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02/17 Valentine's Day Large Group

By Justine Kim

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we decided to hold a special large group by combining guy and girl’s small groups together. The aim of this large group was to allow the brothers and sisters to interact and really get to know each other. My small group was paired with Betty and Harris’ small group. At first, it was really awkward, as the guys talked on one side of the room while the girls stayed on the other. It was like a middle school dance, where no one wants to make the first move. However, the boys broke the ice by serenading the girls with a mash-up of “I’m Yours” and “Just the Way You Are” (If you want to see videos, there are a lot up on facebook). It was a wonderful encouragement and sweet gesture that really touched the sisters’ hearts.

After we started off our large group with praise, Betty and Harris shared what the Bible teaches us about good husbands and good wives. After meditating on these passages, we wrote lists of what kind of characteristics we wanted in our future spouses. We then split up into groups and shared our lists with each other. We then discussed other topics, such as boundaries, marriage, and friendship. It was interesting to listen to the different responses, especially from the brothers. To lighten up the mood, we finished the night with relay Pictionary. Some were quite easy, but there were many that were surprisingly very challenging (how do you draw Ollie’s?). It was a close game, with a lot of screaming (usually directed towards the refs) and laughing. Because we ended the game with a tie, we had a sudden-death Taboo match. Harris acted out a word, and the team that guessed the word correctly would win. One team correctly matched “Café East,” and won a Pinkberry trip with the leaders.

We ended the large group with prayer and let the brothers and sisters mingle. While the leaders cleaned up, the brothers jammed, and the sisters talked. All in all, our special Valentine’s Day large group was a great success, as it gave us an opportunity to come together, have fellowship, and learn how to encourage each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

02/24 1040 Movie Screening

By YooYoung Kim

As the 2011 Summer Missions is approaching, we decided to devote one whole large group to screen Missions promotions video along with “1040: Christianity in the New Asia” directed by Evan Jackson Leong, featuring Jaeson Ma. It is named after the “10/40 Window”- the region between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude on the eastern hemisphere- where God has been working significantly for the past years. With Jaeson Ma the narrator, the audience traveled the New Asia including China, South Korea, and Indonesia to see how God has been radically changing the individuals in the specific nations.

It was the perfect documentary followed by the Missions promotions video because it simply showed why it is important to go all the way to different countries and testify Jesus Christ. Even though we have to remind ourselves that 24/7 we are the witnesses of Jesus Christ (“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” 2 Tim 4:2), we should not forget that there are certain places where workers are needed more to harvest the fruits that are ripe (“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37).

Moreover, this LG was successful in gathering more people than usual because it was a movie screening. There were more new faces and non-believers than ever since the spring semester started. It was a precious opportunity to show how God is real and surely alive.

For more information on the video: http://1040movie.com/

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2011 Basic Discipleship Training

By Joyce Kuo

Taking BDT was a very humbling experience for me. I had refused to take it last year because I was very spiritually proud, and I thought that the fact that I’d grown up in church meant that I already knew all that there was to know about God. To be sure, a lot of what I heard during the lectures was review, but there are certain things that simply can’t be heard enough times. For example, the lesson of God’s amazing love and forgiveness—I’d been taught all my life that God was a loving and forgiving God, but over the years, I had let it become mere head knowledge. As I listened to the lecture about Christ’s forgiveness, though, I was finally able to let go of my own guilt and shame. God had forgiven me and made me pure again—who was I to beat myself up over sins that Jesus had already paid the price for? Other lectures were humbling because they contained material I had never even thought about. Who was the Holy Spirit and how could I be filled by Him? My automatic answer was always, “He’s the third part of the Trinity…the part that’s always with us.” But exactly what did the fact that He was always with me mean? I realized that although I had always known that God was with me, there were many times when I didn’t live like it. Instead of boldly proclaiming the Gospel, I let my fear lead me to talk about anything other than God. Instead of spending quality time with God, I often did my QTs only to make myself feel better. And when I read my Bible, I often did it quickly, partly because I was running late, and partly because I honestly didn’t enjoy it and simply wanted to get it over with. BDT really challenged me in both of these areas. The witnessing requirement forced me to approach strangers—something I hate doing—and share the Gospel message with them, while the QT requirement made me sit down and really think about the passages I was reading instead of skimming them and then forgetting them. Studying His word made me see things I had never realized before, even though I had read the passages many times before taking BDT. Seeing these things and discovering a new awareness of God’s love for me truly strengthened my relationship with Him, and made it possible for me to actually enjoy my QT times. Moreover, my awareness of His love and His presence made evangelism times much more enjoyable, because it reminded me that I had an actual message to share about a very real relationship that I had with God. At this point, I haven’t even graduated BDT yet. But God has truly used what I’ve experienced through BDT so far to bless me and strengthen me, and I believe that it has and will make me a better disciple of God.

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STINTer: Rachel Dasom Park (Korean)

By Rachel Dasom Park

John 5:2-8 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered connades 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

이 요한복음의 말씀은 하나님께서 저를 STINT의 삶으로 불러주신 말씀입니다.

2009년 여름, 저는 2010년의 삶을 앞두고 여러 생각을 하고 있었습니다. 08년 Asia Minor Summer Mission에서 STINTer들을 보면서 막연히 STINT의 삶을 생각하고는 있었지만, 제 안에는 여러 계산하는 마음들이 있었습니다. 그 당시에 저는 1년간 아프리카나 가난한 국가에서 해외봉사를 하고 싶었습니다. 그 계획이 제게 재밌을 것 같기도 했고, 돈이 없었기에 후원을 받기도 좋았고, 미래에 resume를 작성하는데 도움이 될 것이라 생각했습니다.

