retrospective of
God’s faithfulness and love through the past four years will bless the members of our congregation and testify to
non-believers of the greatness of knowing Jesus. We also pray that as this year’s seniors read through this section,
they will be reminded of the moments, challenges, blessings, and trials that He used to touch each of their lives
through our time here at GCC. But even more importantly, we pray that this survey will serve to glorify Him because
He alone is worthy and He alone is God. JOT
Q1. What are your words of wisdom for underclassmen?
Meet as many different people as you possibly can. Find good
accountability partners! Accountability is key! - Jeannie Suh
Three IS holy! Never look around. Always look up.
– Sung Park
Don’t presume to know too much. Do learn continually of your
own ignorance. Don’t esteem yourself too high or too low. In
fact, try not to think about yourself too much at all, you get
into trouble that way. Do esteem God for who He truly is, and
not simply for what you want Him to be. – Danny Kim
Be teachable. There is always something you can
learn, and oftentimes it comes from the most
unexpected of sources. Remember to seek Him.
– Frank Wang
Go to class! - Christina Yoo
Enjoy your four years at Penn. Love your brothers and
sister, both believers AND non-believers. Branch
outside of your comfort zones. People are thirsty for
the Word, but many are reluctant to seek if from a
stranger. Don't be a stranger. - Phil Chen
Use the time before dinner to study and the time after
midnight to sleep, not the other way around.
– Danny Hahn
14
Q2. Favorite memory at GCC the past four years?
My first service at GCC. After Pastor Young's sermon, I cried my burdens away. I knew then that GCC was the place
where God wanted me to be. – Sung Park
Through it all, not dating. Oops I mean God--through it all, God… - Yongwon Lee
Passion 2002. When I saw P Young and Christine jump up and down on the stage of the Woodlyn Church. I didn't know they
had it in them!! =) – Grace Shin
Our class outings to Seoul House (thanks Pastor Paul C.!)
And baking a million cookies and eating humungous ribs
prepping for mini-Olympics! – Jeannie Suh
First time I went to GCC; I didn't know anyone, but I met
with God and knew I was meant to be there. And thus
began a life committed to Him. – Carol Hu
Sophomore year preparing a study break for the
freshmen. That brought us together to share, fellowship,
and try to make ramen. There was nothing more blessing
than seeing each of us being together and trying to reach
Spring Break 2003! – Luke Tay
out to the youngins. – Franklin Shen
The Juniors retaliating at the Seniors with bottles of mustard during Hey Day 2002. That was gross. – Phil Chen
Q3. What has God taught you?
To obey Him and seek Him first, and that God is always
there when we need Him. – Luke Tay
Worship should be constant and wholehearted because it
depends on God's character, not our mood. Holiness is a
joint venture between us and God. God is not safe; but He
is good. - Danny Hahn
He'll never let you go; but you have to let everything go.
The value, necessity, and joy of depending on God are my
most valuable lessons from college! :) – Yongwon Lee
I've learned that my life is not my own. I don't have control
over anything. Control is but an illusion. God is the ONLY
ONE who holds control within His grasp. - Giao Le
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will
walk and not be faint.” - Jon Ahn
Be confident and faithful that God will lead every step. There will be a cost when taking up the cross—it's all or none just as in
depolarization (action potentials). Question but not to the extent of disbelief. I may fail, but God will lift me right back up as a potter
molding clay on the potter's wheel. God is forever faithful and constant even when I am not. – Euree Choi
God has taught me that I do not need to earn his love, that His love for me is unconditional and totally undeserved. God has taught me
lessons in humility, and really learning how to serve others more than myself. - Ronald Lee
Sometimes it's not an issue of right and wrong. It's an issue of wisdom. If it were always black and white, there would be no need for
wisdom, right? – Kipum Lee
15
Q4. Use a line from a song, a book, or a movie to describe your 4 years here.
