A Youthful Presence

Submitted by Jane…This past Sunday, Interhigh Fellowship sent out the first team to conduct a youth worship service at a small Korean church in Hayward. Esther Kang, Kevin Jeung, Sam Hudnet, and I were excited to be a part of this historic move. Without a dull moment, we managed to make it just on time at East Bay Korean Presbyterian Church after a short “detour” and a close save by our GPS. As we stepped into the doors of the church, the senior pastor and other staff greeted us warmly, leading us quickly to the small room we’d be having our youth service. We then headed back to join the whole congregation for some rowsing praise songs in Korean, which were nostalgic for me but definitely foreign for Sam, who I’m sure will learn the language in a few weeks. And I’m pretty sure all four of us were not used to the gospel choir style swaying that the pastor led us in! Then the pastor introduced us by name and explained that we were there to serve the youth, asking that the congregation to keep us in their prayers. He laughed as he shared about a fellow pastor’s surprise that we had called him to offer help, instead of him asking us. As the congregation prayed in unison for us, I was overcome with gratitude that they accepted us as partners in the gospel, trusting us with the lives of these precious youth.

After the time of prayer, we quickly left for the youth room, meeting the six youth students on the way. While rushing to set up, we introduced ourselves and learned the students’ names, grades, and hometowns. They ranged from seventh to twelfth grade and came from other cities, like Fremont and San Jose. After a quick “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker, Kevin began his message on the misconception that God is aloof and absent. This sermon from “The Misunderstood God” series conveyed that, though we may feel alone at times, God cares deeply about us and He shows this undeniably through Jesus. The many passages from the Bible regarding God’s knowledge of and passion for each of us were encouraging reminders and bulwarks against the dejection we can fall into so easily when we focus only on our own situation and problems. Kevin ended with the inspiring example of David Livingstone, who endured great suffering as a missionary to Africa by the power of God’s presence with him, remembering always Matthew 28:20, “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” As we concluded with prayer, I was filled with hope that these six youth would have the assurance of God’s presence with them as well.

Heading out of our room, we joined the youth in their other weekly routines: setting up the tables and chairs for lunch and playing foosball afterwards. After a quick round of foosball, we ate a delicious meal (bibimbop!) together, got to know the youth more through some conversation, and finished the “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker, through which we learned some interesting facts about people: one eighth-grader said she hates cats, much to Sam’s horror; one freshman is a video game master who used to be addicted to gatorade; and Sam is the great-great-great-great-great-great-step-nephew of George Washington! The fun fellowship ended with an epic foosball match between the best youth player and Sam, almost all the youth joining in by the end, with the victory going to the Gracepoint representative. Our day there ended with a picture of our team with the youth in the fellowship room. As the camera clicked, it seemed that our team and the youth already shared a sense of rapport. Not to flatter our team, but the youth seemed to enjoy having us, and a few asked if we would come again on Friday. Their friendliness and receptiveness point to a lot of potential for a tight-knit fellowship and fruitful youth ministry at EBKP church, and I am really excited for how God will bless all of us through this pilot program!