그러나 하나님께서는 2009 BD summer mission의 시간을 통해 STINT의 삶을 도전하셨습니다. 그것은 내 안에 미래에 구체적인 계획이 없고 아무것도 보이지 않아도, 하나님의 일하심을 온전히 신뢰할 수 있냐는 질문이었습니다. 저는 하나님을 믿는다고는 했지만, 하나님의 계획을 신뢰할 수 없었습니다. 진짜 하나님께서 나의 귀한 1년의 시간을 주님의 방법으로 채우실 것을 믿을 수가 없었습니다. 그 깨달음은 저에게 큰 충격이었습니다. 왜냐하면 지금까지 하나님을 진짜 신뢰하지도 않으면서 거짓으로 형식적으로 멋지게 보이는 기도만 해왔음을 알았기 때문입니다.

Summer Mission중에 요한복음 QT를 하였는데 어느날은 5장을 묵상하게 되었습니다. Bethesda 연못에 병자가 나오는데 마치 저의 상태와 같았습니다. 그 때 저는 몸도 아팠을 때고, 영적으로도어려웠고 학업이나 여러 외부적 환경이 너무 어려워서 병자와 같이 느껴졌기 때문입니다. 말씀을 묵상하면서 내 자신이 낫고싶었지만 늘 Healing Pond의 언저리만 도는 바보같고 불쌍한 병자같이 느껴졌습니다. 그 때 하나님이 물으셨습니다. ‘네가 낫고자 하느냐?’ 전 속으로 바로 대답했습니다. ‘주님 너무나 낫고싶어요. 아무도 나를 저 연못으로 데려다 주지 않아요. 누워있는 나를 보아요. 움직일 수도 없어요. 너무 낫고싶어요’ 그 때 주님이 말씀하셨습니다.

사실 주님은 제게 묻지 않아도 제가 아픈 것을 이미 알고 계신 분이셨습니다. 그리고 예수님은 손을 대거나 아니면 손을대지 않고 믿음만으로도 낫게하시고 구원하시는 분이셨습니다. 그러나 제게 ‘낫기를 원하냐’고 물어보셨고, ‘네 자리를 들고 일어나 걸으라’고 명령하셨습니다. 하나님께서는 제 의지를 보고싶어하셨기 때문입니다. 제가 나의 썩고 더럽고 약한 부분들을, 감추고만 싶은 부분들을 정말 낫기를 원하는지, 하나님앞에 들어내기를 원하는지 진짜 의지를 드리기 원하셨고, 제게는 일하시는 주님을 신뢰하며 지금있는 내 자리에서 일어나 하나님을 보며 걷는 것기 위한 힘과 의지가 필요했던 것입니다. 그렇게 일어났을 때 주님은 이미 낫게하셨고 응답하셨습니다. ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!’

STINT의 삶은 순간순간 하나님께서 주신 이 질문과 순종함의 연속이었습니다. 영적전쟁이나 제가 약한부분 넘어지는 부분, 죄로인해 고통받는 순간순간마다 하나님께서는 ‘다솜아 네가 정말 낫고자 원하니?’물으셨습니다. 저는 ‘그렇다’ 대답은 하지만 사실은 사람들과 하나님앞에서 감추고만 싶은 내 안에 약함과 죄악들을 모두 주님 앞에 내려놓고, 그 자리에서 일어나 걸어야 했습니다. 순간순간 저의 의지를 드려야 했습니다. 그리고 하나님께서는 그 빈 자리를 치유해 주셨고 주님의 것으로 새롭게 채워주셨습니다.

STINT삶을 통해 배운 것은 내가 정말 죄인이라는 것이고 바울의 말처럼 죄인중의 괴수라는 것입니다. 십자가에 못박는 삶입니다. 나의 만족과 모든 것을 십자가에 못박고 주님과 온전히 하나되는 연습이었습니다.

하나님께서는 이 광야의 삶가운데 Columbia라는 정말 귀한 사역지를 허락하여주셨습니다. 저는 원래 한국에서 전도하는 것을 무척 창피하고 두렵게 생각하는 사람이었는데 이 곳에서 도리어 전도하는 것을 배웠습니다. 하나님이 부르신 곳에서 예배하는 즐거움을 주셨고, 귀한 복음의 소식을 전할 수 있는 특권을 주셨습니다. Columbia사역을 통해 복음을 전하는 것이 인간의 동정의 마음이 아님을 알았고, 하나님의 마음으로 한영혼 한영혼을 바라봐야 함을 알게 하셨습니다. 복음은 가난한자, 무슬림, 같은 민족뿐만이 아니라, 단지 ‘잃어버린 영혼’에게 필요한 것이기 때문입니다. 그리고 이 Columbia에는 이런 전도의 대상이 너무나 많았습니다. 학생들 뿐만 아니라 관광왔다가 영접하는 사람들, 대학tour온 고등학생들, 학교직원들, 친구를 기다리고 있던 다른학교 학생들 등 Columbia를 방문했다는 이유로 복음을 들은 기쁨을 누린 사람들도 있었습니다. 이 전도의 사역은 Columbia를 축복의장소, 생명력이 넘치는 곳으로 만드는 힘을 가진 가장 귀한 일이었습니다. 그리고 사랑하는 여러분들과 함께할 수 있어 너무 감사했고, 부족하나마 기도함으로 함께 도울 수 있어 너무 감사했습니다. 다른 캠퍼스에 비해 눈에 직접드러나는 사역은 아니었지만, 그랬기에 사람의 인정을 구하기보다 하나님안에서 마음을 지키기에 더 힘쓸 수 있었습니다. 그리고 하나님께서 그 기도의 응답도 많이 해주셨습니다. 그리고 1년동안 함께 삶을 나눈 많은 사랑하는 여러분들과 지금 여기서 함께 할 수 있어 정말 기쁘고 감사합니다.