“Tell me something, my friend, you ever danced with the devil by the pale moonlight?” :
The Joker. I think I danced with the devil at night. – Phil Choe
“All the time I had wasted seeking stones, I had missed the rolling glory of the sea.”:
Eden's Bridge. – Esi Nkyekyer
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." : Forrest Gump
- Euree Choi
“I will run when I cannot walk, I will sing when there is
no song, I will pray when there is no prayer, I will listen
when I cannot hear. I will fight when I cannot feel, I will
trust when You don’t seem real, I will tell when I cannot
speak, I will step when I cannot see” : Shane Barnard
– Sang Lee
“I hope to lose myself for good. I hope to find it in the
end not in me” : Switchfoot – Carol Hu
"I used to always think that I'd look back on the times
we cried, and laugh, but I never thought I'd look back
on the times we laughed, and cry." : Alice Walker
– Sue Ahn
“In Christ Alone...” – Nina Song
Q5. What will you miss most about undergrad life?
I will miss living in the dorm, hanging out with people at night. I
will miss the studying during finals with friends...although you
probably can’t call it "studying". – Christina Yoo
I'll miss ready-cooked food… I'll definitely miss Bryn Mawr and
everything that is associated with it. - Giao Le
Walking down one hall you can get advice from, vent emotions to,
share experiences with, and chill among a large amount of friends.
You can count on seeing at least one familiar face without dialing
any numbers, waiting a long period of time, or only dealing with a
keyboard. – Franklin Shen
I'm gonna miss Hemo's grilled chicken sandwich – Kipum Lee
16
Q6. Final thoughts for the class of ’03?
It has been a privilege to run the race with you guys last four years. It gives me great joy to know that I won't be running alone
until the end. Thank you and I love you guys.– Sung Park
I have never loved so seriously and passionately an entire group of people. God has blessed
us with each other and a myriad of talents and gifts. I pray that God is pleased with what we
eventually do with our stewardship of these talents. I don’t think that I can know the alien
elation that will explode within me when I finally come face to face with Jesus. However, I can
slightly imagine that it is some kind of awesome enhancement of the earthly elation that I
have experienced because of you guys. I trust and pray to see all of you again, eventually.
– Danny Kim
Please send your wedding invitations prior to the year 2005. (Or after the year 2008) Otherwise, I will be detained and unable to
attend. – Yongwon Lee
It's been a pleasure, a blessing, a trip, and one heck of a ride. Thanks for the times of worship and fellowship, for the times of
praying, sharing, encouragement, bonding, EATING, and most importantly... for running with me in this race. You have all
blessed me your own unique way and have made an indelible mark in my memory. Thanks for everything my fellow '03ers, let us
press on strong until the end. – Frank Wang
Thanks so much for an awesome four years together, and
all the great times! I know that God has amazing things in
store for all of us, and I look forward to keeping in touch.
"Let us not grow weary if doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 Press on seniors!! – Ronald Lee
Let God take you to the mountain tops. Let Him lead you
through the valley low. Love Him more than any other...and
don't worry 'bout what the future holds. I think because
we're transitioning into the realm of 'young adulthood',
many of us may think the party is over...but man, it's only
just begun! God has some amazing plans for each and
everyone of us!!! - Esi Nkyekyer
Through these past 4 years, you guys have taught me so
much about friendship, faith, prayer, hope, perseverance and God's love. – Nina Song
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may
fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be
glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
- Grace Lee
I am so privileged to be a part of this amazing class. When we all go our separate ways, I will forever hold the memories we have
made together, and I hope that you all will as well. You guys truly showed me the love of Christ, and I pray that we'll all go out
into the world and make a difference, fight the good fight, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ under all circumstances. Thank you
guys for an amazing college experience. I will never forget the good times or the ways you individually touched my heart.
