by Grace Wu
This week, the Youth affinity group brings us an interview with one of their members: Angela. Angela is one of the newer additions to Lumos, having come to the church by herself through the recommendation of family and friends. She is an example of the wide-reaching ministry of LBC, extending not just to college-aged or single adults searching for churches in San Diego, but also to the youth group. Though her parents are not members of LBC, she still regularly attends youth group on her own. She is originally from New York and moved to San Diego just a couple of years ago with her family. Angela is currently a senior in high school.
How long did it take you to find a church in San Diego after moving from New York?
It took about six months to a year to find a good, stable church to go to constantly.
How was the process of looking for a good, stable church to go to?
It was stressful because I kept arguing with my parents about what kind of church I wanted and what kind of church they wanted because we had different views about what church should be. It was hard for me because my church from New York was the church I grew up in. I didn’t know if I’d feel the same at a new church, so it was very stressful to find a church to settle in.
How and when did you start coming to LBC? What were you first impressions? What was it like coming to church on your own without your parents?
My brother’s friends from college heard Pastor John as a guest speaker at a retreat they went to and they knew that he was a pastor at a church in San Diego and so they told me to go to LBC. The sermons were very strong and straightforward. It was long but it was very beneficial. Coming by myself, I paid attention more. I felt more independent so I felt like I needed to listen more. I was nervous coming by myself, but I overcame that nervousness. There were a lot of friendly people and it was comforting to see that people at LBC care about their new visitors.
What made you to want to settle down at LBC?
The sermons that were presented were very helpful during the week and the people were very friendly.
Was it hard to want to stay at LBC because people are so much older than you?
No, since people here are older than me and have more experience, I think I could learn from them what they have learned.
What’s something you’ve learned since being in Lumos that has impacted you?
Taking up the cross everyday. It was my 2nd or 3rd Bible study at youth group, and I was going through some rough times, and listening to those sermons about taking up my cross and following Christ made me think if I made better Christian choices, then my life’s path will go the right way and that I wouldn’t feel so lost.
How is Lumos different from your old youth group?
It’s more one-on-one and very personal. My old youth group was pretty big so I couldn’t get much time with a leader. I learn more when it’s one-on-one or with fewer people.
How has senior year been?
So far, it’s been hard and very stressful. There’s been a lot of work. Even though it’s been stressful, there are times I could go out more because it’s senior year. There’s a lot more peer pressure in school because it’s my last year, I’m older, and I’m going to college so there are a lot more opportunities to be pressured.
What are your hobbies?
I love to dance, if it weren’t for dance I don’t think I’d be Angela. I usually do choreographed pieces and if I do do freestyle, I’d do hip hop dancing