솔직히 한국을 돌아가는 마음이 두렵기도 하고 걱정도 많이 됩니다. 또 뉴욕을 떠나는 것이 슬프고 아쉽기도 합니다. 그러나 STINT기간내에 하나님께서 일관되게 주신 말씀은 ‘Don’t be afraid’였기에 두렵지 않습니다. 그리고 비록 상황, 환경은 바뀔것이나 나의 삶에 함께하신 하나님, 1년간 힘든시간에도 동행하시고 기쁨으로 바꾸신 그 하나님께서 늘 동일하게 한국에서도 함께하실 것이기 때문에 걱정하지 않기로 결정했습니다. 왜냐하면 제 인생에서 가장 중요한 요소는 결국 변하지 않았기 때문입니다. 제가 어디에 있건, 나이를 먹어 늙어가든, 몸이 아프든 항상 변하지 않을 것입니다. 그래서 내일 또 새롭게 만나주실 하나님을 기대합니다.

뉴욕에서의 1년의 시간동안 만난 하나님을 추억하는 것이 아니라, 매일매일 하나님을 말씀으로 기도로 새롭게 만나고 힘을 공급받을 것입니다. 저는 한국에 돌아가면 ‘평생순장’의 삶을 꿈꾸고 있습니다. 우리 가족안에서, 캠퍼스에서, 또 대학을 졸업해도 미래의 직장에서 가정에서 평생순장의 삶을 살기를 기도합니다. 언제든 어디서든 제가 있음으로 인해, 그 곳이 함께하는 사람들이 축복받는 사람. 예수님의 향기와 편지가 되는 사람. 주님이 가신 그 길을 묵묵히 따라 걸으며 늘 소풍길처럼 즐겁게 감사함으로 삶을 사는 사람이 되기를 원합니다. 그리고 Columbia를 마음에 품고 계속적으로 기도하기를 원합니다.

여러분들이 있어 정말 감사했습니다. 사랑을 주러왔는데 더 사랑을 많이 받고갑니다. 다음에 또 보기를 간절히 원합니다. 말씀하나 읽고 마치겠습니다.

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STINTer: Rachel Dasom Park (English)

By Rachel Dasom Park

John 5:2-8 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered connades 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

These excerpts from John are the words through which God had called me to become a STINTer.

During summer of 2009, many thoughts crossed my mind regarding what I should be doing in 2010. Having met the stinters from 2008 Asia Minor Summer mission, I was having some interests in becoming a stinter, but I was weighing how my plans will benefit for my future career. During that time, I actually wanted to go do volunteering work in Africa for a year. Not only did I think it would be fun, but also I felt that I could get fundraising easily. More importantly, I thought that it would be helpful for writing my future resume.

However, God called me to life as a stinter during 2009 BD summer mission. Even though I didn’t have a specific plan and I was unsure about my future, God asked me if I can completely trust on his work within me. I did have trust on God, but I wasn’t sure about his plans for me. I was not sure if God can truly fill my precious next year completely in his ways. Actually this time was a period of epiphany in terms of my religious life because I became to realize that I was praying but without my true heart solely upon God.

During Summer Mission, we were having Quiet Time on John Chapter 5. The sick person from Bethesda reminded of myself. I was both physically and spiritually going through hard time. Even though I wanted to overcome this difficult situation through words of God, I always felt like I am a poor sick person lost and simply wandering around the healing pond. Then, God asked me. “Do you want to get well?” and I replied. “Yes, God. Nobody’s leading me to healing pond. I can’t move. I really want to get healed.” Then, God answered. ‘Get up! Pick up your mat walk’!!.

He already knew that I was sick, and He wanted to see if I truly wanted to overcome the weak sides of myself that I had been unwilling to reveal to God. What I needed was the courage and will to trust God fully and walk toward God. When I chose to get up from my place and walk, God healed me completely.

Every minute of my life as a STINTer was full of this same questions and devotion. Every time when I faced hardship, God asked me “Dasom, do you want to get well?” and I replied “yes.” And again, I had to get up and show my will to get well. Then, God replaced weak and sick parts inside me with his love.

Through past year as a STINTer, I realized how sinful I am that I should crucify myself upon cross and Christ and truly become one with God.

After I decided to become a stinter, God led me to Columbia. When I was in Korea, I was very shy and afraid when I went witnessing, but I learned a lot about it here. I felt the joy of worshipping God in place where God called me. While witnessing in Columbia, I realized that delivering God’s words should not be done by sympathetic humanly mind, but I should meet each person with God’s heart. God words were needed not only for specific groups of people like the poor and Muslim, but everyone with ‘lost soul.’ Columbia also had many people like this. Not only the students, but also tourists, faculties and even friends of Columbia students from other schools were having joy after hearing the gospel. Witnessing in Columbia was very meaningful to me in that I could bring energy and joy to this place with God’s love. And I was very thankful to you guys for being always there and praying for us.

Frankly speaking, I’m very scared and worried about going back to Korea. Also, I’m very sad to leave New York. However, during my life as a stinter, God has consistently told me to not to be afraid. Even though everything that surround me will change, I’ve decided not to worry since I’m sure that God will always be with me as he have for the past year. Even when I get old, the most important factor of my life will always be there, same as it was in first place.