– Sue Ahn
Most of us will look back and remember our youth, our vibrancy, yes, even our muscles. But hey! There's no such thing as a
downhill slope in this Christian walk of ours. It just gets better and better. &=O) – Jon Ahn
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in
the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1: 3-6. ‘Nuff said. Holla Back ’03! – Sang Lee
Bye – Phil Choe
17
y o u n g
a d u l t s
o n
t h e
sa rah so h
m o v e
whether graduating or leaving the Philly area,
our prayers are with you!
Please pray for the Lord
to guide me through
His plans.
sa I k It wo ng
now: Masters of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania
next move: to obtain an internship in the NE
e dwIn baImp wi
My prayer request is for
my family’s salvation
(mother, brother,
sister-in-law, 2
nephews).
Please pray that I may
walk worthy of that to
now: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
which I have been
next move: in Philadelphia for a year long internship,
called.
then New York for residency in Anesthesiology
c hi t r uo ng
next move: to work in Philadelphia
gl enn har ta nt o
My prayer request
is to be sold out
for Christ.
Please pray for a clear
vision in what God
wants me to do for His
kingdom and how I can
now: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
serve.
next move: in New York for a year long internship, then
California for residency in Emergency Medicine
next move: to work for an architecture firm somewhere
in the East Coast
18
da ni el y eh
Please pray for
God’s provision in
work, especially
with our economy
and my trust in
Him wherever He
may lead.
p. paul chi
Please pray that the
Lord would guide
me in my future
now: Masters of Engineering, University of
ministry at CFC.
Pennsylvania
Pray that He would
next move: unsure—my preference is to be closer to
help me to capture
home in the NW or staying in the NE area
my first love, have
a burden for the
students, and
c hr Ist In e ma
guide me into the
future years of
ministry.
now: Assistant pastor at GCC
next move: to minister at Covenant Fellowship
Church at the University of Illinois
Please pray for the
Lord’s leading and
guidance as I prepare
to graduate.
e l e na k Im
now: Masters of Education, University of Pennsylvania
next move: unsure
Please pray that during
e d s ul
my first year as a young
adult I can quickly settle
down, yet experience
God in an intimate way
so that I can see Him
and not me.
Please pray that I
won’t be afraid of
now: Wharton, University of Pennsylvania
next move: to work in Philadelphia
all that God has in
store for me.
now: Youth Director at Inner City Missions in
Kensington
next move: to move home to Chicago to study for
GRE’s, apply to graduate education programs, write,
read, and dream big—oh yeah, get some money too
19
Ministry Team Spotlight
By Jenny Yuh
The Missions Ministry Team
believes the harvest is now. Therefore, we are
concerned with mobilizing kingdom workers,
supporting missionaries, and sharing resources—
all through prayer and action.
Our primary goal is to promote awareness
in our respective schools, city, and world,
specifically through the following five
outreaches:
Investigative Outreach: facilitating Investigative Bible
Studies for seekers
Campus Outreach: sharing the Gospel with those on our
campuses, including but not limited to door-to-door
evangelism
Community Service Outreach: helping campus fellowship
groups partner with Inner City Missions
Recommended reading:
Kensington Outreach: mentoring and tutoring children
When God Walked on Campus: A brief
History of Evangelical Awakenings at
American Colleges and Universities
through Inner City Missions
Overseas Missions Outreach: supporting short-term
mission teams and full-time missionaries.
Please join us during our weekly Friday morning prayer
meetings. Or, we warmly welcome you to our monthly
Sunday gatherings. We want to encourage past mission
participants and prayer for our world, as well as update
the various outreaches stated above.
For information on how you can participate, please feel
free to contact our listserv, [email protected].
