Why We Serve: Stories and Blessings from ECKCM 2025
ECKCM 2025 was successful in every way a camp meeting can be successful. But beyond the attendance, the speakers, and the activities, there was something deeper—something intangible—that made this year’s camp meeting truly special. It was that unmistakable feeling in the air: the excitement, the buzz, the love, and above all, a sacred holiness that seemed to pervade everything.
On Wednesday, while setting up for Afterglow Café, I saw a caucasian father and daughter walk through the doors. My face lit up—I recognized him immediately! His name was Jim, though I had forgotten it over the past year and had been trying to recall it. I first met Jim at ECKCM 2024 while mopping the café floor. He had told me he worked for the facilities department at UPJ (University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown) and that his daughter, Grace, was a big fan of K-pop. I invited them to Afterglow Café, and they came and had a wonderful time.
All year, I had hoped Jim and Grace would return for this year’s campmeeting, but I had no way of contacting them. And then, here they were! Jim told me he had been looking forward to ECKCM all year. That night, they enjoyed ddukbokki, fruit patbingsu, and mandoo together, and I was thrilled to treat them. But I didn’t realize the bigger gift was yet to come.
The next morning, Buddy—the UPJ events coordinator—told me Jim was looking for me. Curious, I met him and was stunned when he handed me a tray of fresh eggs from his chickens. I was so touched! It was a simple gesture, but it showed that we had built a real connection. That moment reminded me that ECKCM isn’t just about programs—it’s about relationships and showing Christ’s love, even to the venue staff.
This year, our bond with UPJ deepened even further. I’ve worked with Buddy for about four years, but 2025 felt like a breakthrough. The kitchen staff even shared that our group is their favorite out of all the groups hosted on campus! One chef told me how much they look forward to us coming every year. Hearing that was so encouraging—our Christian witness was shining through, not by words but by our actions. Buddy himself commented on how impressed he was with our kindness and flexibility.
Another highlight was reconnecting with Pastor Stephen Lee, who hadn’t attended ECKCM in over a decade. He brought his whole family, including his two boys—a tween and a high schooler—who were initially hesitant about coming. But by the end of the first day, they were already asking if they could come back next year!
Pastor Lee was deeply impressed by the camp meeting’s energy and organization. He even expressed interest in bringing his administrative team next year to witness ECKCM firsthand.
One of the most inspiring stories came from Dr. Eric Walsh, one of our speakers. After learning about the sacrifices of our nearly 100 English Ministry leaders—who arrived early for Leadership Retreat, paid for their own meals, worked long hours, and often didn’t sleep before midnight—he was so moved that he personally contributed to our leadership fund.
Despite the grueling schedule, we had nearly 100% attendance for 7AM devotionals. What was even more amazing is that some leaders even had to be turned away because we didn’t have enough roles! It’s incredible to see so many young people willing to give their time, energy, and resources to serve God. Their dedication was personally inspiring and gave me renewed hope for the future of our church.
It was late Saturday night and the week of ECKCM was coming to an end. The praise band was playing “The Love of God”, the theme song for the week. Instead of youngsters singing politely and sedately, they were singing at the top of their lungs the lyrics of the song that they had memorized.
“For what could make perfection bleed for sinners?
What leads a King to pay so great a cost?
All my life, my heart will sing the answer:
Only the love of God.”
Hearing their voices, full of passion and unity, brought tears to my eyes. In that moment, all the exhaustion faded. This is why I serve at ECKCM.
Even after the camp meeting ended, God’s work continued. I heard about two young adults who began baptism studies with Pastor Andrew Anobile, our YA speaker. One young woman, a recent convert with many questions, discovered that Pastor Andrew’s church in Tennessee was not far from her home—a divine connection that only God could orchestrate.
ECKCM 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was an encounter with God’s presence, a celebration of service, and a reminder that His Spirit is moving in powerful ways. From fresh eggs to heartfelt songs to life-changing decisions, it was a week that will echo in my heart for years to come.