When I go back to Korea, I want to live a life as a Sunjang forever. I pray that I’ll live as a Sunjang within my family, my campus and my future job even after I graduate. I wish to be the one with whom people can be blessed, who becomes aroma and letter of Christ, who lives according to the plan that God has laid out for me and who lives a joyful and thankful life like picnic. And I will always pray for Columbia.

I was very thankful to be with you. I came to deliver God’s love, but I actually felt such great love from you. Wish that I can see you all again. At last, after I read the part of bible, I will finish my testimony. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

STINTer: Megan Yoonjin Choi (Korean)

By Megan Yoonjin Choi

Columbia에 온지 약 1년이라는 시간이 흘렀습니다. 믿을 수 없을 정도로 시간이 빨리 지나간 것 같아서 아쉬운 마음이 듭니다. 저의 성격상 낯선 곳에 가서도 사람들에게 친근하게 다가가며 먼저 마음을 여는데 막상 이곳에서 그렇게 하려니까 쉽지가 않았습니다. Campus로 배정받기 전에는 언어의 어려움에 대해서 그렇게 크게 인식하지 못했었는데 스틴터의 삶이 본격적으로 시작된 이후로 언어의 부족함이 저를 제어하기 시작했습니다. 시험으로 힘들어 보이는 지체에게 영어로 encourage해주는 것이 쉽지 않았고 korean으로는 communication이 불가능한 지체들을 만날 때 간단한 안부인사와 상황을 들으며 기도할께라는 그 한마디를 전하면서도 마음이 힘들었습니다.

더 해줄 수 있는데 언어의 부족함으로 인해 그렇게 하지 못하는 제가 너무 원망스러웠습니다. 그러나 하나님은 그런 저의 연약함도(언어의 부족함) 지체들을 섬기는 데에 쓰셨습니다.

언어의 부족함이 장애물이 된다 할지라도 결국 통하는 것은 사람의 진심, 마음이었습니다.

하나님은 또한 이곳에서 저를 통해 사람들에게 복음이 흘러가도록 이끄셨습니다. 한국에서 순장으로 살고 있었지만 게을러지게 되고 연약한 부분이 전도부분이었습니다. 그러나 이곳에서는 전도의 리더로 세워주셔서 책임감을 가지고 이것이 내가 할 일이라고 생각하며 1주일에 한두번씩은 4SL을 통해 복음을 전할 수 있었습니다.

거절당한 적도 많았고 영접하지 않는 이들을 볼 때 힘이 빠졌습니다. 복음의 소망이 없다고 느껴질 때는 울며 투정 부리기도 했습니다. “하나님. 이렇게까지 해야하나요?” 그러나 한동안 교회에 출석하고 있지 않다가 4SL을 들으니 다시 나가야겠단 마음이 생긴다고 고맙다고 하는 사람의 말을 들을 때는 이 일이 결코 헛된 일이 아님을, 하나님께서 진정으로 원하시는 일임을 다시 한번 알게 되었습니다.

“하나님의 지혜에 있어서는 이 세상이 자기 지혜로 하나님을 알지 못하는고로 하나님께서 전도의 미련한 것으로 믿는 자들을 구원하시기를 기뻐하셨도다.” (고전 1:21)

이 말씀을 가지고 앞으로도 복음을 전하는 데에 나아갈 것입니다!

캠퍼스에 있으면서 여러 지체들을 만나고 그들과 대화를 나누었습니다. 그리고 그랬을 때 하나님이 이들을 통해 특별한ㅏ 계획을 가지고 계시는 것, 각자를 통해 귀하게 쓰시고자 하는 것들을 보게 되었습니다. 이 모든 것들이 너무나 기대가 됩니다.

형식적인 말로 하는 것이 아니라, 하나님께서 Columbia campus를 많이 사랑하고 계시고 그리스도의 계절이 올 것임을 확신합니다.

짧지만 예지와 Small group을 하면서 부족한 나를 통해 하나님께서 말해야 될 것을 나누게 하실 때 정말 이것이 내가 하는 small group이 아니라 하나님께서 인도하시고 이끄시는 small group이라는 것을 다시 한번 고백할 수 밖에 없었습니다.

“그러나 나의 나 된 것은 하나님의 은혜로 된 것이니 내게 주신 그의 은혜가 헛되지 아니하여 내가 모든 사도보다 더 많이 수고하였으나 내가 아니요 오직 나와 함께 하신 하나님의 은혜로라.”(고전 15:10)

더 많이 하나님의 마음으로 캠퍼스를 사랑하고 품고, 전도하고 한명 한명 만나서 encourage해주고 기도해주고 싶었는데 나의 부족함으로 인하여 다 표현해주지 못한 것이 아쉽지만 나를 통해 하나님이 일하셨음에 감사합니다.

한국에 돌아가서도 Stinter training을 통해 배운 것들 잊지 않고 되새기며 살아갈 것입니다. 1년동안 columbia를 섬길 수 있음에 여러분 한명한명과 알아가고 기도할 수 있었음에 감사합니다. 이곳에서의 시간들 결코 잊지 못할 것입니다. 저의 간증을 들어주셔서 감사합니다!

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

STINTer: Megan Yoonjin Choi (English)

By Megan Yoonjin Choi

Time has passed by in an unbelievable manner, Its been one year since we came to this campus. I am sad to realize that our time as stinters is now over.

Looking back, I always approached strangers and tried to start a conversation with them before they approached me; I always thought that I was a friendly extrovert. However here, it was not easy as before.

Before I was placed to serve at Columbia, I did not realize how the language barrier was going to affect me. However, as I started serving here, my lack of proficiency in English started to dominate my life. My inability to communicate effectively became a great burden in my heart.