Some good websites to check out:
-By Michael F. Gleason
Operation World
- Johnstone & Mandryk
Jesus Freaks, Volume I and II
- DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs
Let the Nations be Glad
- John Piper
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secrets
- Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor
Gospel for Asia http://www.gfa.org
International Justice Mission http://www.ijm.org
The Voice of the Martyrs http://www.persecution.com
Together we can plow the harvest and touch this world
one step and one prayer at a time! Let’s live it out! JOT
20
H
ow would one genuinely get know a person, much less their
senior pastor? Observe his sermons, disposition and in our
current technological era, search online? In the church website for
example, Young C. Kim is labeled for wearing degrees from the
searching for
Pastor Young
University of Illinois in Bio-engineering, then a Master of Divinity from
Biblical Theological Seminary and lastly a Master of Arts in Urban
Missions from Westminster Theological Seminary. I click onto his
family photographs. His smile reveals only a mere glare off the
computer screen.
For on Sundays, I see one who exudes energy by extrapolating
Scripture with drops of sweat rolling down his forehead. His
passionate voice rises with confidence as he encourages his
congregation. Without even trying, he cracks his best jokes. In the
same sentence, he challenges students and young adults to live out
passion, prayer and purity in college and beyond. At times, he openly
weeps about his personal struggles behind the pulpit (otherwise
known as the black music stand) in Penn’s lab room.
Can I begin to unravel a pastor, or excuse me, a person, and a
fellow believer in Christ, from one mere conversation? Maybe.
On a Wednesday afternoon, I see this pastor wearing jeans and a
collared jersey shirt. For lunch, he orders a gyro sandwich and a diet
coke. He gives good eye contact and asks if I have enough quarters for
my parking meter.
At the end of our interview, I conclude to myself that his answers
reveal a characteristic trait: continually strives for improvement by
learning from the past, as well as looking for more improvement in the
future. I catch myself saying aloud, “He doesn’t believe he’s that
great.” Biblically, we can call it humility, yet as he put it best, “I am who
I am.” It is by the grace of God we are who we are, and furthermore,
who we [as a church] will become in the future.
-Jenny Yuh
JY: What kind of transition is GCC about to undergo?
PYK: In the last 7 years I think, the main objectives were to establish a strong and vibrant
college ministry by helping freshmen through graduation. We’ve gotten to make an impact
in various campuses, by raising leaders and holding small groups there. So there’s been a
campus-ministry flavor to our church in the last years. Now as we look forward, we want to
build upon the campus ministry and strive for a strong vibrant young adult ministry in the
marketplace and graduate places . . . especially for the working young adults. I do hope
however, that it will have the same spiritual focus of passion, prayer, and purity.
21
JY: Where has the burden for the young adult
ministry originate from? Is it because you are
transitioning or that you see the postgraduates have
nowhere to go?
and I can comfort them!
PYK: Well I’ve seen it from the beginning.
PYK: First of all, our young adults are more multi-
JY: You mean you’ve known about this shift in
ministry seven years ago?
Many of our lay leaders are ethnically diverse and
PYK: Yes. I didn’t know when we were going to
transition into the young adult ministry but I did
foresee it, and yes, post grads are one of the
reasons. In the past, I’ve seen
ethnic. Our leaders are non-Korean and non-Asians.
that’s a strong point. The good ingredients are: one,
the spirituality level in general is healthy and
second, we have more multiethnic members and
those two things are what we want for our young
adults.
Emmanuel, when I was serving
JY: From the past has there been unexpected lesson,
or unexpected blessing?
other ministries and thinking it
PYK: So far things have been very smooth. This year
young adult ministries at
there. I’ve also been observing
through. Some churches focus
mainly on young adults but I
in fact, is one of the more difficult years.
felt like that wasn’t our first
JY: Why do you think that is?
establish a strong college
PYK: I think after seven years, we are able to see
the young adults come out of,
So far we can see what we need to get rid of, and
that. It’s like a pyramid. You
is so far, I don’t how to put it best, but we haven’t
calling. Our first calling was to
ministry because that’s where
and then we can build upon
have the mainframe of the
college and after that is the
young adults, then the married couples, and then to
the families. So that’s where we are at.
The big transition is if the Lord wills, the younger
what we’ve done right and what we’ve done wrong.
keep the things what we did right. Another big thing
been playing, but haven’t been doing church.
