by Jen Shin
Whenever I go back home, my parents always ask me when I will be heading back down to SD. I don’t know why they ask because they know I’ll answer “Saturday night or early Sunday morning,” to which they jokingly respond, “Lighthouse isn’t the only church out there.” And though I wholeheartedly agree with that (even if they’re joking), I am so thankful that God has brought me to LBC and for has grown in me a tremendous love for this body.
I’m overwhelmed with God’s grace and faithfulness in how much He has changed me over the past four years. I came in freshman year, wanting to get plugged into a good church, but didn’t immediately commit myself to it (mostly because of silly pride issues in not wanting to ask people for rides). Growing and being challenged to live a more holy and pleasing life before God wasn’t something I came in desiring or even having much of a concern for. That quickly changed as I was consistently challenged with the truth of God’s Word through Pastor John’s and Pat’s preaching and the messages I have been hearing at CCM.
I have to say that since coming to college, especially to our church, a lot of my growth has been in understanding, living, and proclaiming the gospel. Though there are many truths that can be put to practice from Scripture, I’ve realized that nothing is apart from the sweet message of Christ. It really is the one message that we can never move on from. My hero and older brother in Christ, C.J. Mahaney, writes, “If there’s anything in life that we should be passionate about, it’s the gospel. And I don’t mean passionate only about sharing it with others. I mean passionate in thinking about it, dwelling on it, rejoicing in it, allowing it to color the way we look at the world.” To love, to serve, to strive after holiness, to persevere through and endure all that is here – God makes these all possible in my own life because of what He has done. What’s even greater is that the more I understand the gospel, the more I understand the true nature of God, to which I am even more thankful to be able to call Him Abba.
It hasn’t been easy, but I’m clinging to what I know is true – God’s character and the hope I have in the gospel of Christ.
It’s funny how much my “plans” have changed. I came in as a biochemistry major pursuing medicine and now I am working toward getting teaching credentials in English and Spanish. Really, it doesn’t even matter now what I will be doing career-wise. I’m just thankful that I get to be with my church family for at least another 1-2 years. =]
Favorite Food: Korean and my momma’s cooking
What is your favorite Bible verse and why: I have two. Psalm 19:14 because this is what I meditate on to remind myself of how I should honor God, especially in my crazy hectic thought life. Philippians 1:20 because I have the same eagerness and hope as the Apostle Paul when he wrote that he wanted his life to be characterized by boldness for the gospel so that Christ would be exalted in him whether by life or by death.
What is your most memorable moment in college: Being able to witness two very special people come to know Christ and change drastically. Praise God!
What will you miss most about college: College Life and FNS.
What do you look forward to the most about graduate life: Singles ministry! Not being called a grandma for sleeping early. And my new housemates – Cindy Chu and the Yi family! =]