Korean American Christian Blog

This Ecuador trip for me was personally the best mission trip because it was the longest and most rewarding.  I feel God used each of us mightily in our own gifts and talents.  The majority of the work went to the 5 day VBS that we lead.  We were expecting only about 60 children, but praise God because He sent over 200!  That allowed us to be a little underprepared, but I learned how great it is to be underprepared sometimes because it allows us to truly depend on God for His power, strength, and will to be done in us.  Another thing I learned during this VBS was how much I now truly appreciate quiet time; the time to think and meditate on God.  Just to be still and know that He is God.  Admist all the work we were doing in Ecuador, there wasn't much time to think and be still; only during the morning prayer time would we have a lot of time and in this prayer time, I learned how to speak to God more intimately.  I have definitely taken back here to the United States more discipline to get to know God more intimately and also to use a lot more of time with Him.  

I also learned how beautiful God is through His people in Ecuador.  The Ecuadorians are hard-working, loving, patient people.  Puts the American people to shame in my opinion.  Just another reminder with so much we have here, how ungrateful we are.  I was reminded from Pastor Kim in Ecuador that we should give thanks in all that we do because that is His will(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  The children there are so happy with so little they have.  I always think how great it would be for people to come to the States, but one of our teammates said that they would be happier in Ecuador.  I thought about it and just how true that would be.  We don't need materials or that much money to live a comfortable life.  All they have and need is God and a tight-knit family.  I would love to have just those things in my life, but God has placed an entirely different destiny in my hands.  I would still love to go back and learn more from these people and to evangelize more and spread the Gospel there.  The entire country's Christian population is only .5%  I think God will use this generation of Ecuadorian children to be the salt and light of Ecuador.  I want to be a part of that! 

One more thing I want to share is truly a great experience I had at the open market.  So I've been exploring acting this past year and it is growing on me and becoming more fun.  "Becoming" a character is quite an adrenaline rush and a whole new experience.  Since I'm such an amateur, I've only experienced "becoming" a few times.  But during one of our skits, I "became" Jesus and it haunted me the rest of that day.  Why? Because I experienced the suffering and persecution.  I got a taste of it.  The amazing thing is that I only got a small taste.  A fraction of a fraction of what Jesus went through for us.  His death and suffering must have been so unbearable!!!  For me!! For all of us!  The tears during the performance was so real.  The pain became real.  It was an unbelievable experience that I'll never forget.  

Please don't think of me as an insensitive person.  I am sad that Michael Jackson is dead, but the effect felt around the world is of praise.  Praise to a man.  A sinner.  I'm not being a religious nut or extremist.  The chain reaction that occurs around the world is of a "dangerous" one.  Dangerous in the sense that idolatry gets fueled and pumped up especially through the medium of media.  How great would it be if the local news channels covered all the miracles and ways that Jesus changed a person's life in the hour allotted to them.  We'd be seeing the kingdom of God on television all the time!!! Too bad we live in a self-centered world where anything but occurs.  We give praise to all things and anything.  Look at all the religions, celebrities, etc.  It's in our nature to worship.  So many of us worship the wrong things, including me.  My love for movies and music becomes idolatry many times.  

I can still give some praise, NOT A LOT, to Michael Jackson's music.  Catchy, fun, and not to mention the groundbreaking music videos.  

It's unfortunate that he was raised in a Jehovah's Witness family.

It's unfortunate that he turned to Islam.  I'm not being a Debbie Downer.  Just stating the truth where we live in a world where truth can so easily be manipulated.

"I am the way, the truth, the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6 

7 seasons of 24.    4 years of doing extra work.  Never got on the show somehow.  Until yesterday!!

Boy, was I disappointed.  Didn't see any action.  Just heard it.  Was reduced to a lowly NY street pedestrian reacting and running from machine gun-fire.  Now I know the 2nd episode of season 8 of 24 involves a scene in an alley where gunfire goes off.  A minute of dialogue, then most likely mayhem and death.  But then again, every scene contains mayhem and death.  Very ridiculous storytelling, but ridiculously fun.