As I saw many brothers and sisters of our ministry stressed out with tests, essays and other assignments, I wanted to encourage them. However, because of my English, I could not communicate well with the members that did not speak Korean. Because I could never encourage them as much as I wanted to, I always felt that I was not doing enough.

Thus, I always felt angry and disappointed that I was restrained by my English although I wanted to serve more and reach out more. However, God was good enough to use me regardless of my weaknesses to serve in this ministry.

After a while, I realized that language barriers are not as important; what touches people’s hearts and makes a difference is one’s truthfulness and sincerity.

God used me and helped me so that his precious gospel could flow to the people in this campus. Although I was serving as a small group leader back in Korea, I felt that I did not have a strong passion towards witnessing. As I came to our campus, God raised me as a witnessing leader, giving me the responsibility to spread his word through the four spiritual laws.

Many times, people did not listen. Other times, people would challenge me and reject the gospel that I was so eager to share with everyone here at Columbia. As I met that people did not hope for the gospel, I cried and complained to God: “God… Do I really have to do this?” Nevertheless, whenever someone would accept the gospel and thank me for sharing the 4 spiritual laws, God would assure me that what I am doing is part of his glorious plan for his kingdom

“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

With this verse in my heart, I will continue to represent God and spread the Gospel!

As I served in Columbia, I met many of you and had good conversations. One thing that I realized, was that God has a wonderful plan for all of you and will lift all of you guys up to use you for the glory of his kingdom. I am really excited to see how God will continue to work in your lives.

I am not saying this just to be nice, or because I am standing here to share a farewell testimony. I say this because I am sure that God loves this campus, and will work through you guys to bring a new season of Christ in this place.

Although it wasn’t a long time, I had my small group with Yeji. Through my time serving as the small group leader I could realize that God was leading and strengthening the members of my small group.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

I wanted to love this campus more with the heart of the father, witness more and meet up with every one of you guys to encourage you and pray for you. However, I am sorry for not being able to do so. Because of my weaknesses, I could not express how much I love all of the members of this ministry. However, I thank god for working through me to do his beautiful work regardless of my insufficiencies.

Even after going back to Korea, I will not forget everything that I learned and experienced through Stinter training. I ultimately want to thank God for giving me the time to serve for this wonderful campus. I also want to praise God for letting me to meet all of the brothers and sisters of our ministry and pray for them. I will never forget the time that I spent as a Sinter for Columbia. Thank you for listening to my testimony!!

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

STINTer: David Park 박원식 (Korean)

By David Park 박원식 

여러분 앞에서 하나님께서 나를 통해 행하신 일들을 나눌 수 있어서 너무 기쁩니다.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. – Php2:13”

졸업을 한 학기 앞둔 작년 여름, 어쩌면 제 인생에 있어서 가장 중요할 결단을 했습니다. 그 중요한 결단은 바로 스틴터의 삶입니다.

졸업을 코앞에 두고 중요한 시험을 준비하고 있었던 그때 문득 이런 생각이 들었습니다. “졸업후에도 배운대로 살 수 있을까? 어디에 있든지 제자화를 하는 순장의 삶을 살 수 있을까?” 대답은 “절대 못한다”였습니다. 그때부터 자비량에 대한 마음이 생기기 시작했습니다.

하지만 올해 1년은 저에게 너무나 중요한 시간이기 때문에 선뜻 결단을 내릴 수가 없었습니다. 1년의 시간을 평생 편안한 삶을 위해 공부를 할 것인가? 아니면 1년의 시간을 평생을 하나님께 드리기 위해 훈련을 받을 것인가? 결국 내 인생에 있어서 가장 소중한 1년을 20대의 십일조로 드리기로 약속했습니다.

저는 우선 부모님께 동의를 구해야 했습니다. 부모님은 매우 믿음이 좋으신 분이시지만, 엄청난 반대를 하셨습니다. 나에게는 스틴터의 삶이 믿음의 도전이지만, 부모님에게는 중요한 시험을 앞둔 제가 스틴터를 가겠다고 하는 말은 허무맹랑한 소리일 수 밖에 없었습니다. 그리고 자비량에 가기까지 너무나 많은 재정이 들고 경쟁이 심한 임용고사를 2년이나 포기해야 하기 때문에 많은 반대를 하셨습니다.

이렇게 3달간을 부모님과 힘든 시간을 보냈습니다. 부모님의 도움 없이 준비하는 자비량은 너무나 어려웠습니다. 훈련비 14000불 중에 9000불이 필요했는데 출국하기 직전까지 밤낮으로 동역자들을 찾아다니면서 후원을 요청했습니다. 정말 춥고 힘들었던 시간이였지만 이 사역을 나누고 기도의 동역자들을 얻을 수 있는 정말 소중한 시간이였습니다. 재정은 기적적으로 모금이 되었고 결국 출국날 아침 80%가 모금이 되면서 뉴욕행 비행기를 탈 수 있었습니다.

이렇게 1월 21일 뉴욕땅을 밟았고 스틴터의 삶이 시작되었습니다.

제가 상상했던 스틴터의 삶은 지치지 않고 쉴새 없이 전도하고 순모임으로 스케쥴이 가득차있는 초인적인 삶을 사는 것이였습니다. 하지만 현실은 언어의 장벽으로 인해 전도하는 것이 너무 두렵고 순원의 열매는 없고 너무나 빡빡한 스틴터 스케쥴로 좌절 할 수 밖에 없었습니다.