JY: Like to live it out?
PYK: To be serious. For example, for college
pastors and raised leaders will handle the college
students, we’ve stressed for them to be committed
adults—that does not mean that I won’t mingle with
year, to do all you can for that one year. Now for
energy with the young adults hearing about their
respective work places.
and other relevant situations. The methodology may
JY: So there’s no unexpected lesson?
building; how to get along with your co-workers;
PYK: It’s hard to lead people. I think out of the seven
Additionally, my wife and Kee are working towards
leadership skills and abilities. I have some skills, yet
challenge the young adults.
to be a better leader.
see myself do it for five more years. But I think it’s
young adults in our congregation and a little
ministry. I personally want to mingle with the young
the college at all. I want to spend more time and
work situations, how they are spending their money
be different with less meetings and more relational
how to behave and not talk bad about your boss.
establishing a women’s ministry. I definitely want to
Keep in mind I really enjoyed college, and I can
for four years and even if you are here for only one
young adults, we need to make a difference in their
years I personally learned that I need to increase my
in order to move on, I need more compassion. I want
Honestly, it’s unexpected that we have significant
healthier if it can be entrusted to the younger
budding of married couples. It’s really hard for the
like the father figure. Those guys can push them,
believe they’ve done it for God’s calling.
pastors to be the front-runners, and I can be more
22
JY: How is the young adult ministry going to fulfill
the vision for a more multi-ethnic group?
couples to have hung around for this long, and I
JY: People have said from the past, you’ve “softened
up.” Do you first agree, and did you expect that?
They’re one of the greatest blessings and slowed the
PYK: I agree. I softened up, and the positive side is that
JY: How can we get to know you? For college students
or young adults?
I’m more mature in my passion and drive. On the
negative side, I don’t want to lose the passion. I hope
pace of my life. It’s been good.
my softer side will be beneficial to have vision and
PYK: First by making appointments. Second, by coming
passion with kindness. I have a long ways to go. At the
to our house with your family groups. To meet up with
same time, I think it can go the other way by pleasing
people too much.
Definitely having kids softens you up. Annette and I
the young adults, I need to free up my evenings.
In general, my sermons reveal a lot about me. I am
who I am. By the grace of God. Who I am on Sundays, is
say having kids slows your pace of life. When I was
who I am essentially.
with the college guys! I can’t push them more than
JY: What are some hardships in ministry?
single, I was a lot more abrasive, but now I can’t run
more I can run!
JY: What is the future direction for GCC?
PYK: The whole church will continually hear that this to
be a year of prayer and fasting. That’s why we’re doing
the 21 day fast. Another future transition is the
PYK: None! Just kidding. I’m learning I need to be a
better leader to train our leaders. I need to first learn
what it means to serve and lead others.
JY: What are some rewards and joys?
network with churches from across the US. We’re
PYK: These seven years have been a blessing. Where
gathering to spread the Gospel, (1) through church
we are at, is a testimony of who God is. The next seven
countries by pulling and sharing our resources.
difficult. I feel like some of us have to say, “Man, we’re
together; to train and encourage our leaders. It’s
I might be here for another seven. I’m going to invest
planting in the States and (2) church planting in foreign
Additionally we’re also going to do conferences
because we’re not a church by our self, instead we
have a brotherhood/sisterhood for church planting and
leadership training.
JY: Is fatherhood harder than you thought?
PYK: We have really good kids. But yeah. I think
years is not going to be easier; in fact, it’s going to be
really doing church. I’ve been here for seven years, and
in this thing so it’ll last for my children’s generation.”
JY: This is off the topic but are people surprised that
you’re a pastor?
PYK: No, they might be but they don’t show it.
Because I travel a lot, my neighbors first thought I was
Annette and I are struggling, but we’re coming out of
in the CIA!
youngest, is two-years-old, and he’s self-functioning.
