English Compass - bringing christian fellowship to korean americans

My Testimony

I was born into a second generation Korean-American home and was basically raised by a single mother as an only child. I grew up as an Adventist, attended the Adventist school system, went to Campmeeting, ate weird processed veggie links, and just lived life to the most minimal amount.  I can probably state that I did not have that great of a childhood; I was quite lonely, despondent, and did not look forward to much in life. I was what you would call a semi-loser, who was looking to fit into social groups that would accept me as I was.  I longed for something or someone to understand me.  

This longing resulted in what I would call a series of unfortunate events.   It was the common events that we see happen to so many young people today: alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, and basically destruction of life itself, inside out.  Interestingly enough, this is where I found myself to be accepted, and where I felt comfortable.  Ironic, isn’t it, that the people who understood me were those who were longing for the same thing I was?  I did not feel understood by my church nor my family, because my needs were not meet.

I came to Andrews University feeling unrestricted and unbound from my family. So I started seeking for that which would make me feel whole and happy.  I had a range of different social groups, but by the middle of Sophomore year I found myself with a group of friends with whom I felt comfortable, people I could confide in, who seemed to understood me.  They attended Living Springs Fellowship (the English ministry of the Andrews Korean church near Andrews University).  I noticed a considerable difference between them and those back at home.  That difference really led me to search and contemplate about what I was lacking that they had.

I realized that what they had, and what I wanted, was an active Christian faith.  They were not just Adventists in name, but they practiced what they preached.  They were genuine Christians, who accepted me for who I was and helped me to jumpstart a personal relationship with Christ.

They were there, visiting me in my dorm room, sharing Bible studies with me, and praying with me.  They opened up about their own experiences, struggles, and troubles.  They encouraged me to study the Bible for myself and taught me how to pray.  They accompanied me on my search for God and have not left my side as I gave my heart to Jesus and my life to His service.  Today, as I ironically find myself discipling others, those friends and church leaders who showed me a better picture of Jesus are still with me. We are learning and growing together in Christ. 

I have come a long way since my Freshmen year, and because God has led me thus far, I am confident that He can do the same for anyone else.  We just need to spend time with those who seem uninterested in God and show them the love of Christ, as my friends did.  We need to pray for them and teach them, as my church taught me, that God has a unique plan for each person in soul-winning ministry.  God can and will make us disciple-makers.