Didn't show up on set this morning to "Raising the Bar"  Had to think of an excuse AGAIN. Being allowed to sleep in so many days this year has allowed me to get lazy.  I think my calling service knows I'm lying.  How many "family emergencies" can there be?  In my family? None.  It's a little too stagnant and inactive.  But things are changing.  I even had one of the longest conversations on the phone today with my mom!  

On Sunday, there was a lot of inner healing through a bible study I attended.  I learned a lot about myself thanks to the discerning truth and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  He revealed a lot.  I won't get into it here, but I've been delivered!!!

God has opened a lot of doors for me this year.  One of the things a prophetess prophecised at a revival on New Years Eve was that this year, 09, will be a year of training.  My, oh my, has that been ringing true.

January 2009 - Pastor prays over me.  Says I will be going into ministry.  (Felt very general.  Wasn't too sure what he meant)  Couple days later, am asked to lead a prayer/bible study for our Friday chapel time at KAC Media.  Was totally out of the blue.  Saw this as a sign.

My gf and her twin brother talks to the founders of Jonah Project.  They volunteer to take two hours to offer praise and other services to the homeless every Saturday afternoon.

Early morning prayer is established at church.

February 2009 - Decided to make a documentary short series about people who go on missions overseas.  I decided this after going to a meeting with a missionary's wife who was temporarily staying in the states to reunite with some of the people who had visited China, where she lives now running a center for disabled kids.  

Had a vivid dream about crashing in Ecuador and seeing an old man get healed in a hospital.  Two weeks later I find out our church is going to Ecuador.

Two people that don't know each other confirm after praying over me that God will use me to heal many people.  

Saw real-life miracle healings up close at the Block of Orange after a healing conference in Anaheim.

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." - 1 Corinthians 14:1  Even before I received tongues in November, I was desiring spiritual gifts not to proclaim I'm a "better" Christian or to show it off.  No.  To minister, to edify.  Too many people put God in a box and limit His power.  Why would God heal in the Old and New Testament, but cease now? Anyways, I'm reading Jack Deere's books about all this.  It's really really good.  "Surprised by the voice of God" "Surprised by the Power of the Spirit" are the books I'm reading.  God can and will use anyone.  Have faith.

Had a really great time at our young adult/college retreat.  Saw great fellowship and unity and felt God was really preparing Choong Hyun Mission Church to do great works for His kingdom in the near future.  I believe it's because we started praying as a church thanks to Andrew for leading the prayer group Tuesday nights.  :D

March 2009 - Third time, God confirmed that He wanted me in acting because I prayed many times if He wanted me in acting.  Were they confirmations from God or coincidences?  I think the way it happened was too coincidental for it to be a coincidence.  So I reenacted a scene from Clerks with my scene partner, and was pleasantly surprised at how many people laughed at my performance.....in a good way.  I may have a knack for acting in comedy.

Had a great revival with YNB/CDB teachers.  The Holy Spirit was really moving us.

Had an interesting dinner meeting about the direction of our church.  A real necessary discussion.  Praise God for moving us into this direction and better structure and organization.

Decided to be more active in showing my love to my mom.

April 2009 - Decided to move to Glendale last minute.  Found a one bedroom/studio type place for only $550 including utilities.  PRAISE THE LORD!!  

Made a video for the homeless ministry to inform people what goes on out there and how it looks like.  Surprised how quickly I made it.  Praise God for giving me creativity and skill.

Another successful dinner meeting with the church elders/leaders.  New young adult leaders established which already included me.  Been reading a book about leadership which at the same time has been influencing me to take a bigger role in leadership.

Randomly prayed for a girl's ankle on set at work and it got healed!  Praise God. But unfortunately her enthusiasm went away....but it's okay.  Praise God, anyways.

Decided to call my dad in Korea more.

May 2009 - Screening of Crossing moved me like no other movie has before.  Decided I didn't want to waste time anymore while these horrible issues are going on in North Korea and just everywhere.  My heart was changing more like Christ's heart.  Something we continuously need to seek and hunger for everyday!