PYK: Can I ask you a question?
a little easier and my parents help a lot. One of the
PYK: Do you have a boyfriend? Do you like anyone?
the hardest time because the kids are older. Isaiah, our
So we’ve got three that are self-functional. It’s getting
toughest responsibilities I’ve had is raising kids.
JY: Yeah, sure…
JY: Can we turn off the tape?!?! JOT
Photos by Diana Chan
23
perspective
By Stephen Shin
Homeward Bound
“So, I hear you’re
leaving Philly?”
It’s the question I’ve begun to hear more often.
And it’s the question that I’ve come to dread answering.
flooded my heart with His pursuing, intimate love. I felt
restored by His renewing, loving touch and through the
community in Christ at GCC. I’ve experienced so much
of God’s rich blessings through this church. There have
been countless times when I’ve walked into a Friday
My typical response goes something like this: “Umm,
large group after a long week and the corporate praise
be in New York next fall working for a law firm, unless
been blessed by hanging out with family group
time someone asks me what I’m going to do next year, I
when I’ve been challenged to persevere and grow in my
confidence and commitment. On the one hand, I’m very
that I saw that God was moving in and through this
job, which many lawyers consider an opportunity too
His movement here. The decision to leave has been
leave Philly and Grace Covenant Church just yet.
desire to be a part of what God is doing in this church.
Philly because it doesn’t seem too long ago that I was
this job offer in New York. To be honest, however, my
arrived here to go to law school after spending time
life in New York has made me question what God has
left me spiritually dry and distant from God. At the start
which I’ve been flourishing? What does God have for me
yeah...I'm 98% sure that it’s most likely that I’ll probably
has drawn me into such Spirit-filled worship; when I’ve
God opens a door for me to stay here in Philly.” Every
members and it felt like we were a family in Christ; and
can’t bring myself to answer that question with full
grateful that God has provided me with a prestigious
good to pass up. On the other hand, I don’t want to
It seems odd facing the decision to transition out of
actually transitioning into Philly. Four years ago, I
abroad and a year in New York. That time was fun but it
of my second year of law school, God’s faithfulness
24
prayer life. In fact, it was at an all-night prayer meeting
church, and I decided then that I wanted to be a part of
especially difficult for me because even now, I still
But now, God has faithfully opened a new door with
reluctance to leave Philly and my anxiety about a new
opened. Should I leave GCC, the spiritual community in
in New York? Even though my future position in the law
“With all of life’s changes in
locations, The transition
that matters most is the one
that leads us home.”
firm is highly-regarded, working in a corporate
mission statement comes to mind: Raising up kingdom
my life. I’m afraid the excellent training I’ll receive there as
When I view my identity as a kingdom worker and my time
well-being. At the core of my doubts, I fear the
surprised if I find myself leaving…or rather, being sent out
dull my heart for missions and blur my vision for using law
so that we can show as many people “the way, the truth,
environment represents many of my fears at this stage of
a young lawyer won’t be worth the sacrifice in time and
workers for the harvest of the world to the glory of God.
at GCC as preparation and training, should I be so
comfortable distractions of the “New York working life” will into the harvest? The road home leads through this world
for God’s purposes. So I’m continually trying to discern
how a life in law fits into God’s heart for the lost. Well, the
and the life” as we go.
There’s another sense in which I’m beginning to view
answers are not simple, but as I seek God’s guidance and
transitions in the Lord. If transition is change, then the
try to live for Christ and make decisions with wisdom, this
greatest transition in our lives is our transformation in
make. At times the picture is clear, but many times it isn’t.
day as we are daily being changed to be more like Christ? I
of me, New York, and law is at this time, God has been
circumstances, location, or occupation as much as it is a
family group, we’ve been going through 1 Peter, and I’ve
changes in life as we see them, become unique
been struck by the thought that we are “aliens and
opportunities to exercise trust in God and to actively
journey to our heavenly home. The meta-transition that
(Gal 2:20).