캠퍼스에서 내가 할 수 있는 것은 그저 땅밟기 기도 뿐이였습니다. 이렇게 상상했던것과 너무 다른 스틴터의 삶이 저에게는 너무 힘들었습니다.

여름방학때부터 3명의 순원을 놓고 기도했습니다. 그리고 가을학기가 시작이 되었고 캠퍼스를 불이 나게 달려다니며 전도하고 순원을 찾아 다녔습니다. 그러던 중 기도 응답으로 만나게 된 Peter. 이날이 스틴터의 삶을 살면서 가장 기쁜 날이였습니다. 비록 많은 시간을 함께 보내지 못했지만 Peter가 아주 조금이라도 하나님과 가까워 지도록 도와 줄 수 있어서 너무 기뻤습니다.

이렇게 벌써 11개월이라는 시간이 지났습니다. 전도를 더 열심히 할 걸, 지체들을 더 많이 만나고 encourage 할걸, 많은 아쉬움과 후회가 남지만 다시 한국으로 돌아갈 시간입니다.

뉴욕 스틴터로서 11개월, 특별히 컬럼비아에서의 11개월 동안 하나님께서 나를 연단시키셨고 앞으로 평생을 삶을 드릴 수 있게 훈련 시켜주셨습니다. 그리고 전간사님과 강간사님의 메시지와 강의를 통해서 정말 소중한 자원들을 얻고 갑니다.

제가 4년간 캠퍼스에서 훈련을 받으면서 그리고 스틴터의 삶을 통해 배운 것은 단 한가지 입니다.

어디에 있든지 무슨 일을 하던지, 그곳에서 복음을 전하고 제자화를 하며 사는 것입니다. 저는 그렇게 살 것입니다.

스틴터의 삶을 마치면서 여러분에게 꼭 하고 싶은 말이 있습니다.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matt 28:18-20

순원을 얻기 위해 무릎을 꿇으십시오! 그리고 그 순원이 변화되고 순장이 되기까지 눈물을 아끼지 마십시오. 그리고 어디에 있든지 무엇을 하든지 순원을 양육 하십시오. 예수의 운동을 일으키십시오.

이것이 나의 비전 그리고 여러분의 비전이 되었으면 좋겠습니다.

Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” “Feed my sheep”

샬롬! 한국에서도 배운대로 살아가겠습니다.

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

STINTer: David Park 박원식 (English)

By David Park 박원식 

I want to share my story that God worked through the STINTer’s life.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. – Php2:13”

Last summer, only one semester before graduation from college, I made a very important decision in my life. It was the STINTer’s life. STINT stands for Short Term Internship.

When I was preparing for an examination to become a teacher, I had a question for myself. “Can I continue to live a life making disciples after graduation wherever I go?” The answer was “Impossible.” Since then, I started to grow a heart for STINT.

But I hesitated to make the decision because this year was very crucial to my direction in life.

Am I going to study for this exam and pursue a comfortable life as a teacher? Or am I going to dedicate this year to spiritual discipline so that I can be more prepared to devote the rest of my life to God? I finally decided to give this precious year to God as tithe of my 20’s.

First, I had to ask for my parents’ permission. My parents were good Christians, but they were against it. STINT was a challenge for me, but for my parents it was nonsense. They thought it cost too much and that I was going to be 2 years behind my schedule to take the teacher’s examination.

The conflict with my parents lasted 3 months. Preparing for STINT was very difficult without my parents’ support. Because I needed to raise $9,000 out of $14,000 before departure, I had to look for supporters day and night. It was a difficult time, but also a very precious time because I was able to share about STINT and raise prayer supporters. Fundraising was done miraculously. 80% of the fund was raised, and I was able to get on the plane to New York.

I arrived on January 21st and my Stinter’s life began in New York.The life I imagined was full of evangelism and busy with small group meetings, like that of superman. However, I soon realized that evangelism was very difficult because of my poor English skills, and I was afraid. I was further discouraged by my inability to make disciples and the tight STINT program. Only thing I could do on campus was prayer walk.

I started to pray for 3 disciples since last summer. Fall semester started and I was busy running around the campus to evangelize and make disciples. Meeting Peter was a prayer answered . This was the best moment of my STINT career. Even though I could not spend too much time with Peter, I am glad that I was able to help him grow in God.

It’s already been 11 months since I’ve been here. Time passed by so quickly that I feel like I could have done more during my time here. I was able to achieve a lot of great things in my time here but I still have few regrets. I regret that I didn’t spend much more time evangelizing and encouraging students. And its already time for me to head back to Korea.

During the 11 month of my life as a Columbia Stinter, God has strengthened me and trained me to live a fully devoted life. I’m returning back to Korea with a lot of precious lessons learnt from both Chun GSN and Kang GSN.

The one thing I learnt from my life as a stinter and four years of campus life was that I have to live my life wherever I am, whatever I do spreading the gospel and making disciples. I will live that life.

I have a passage that I want to share with you guys. It a verse from Matthew 28:18-20.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matt 28:18-20

Kneel down and pray to gain new disciples in Christ. Walk along side your disciples and watch them grow into a small group leader. And wherever you are and whatever you do devote yourself in training and raising disciples. Build up the movement of Christ everywhere. I wish that this will become my vision and yours as well.

Shalom! I will live my life in Korea with what I learnt here through my time as a Stinter.

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

ChongDan Treasurer: Galaxy Cho

By Galaxy Cho

Though I’ve started several different reflections of CD, it kept getting way too long. An entire year of molding by our God really can’t be summarized in a few paragraphs. But what I do want to say is this: Our ministry is truly Christ-driven. On CD, I had the privilege of peaking a little into the lives of our staff, and even leaders of different campuses at a whole different level. I got to see the character of our staff, and our leaders. I must say, I am so thankful for such a team. I am so thankful that every individual is committed to Christ.