Successfully created my first clip using After Effects, a special effects program! Next project: making a demon for a short film I wanna shoot involving angels and demons.  I think most Christians aren't aware of just how real spiritual warfare is.  And how active they are in attacking and protecting us.  We need our spiritual armor everyday: 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12

Showed my missions show to my boss who was really moved and ecstatic.  I, on the other hand, was shocked at her reaction.  Was it that good?  I forget how hard I am on myself.  My girlfriend throughout this all has shown me who I really am in so many ways that I can't even explain.  We're so opposite, yet the same.  She's also been guiding me through everything and giving me great input and advice.  Truly a woman of God and truly my true love.

Have learned a lot about fundraising, marketing, and just business in general thanks to our great Harvard graduate volunteering his time at KAC Media.  He could be helping out a lot of companies/organizations, but he's helping us out....PRO-BONO!  Free!   People pay him A LOT of money.  Thanks, Kwon!!

Final confirmation I'm going to pursue my MA in Worship Theology and the Arts at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena.  This must have been what the pastor prayed over me for back in January.  Will be applying for this fall quarter and it's a degree that can be completed in two years.  I can even take classes at Art Center! I've been so envious of people who went there and now I can go!!

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."      - Psalm 37:4

Decided to go to Korea too for missions right after Ecuador.  How can  you pass an opportunity to do missions work in South Korea for only $600 for three weeks?!  I will also be shooting in Korea and plan to use the footage for the missions show.  Maybe I can call my dad to meet me!

Will be heading a webisodes department for KAC Media.  Will be in charge of the content/staff/production/etc.  This is what my gf and I have both been feeling in our hearts that that's what I'm supposed to do here at this company.  Just didn't expect that it was gonna happen so fast.  The missions show will still continue.

Gonna be backup vocals for next month's VBS.  

Jonah Project is going to be 5 times as big now!!!  Praise God.  Now more churches can come and offer worship.  More seats will be available.  More temporary housing.  Construction is currently going on as of last week.  So that means, we're gonna need more volunteers!  Come and help out!

Lost season finale was CRAZY!!!

......end flashback of past 5 months.

So a lot has actually happened this month of May.  I get so speechless when I see visible guidance from God.  He's so amazing and merciful.  I don't understand His mercy and grace a lot of the time.  We don't deserve it.  How can He be so loving?  I'm so grateful and thankful.  May the words and meditations of my heart be pleasing to you.  May all that I do glorify your name.  

Sorry my entries are so long.  I just needed to get this off my chest and to update what has happened to me in the past five months.  All this and MORE has happened.  

Ask God for vision and revelation and wisdom and His heart and......so many things.

Sometimes, all we have to do is ask.  

My dream started with me and Susanna watching a live stream of an ocean on a laptop.  The setting orange sun admist the crashing waves made for a truly stunning view.  As we watched the sun set, the sun strangely came back up, heading northeast.  As it rose and rose, the sun turned into the moon.  Before the moon reached us, the moon turned into the earth.  Next thing I know, we're rotating around the earth at an alarming speed, then finally going under the earth and coming out of the blanket of snow which I'm pretty sure was Antarctica.  We appeared to have been in some futuristic vehicle.  We were traveling through gorgeous green valleys and over bodies of water.  After traveling for about 10 seconds, I started to worry that we were gonna crash.  We then went through a hole in a mountain and before coming out, we hit the side of a wall and crashed.  I was immediately on the ground and could feel the burning flames on my neck.  I looked at who I thought was Susanna in front of me, just staring at the wreckage.  

There are specific things that I have been praying for a really long time now and haven't been answered yet, but God reminded me of something missionary Matthew Jun said during our mission trip in Nicaragua: "1 year of prayer is better than 10 years of work" Otherwise, his school would never be in the place it is now.

Perseverance is hard. But when you have enough faith, it's easy. Have more faith.




The more you know......

MONDAY

Although short, our trip was very effective.  Our first day, we arrived to a warm greeting by missionary Matthew Jun.  He informed us of the country's politics, class system, corruption, climate, etc.  Hearing all that made me think, why he would want to live here to begin with.  In Nicaragua, there is no middle class.  So you're either rich or poor.  The stores and villages we all saw looked poor.  But the somewhat decent looking ones made me think that that was their  "rich"  Three days later would I realize that I was completely wrong.