God. In that perspective, my worries about law and going
but until that day of greater things, my prayer is that we
job in New York seems to be a transition God wants me to
Although God hasn’t shown me fully what His picture
teaching me how to view it from His perspective. In our
strangers in the world.” We are fellow sojourners on a
characterizes my life is the one from here to eternity with
to New York seem only temporary. With all of life’s
Christ. And as Christians, aren’t we all in transition every
believe that God’s focus is not on the change in
change in our hearts, minds, and character. Transitions, or
choose God in order to have Christ live in us more fully
The day to end here and start there will surely come,
would always be a church in “transition.” JOT
changes in locations, the transition that matters most is
the one that leads us home.
As we journey home, however, we are also called to
participate in God’s redemptive purposes. Our church’s
Stephen Shin graduated from Penn Law school and is working
now for a federal judge. He is the favorite (and only) uncle of his
super-cute niece Rachel.
[email protected]
25
reflection
By Pastor David Alas
A ASimple
Secret
Simple Secret
G
reetings brothers and sisters. Grace and peace to
you in our Lord Jesus Christ.
As I sit at my desk, I am reading the last issue of JOT,
and I am filled with remembrances of GCC. Miles cannot
“…Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow …”
(Isaiah 1:18)
Here in State College, it snows every third day.
separate family. Thank you for your prayers. Know that He Usually, I hate snow. Maybe it has to do with certain
hears and answers.
parental authorities mandating slave labor regarding snow
says, “Smile, God loves you.” Most of the time, it allows
some reason, in recent weeks, I have been made keenly
On my desk lies a pencil holder with a sticker that
me to step back from the pressures of ministry and
find comfort in that simple truth. Other times, more
often than I care to admit, I want to throw that thing
violently through the window. Ministry
headaches, relational problems, family
issues, personal concerns … things that
weigh so heavily on my heart and on my
shoulders make this sticker seem so
maddeningly … trite. Can something so
simple really help when life in the real world is
so complicated?
Then it dawns on me. Maybe one of the
goals of the evil one is to make me feel that
life is so difficult that the simplicity of the
Christian life cannot really help. Maybe even
now, that is exactly how you feel. Perhaps one
removal during my formative childhood. Nevertheless, for
aware of God’s metaphor of snow. That is, while
this wet white stuff that clutters our streets
and buries our sidewalks is a nuisance and
inconvenience, it is meant to be a constant
reminder of the grace of God shown in
Christ. My sins, which are plentiful, are
viewed “white as snow” through the eyes of
our Lord. That’s downright amazing!
That’s grace!
Just as amazing as God’s love and
redemption of man is that it is viewed more
often with contempt than with awe. With
scorn rather than wonder. With hatred
rather than joy. To put it another way, I
would rather “throw it out the window” than
“take comfort in this simple truth.” Can
of the overlooked “secrets” of Christian life is
something as simple as snow really help when
that dealing with life’s confusion is about going
life is so complicated?
back to Christian basics.
The truth is that if God has helped me in my
deepest, most dire need – my sin problem, then
“God, what do I do in this situation?”
“PRAY”
“But, it’s hard and I’m not sure I’ll know what to do.”
“BELIEVE MY WORD”
“Yeah, I know, but what else can I do?”
“TRUST”
“Lord, I don’t know. Isn’t there more?”
“KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU.”
does it not follow that He is able to help in the far less
Can something so simple really help when life in the
As you ponder that question one more time, know that
real world is so complicated?
complicated problems of my life? Simple? Yes. Simplistic?
No. It is the lie of Satan that tells me that my life is so
complicated that not even God can help. It is the
seemingly constant presence of snow that reminds me
that God can and will help.
“Smile, God loves you.” Can something so simple
really help when life in the real world is so complicated?
that pencil holder remains in its place on my desk. JOT
Pastor David Alas was an assistant pastor at GCC from 19952002. He and his wife Mikyung are currently expecting a child.
