English Compass - bringing christian fellowship to korean americans

Cerritos Korean SDA Church

By Esther Chun

The English Ministry at Cerritos Korean SDA church has changed over the years and the journey has been humbling. From having a full congregation that varied in age from junior high school students to young adults, our church now has a membership of about twenty college, high school, and elementary students. Although the number of members may be few, I believe that God is still very present in His church.

All the members have a key role every Sabbath; from leading out praise, Sabbath school classes, prayers, and collecting offerings–it helps us to recognize that we must work together as a body of Christ. Everyone is encouraged to help out and use his or her special talents for the church. Even though we have a small congregation, we have been so blessed to have an EM pastor, Pastor James Lee, that God has provided to minister and to guide CKSDA. Pastor James has worked so patiently and ceaselessly to make sure every member is welcomed and active by personally reaching out through calls or driving for hours to meet us, so that we can form personal relationships. His selfless love has definitely awakened desires in our church to turn away from self and to look towards our loving Father.

This is especially true for our two youngest members, Patrick Jang and Ron Song, who have dedicated their lives to God. On March 2, 2013, Patrick and Ron were baptized and were born again in Christ. Four months leading up to their baptism, Pastor James held Bible Studies every weekday with Patrick and Ron, through Skype. Although the two guys were tired from school and busy with homework, they did not miss their bible lessons and studied the Word at 5 pm on the dot. Looking fore ward to their life journey ahead, it is our prayer as a church that we can foster their growth in having a meaning relationship with their Savior, as we unite in purpose and spirit. As a whole, we must all grow and nourish the seeds that God has planted in our hearts and help one another to bear much good fruit and to share it to our family, friends, and community. It is our prayer that CKSDA will become a Christ centered church that He can use to bring souls to eternity.