Another fact about our ministry that I learned is that truly without God’s provision, it cannot happen. I learned more than ever that I truly cannot have any form of control over an almost 600 student ministry. But God delivered, and provided every time. There was no worry anymore over how I can perform, or how I can make some little event better. Only God could deliver, and convict students to commit their lives to him.

And God’s provision was reflected the most in our students and alumni. Because our ministry is Christ-driven, our students and alumni understand the importance of the work of God, and are willing to give what they have so generously. And without this generosity that could have only been given by God, there is no way we could have done anything. Our students’ sacrifices in their time, and our alumni’s sacrifices financially are the key to our ministry’s success. I truly believe these are the foundations to our ministry.

I feel so privileged to have been able to have a deeper look at and understanding of our ministry. Now, I am so glad that CD is over, and I will have so much more time! I’m excited to see where God will desire for me to give my time now that it’s all up to me. I feel bad that I didn’t get to spend much time with my small group girls this past year, and I hope that in my last semester of college this is where the most time will go.

Overall this year has been more of a blessing for me than of service. I’m so thankful for the loving team he graced me with who now know all my flaws but love me very kindly, and I’m so thankful for everyone involved in the ministry with their time and finances who’ve allowed for this ministry to be built. I hope that I will be able to continue to support and love our ministry in the future just as our alumni have shown.

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

Education/Small Group Coordinator: Kate Ham

By Kate Ham

DPD this year was an unexpected yet exciting journey with God. When I was first asked, I was weighing between praise team and DPD. Many have told me DPD is just a tedious job, and can even hinder me from growing in faith. I almost couldn't sleep during that time because I knew that God wanted me to go to DPD and I didn't want to leave praise team. I had great fellowship in praise team and I wanted to stay for selfish reasons.

However, I decided to obey God and serve as DPD. Frankly, I knew that there was no reason to be stubborn. Being young in faith, I think it was just hard to accept the fact that His plan will always be perfect compared to my limited understanding. I thought I wasn't ready, yet there was too much responsibility. I thought I would have to care for many people when I need to be cared for. But God proved me wrong. He was to give everything that I needed to serve. To be honest, I didn't even fully believe in it. In spite of my unbelief, He provided everything. I've never really felt burdened by the logistics even when I didn't have time. I wasn't that outgoing, but God made me more outgoing because I was to serve as the welcoming person. I didn't even feel particularly close to any of the dpd members, but God strengthened us to encourage each other. I was reluctant to give up my time for Him, but He showed me how worthy it is. I was worried that each small group had too many members, but He showed His glory in all the small groups.

This is my confession: From A to Z, it was all God. Even when it seems impossible to trust Him, now I know I'm called to trust Him because of the faithfulness I've seen during the time I served as DPD. Closing this year, I want to give thanks and praise His name. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations." - Psalms 100:4-5

I want to thank you all for prayers for Columbia KCCC. I believe God honors your prayers and answered them. I would like to join you and start praying for DPD next year. I would also like to share that I'm preparing for STINT next year, and ask for your prayers. Thank you for being faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, and I hope the best for you, and will keep you in prayer.God bless! :)

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

Treasurer: Esther Lee

By Esther Lee

Looking back on the past year as DPD, it was definitely a time of growth and challenge. The challenges were predictable: working closely with others, detailed logistical planning, loneliness etc. But the personal growth and innumerable blessing while serving were pleasant surprises for me. By working "backstage", I was able to truly see that without God and His guiding hand it was nearly impossible accomplish anything. The more that we tried to do lead by our own logic and reasoning, the more difficult it became to serve.

God taught me that all he wanted from us as leaders was total reliance on His power and His plan in prayer. By having the privilege of serving in this ministry, I was able to truly experience His love and grace for us firsthand. Even though I won't miss running back and forth trying to work out logistics, I will more than miss being part of such an intimate community that loves God.

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

Bu-Daepyo: SeongWoo Byun

By SeongWoo Byun

It is already 2011, and I must return to school to complete second semester of my junior year. Being a college student at Columbia and serving as Vice President of KCCC has made me realize more than ever that time flies.

As we reached out to many freshmen, we saw our ministry grow more than ever. Through such growth I realized that God was working through our ministry to spread the gospel to our campus.

When we started to have Connection Groups at the beginning of last semester to draw more people into our small group ministry and to help people meet each other, I never thought that they would be deeply engaging. However, as I led our Connection Group with other leaders, I could understand that people were willing to share about their life experiences and learn more about the gospel.

Therefore, every time we held our Connection Group I was eager to share about my faith and the experiences that I had had as a Christian. Such moments made me grow a stronger heart to reach out for non-believers in our campus; I have learned that it is my responsibility to carry God’s Word and heart for those that are in need.

Apart from Connection Groups, there were multiple moments that showed me how God wants a body of believers to have fun! Through events such as KCCC Sports Day, Brother’s Night and Thanksgiving potluck, I could become closer to many members of our ministry and have fun even in the midst of studying for exams and finishing problem sets. I believe that through KCCC, I have built so many memories that will stay with me forever, even after I graduate from college.

Lastly, I think my small group has been a great blessing to me. Although we have met only a few times, I can see how God wants each one of us to learn and grow more through each other. As we shared our life stories, we could learn well about the different lives that we have lived. However, as we shared about our experiences in the church and in the Christian community, we could see how God wanted us to be true brothers in Christ regardless of our diverse backgrounds. I cannot wait to go back and to continue serving as a small group leader, and to see how God continues to guide us!