[email protected]
26
PAST☺R DAVID’S PRAYER REQUESTS
☺
•
Pray for the campus ministry :
Approximately 150 people attend our Friday large group meetings, and about one quarter of
them would freely admit that they do not have a relationship with God. Please pray that
•
they would know Christ personally and for revival in the fellowship.
Pray also that we will be able to find a way to effectively impact the 40,000 other students
who come to this campus. Ask that the Lord would bring about a harvest that will shine
and give glory to Him.
☺
Pray for a heart of prayer. Perhaps the best way we can minister to the men and women
at Penn State is be continually dependent on our Lord. Ask that God would move our church to
pray, guide our church through prayer, and show His power as we pray.
About JOT
Mission Statement
Journal of Testimony (J.O.T.) is a tri-annual publication produced by Grace Covenant Church which aims to edify, sharpen,
and challenge the body of Christ in leading lives that show what it means to follow One King, One Kingdom. This publication
provides articles that are meant to be informative and encouraging, including commentaries, perspectives, testimonies,
reviews, reports and updates. JOT also seeks to emphasize participation within the local and global church of Christ.
Editor in Chief
Haam-Baak Shin
Editors
Hobart Lee, Alison Stoltzfus, Jenny Yuh
Lead Design Editor
Sung Park
Lay-out/Design
Fred Baik , Alison Stolzfus, Frank Wang, Jenny Yuh
Special thanks to Aileen Kim and Yongwon Lee.
If you would like to be involved with this JOT ministry, please contact Haam-Baak @ [email protected].
Grace Covenant Church, P.O. Box 13177, Philadelphia, PA 19101
www.gracecovenant.net
27
Can I Talk To You ?!?!?!
“ Sooo...are you working or...a student?”
Tired of asking the same old questions to people in
(awkward pause)
the fellowship hall (otherwise known as the hallway in front
of A-1)? Have you seen someone standing by himself,
wanted to say something to them, but didn’t know how to
approach him? You are not alone! For both the outgoing
and shy alike, the art of conversing with strangers is a skill
that will serve you not only in church, but also at
gatherings of friends, work picnics, weddings, etc. Here are
the top 5 tips to fellowship with ease and comfort:
1.
Make a NEW FRIEND
3.
Have a goal to meet someone new.
There’s always someone standing alone or
LISTEN like you MEAN it
Be a good listener. Show interest
in the speaker by making frequent eye
who simply looks lost!
* I know I have see you here on Sundays but
I haven’t had the opportunity to introduce
myself yet, I’m Sherry, How did you like
today’s message?
contact. Nodding, sighing, or laughing
(genuine chuckles) is recommended upon
given circumstance.
2.
MORE than ONE WORD ANSWERS
Try to get more than one word answers and
conversely, try to give more than one word
answers. You can ask relevant questions, prompt
for more details, or share about similar
situations you have experienced.
*You frowned when you mentioned your job. Is
there a downside to your work?
4.
END NATURALLY
The SNEAKY STRATEGY
One way to start a conversation is to sneak-
5.
Don’t try to force further discussion.
attack a group. Listen quietly for a couple of
Tell the person it was nice to meet them
in with a comment on the subject as if you had been
again next week.
minutes, and then when it seems appropriate, jump
there for the whole conversation. (Warning: you can’t
hang around silently at the edge of a group for
longer than three minutes, without looking odd.
Practice your timing on this one.)
and you look forward to seeing them
*You know, I really want to think about
what you have been saying, but right
now I’ve absolutely got to catch Cynthia
before she leaves.“
*I’m about to head out, I’m sure we’ll get
a chance to talk again soon.”
For all of us, fellowship talk can be a challenge, but it can also be
well worth the effort. So next time you have the urge to leave church
right away, look around, and meet someone new! JOT
Jennifer Hogan works as a social worker in Philadelphia.
To discuss turnips or anything else non- turnip related,
feel free to contact her at [email protected]
Artwork by Kipum Lee

transition transformation

Transcription

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