Testimony Texas Feb 2020
My journey to Texas began in October. When 정기영 목사님 visited Montreal, I actually had plans to meet friends for dinner, but when I felt that God wanted me to attend all or none of his sermons, I cancelled my plans. That simple act of obedience led to an unforgettable trip.
I didn’t prepare any questions before going to Texas because I strongly believed I already knew what our church needed. I thought that the answer to our church’s problems was music. Perhaps God may use it as a tool, but I was wrong to think that I would not gain anything from this trip because of my presumptions.
Every day was jam-packed with visits to each ministry: VBS, 한글학교, 유치부, 초등부... At first, I thought, “Why do I have to attend these meetings? I serve the youth!” But all these ministries are connected. There is a spiritual flow between them - and the leaders of each ministry have one, clear mindset. They soak everything in prayer. It reminded me that Jesus is the head of the church. It also reminded me of the verse 2 Corinthians 3:3 “You show that you are a letter from Christ [...] written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God.” Their ministry was not limited to pen and paper - but functioned through the living God.
In Texas, everyone is encouraged to serve. 특별히 목장 힘드신 분들에게는, they say you gain joy through small acts of service. For example, cleaning after Sunday worship, being a Sunday School teacher, or buying snacks for the youth group. Since 목장 takes a long time to develop, it is important to serve. This way, 사역의 부흥이 일어나면서 목장도 더 건강하게 자란답니다.
One thing that 정기영 목사님 and 정희승 사모님 emphasized was that growth takes time. An olive shoot takes 10 years to grow, but once it does, it lasts for 100 years. 그게 가정교회 아닌가 싶습니다. I hope that we can pray more for our young adults and youth - that they would grow to bring the kingdom of God on earth.
I have been serving the youth for a year and half now. Each new semester, I doubted whether I should continue. I wanted to pursue God, but when I did, I always seemed to get lost in my thoughts of what I perceived as God. In Texas, 허웅 전도사님 pointed out that I serve God by serving the youth, just as I love God by loving others. There’s no previous step - that is, I don’t have to get lost in my perception of God until I ‘feel ready’ to serve the youth. So, I want to encourage our young adults - at least see what we do by coming to one youth meeting on Saturday. Apparently, how much time we spend with the youth directly correlates to how much they feel loved. So, let’s spend more time with them, as a sign that we love them!
We are in the beginning stages of our ministry. Isn’t it exciting? Now is the time to act! Have faith that in 10 years, God will reward you by showing you the fruit of your labour. 은경쌤 and I have many new ideas for the youth group and I encourage everyone: wherever there is an opportunity to serve - take it!
This trip noticeably changed my attitude toward the youth. I am so passionate to see the youth grow because I saw the result of what can happen through obedience. 허웅 전도사님 said, “We grow when we serve, just as we learn when we teach.” Let’s serve God and see Him work through our obedience and prayers. As is written in 1 Corinthians 4:20, “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” So, stop talking about it and just do it! Let us walk in faith that God will work powerfully through our ministry. Thank you.