Serving as a leader and member of KCCC was clearly a blessing. Although sometimes it was hard, I believe that our ministry made me grow stronger spiritually. However, I am not satisfied. By continuing to serve in KCCC, I wish to see greater things happen at Columbia.

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

"Daepyo Dan"

By Daniel Oh

People tell me, “So you are the new daepyo (president) for Columbia, right? It must be a really tough leadership position with all the responsibility.”

I usually answer with a cordial smile. “Please don’t mention it. It’s not that bad of a role and I don’t deserve it anyways, so God will take care of the ministry.”

As a second semester sophomore, I wanted to come off humble in my response to the acknowledgments from those around me. As spring 2010 kicked off, my game plan in the ministry was to keep the perfect balance in pushing my ideas and yet pleasing the upperclassmen leaders. And when it came to running events and logistics, I was quick to take care of them instead of delegating responsibilities to other daepyodan (core leadership) members. I pursued efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. Minimization of conflicts and business-minded leadership accurately captured my values and goals in the ministry.

It took a semester and a summer missions trip for me to come to my senses of what I was doing. To consider myself undeserving and inadequate of the position was not coming from humility. It was a mind-trick to avoid the responsibilities and to psychologically distance myself from the significance of the position. I wanted to undermine the spiritual significance and simply treat the role as a student group representative so as to get the job done seamlessly on the outside. But rather, the president role of a campus ministry should have meant so much more. I should have been brought to my knees more than to the student group advisor’s office. I should have been devoted to intercessory prayer more than to carrying out leadership meeting agendas.

In light of serving again as the daepyo for the year 2011, I sincerely thank God for providing me an opportunity to follow up on my belated awareness of the true role of a Christian leader. On one hand, it is embarrassing that I have not been able to raise disciples to pass on the role. But on the other, I am overflowing in excitement to see how God will continue to do His work in me and on campus.

So in this time, I ask you to please pray for me and the fellow DPD 2011 members. We play a crucial role in mobilizing and reaching out to our Columbia community. We are in the frontlines of the spiritual battle and much prayer is needed!

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

Turnover Time

By Josephine Wei

Ever since last year, our leadership turnover has been occurring in the winter, after Fall semester is over. That said, not only is our leadership undergoing some changes, but it’s also time to say goodbye to our 15th class STINTers!

The following posts will consist of testimonies from both our 2010 Daepyodan (Core Student Leadership) and our 15th class STINTers (Short Term International)!

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

Our Top 5: Semester in Retrospect

By Josephine Wei

I can’t believe it’s already the end of the semester! It’s been one full of many blessings, so let’s review!

September: Starting our alumni newsletter and blog! A huge blessing, probably just as much for us as it is for our alumni. We’ve been so encouraged by all the alumni sending us encouragements! Additionally, the newsletter allows us to reflect and remember all the grace God has poured out on our ministry! 

September: Connection Groups There’s always lag time between small group sign-ups and small group assignments, so this semester we decided to try out Connection Groups to fill in that empty time! Again, God blessed us so much through our connection groups!

October: Fall Retreat, Relentless Pastor Hoon Kim spoke to us about His relentless love for us at our annual Fall Retreat, which was held at Mountain Creek Crystal Springs Resort! God also gave us an awesome time of fellowship through small groups, games, hiking, etc.

November: Vision Tour For the first time, instead of a Vision Rally Gethsemane, Metro NY KCCC decided to have a Vision Tour! Columbia was lucky enough to host the Upper Manhattan tour stop!

November: Brothers and Sisters Night Our brothers bonded over Chicken and Rice and some bowling in Harlem, while our sisters enjoyed Dinosaur BBQ and tried their hand at T-shirt designing in small groups!

[columbiakcccalumni-blog]

Praise Reports and Prayer Requests: November 2010

By Betty Han and Joy Lee

We would like to share with you our praise reports and ask you to join us in prayer. If you have any praise reports or prayer requests that you’d like to share with us, please let us know via email and we will include them in the next issue!

Praise: Brothers and Sisters Nights 2010! We thank God for a great time of fellowship between the sisters in designing t-shirts for one another and enjoying Dinosaur BBQ. Also, praise God for bonding between the brothers in their time of bowling and eating chicken and rice!

Praise: 15th STINTers Over this past year, Columbia KCCC was blessed to have three STINTers from Korea: Megan, Rachel, and David. We are so grateful for their prayers, fellowship, and love for Columbia’s campus. Praise God for how He worked through Megan, Rachel and David in their time here! We pray for blessings in their transition back to their life in Korea.

Praise: Fruit during Witnessing During KCCC’s weekly witnessing sessions, one of our KCCC sisters went out to share the Four Spiritual Laws on campus, and God led her to a new sister-in-Christ, a student who received Christ during this time of witnessing! Praise God! These two sisters are now studying the Word together in weekly small group.

Prayer: Witnessing God really moves when we go out in faith to share the gospel. Please pray for us in our times of witnessing that we will have courage and security in our identity in Christ—that our cups would overflow by witnessing.

Prayer: Small Group For our leaders: that they are led by the Spirit and not by flesh in loving their small group members with Christ’s heart. For Unity and Harmony: that our small groups would be places of trust and openness. For our Soonwons: that they would grow in faith and hunger for God.

Prayer: Vision Conference Vision Conference 2011 is happening January 4-7th! The preparation period of prayer and fasting for Vision has already begun, and we are so excited to see how God will move the attendees. Please pray for many people to hunger for God and be fed at Vision Conference! Pray for our faith goal of 40 attendees from Columbia!