by Joo Yoon

During my time at Lighthouse Bible Church, there are countless things that I have learned, forgotten, re-learned to only forget again and then get rebuked by people like JR. But there are two mantras that have stuck with me these last two years and they are, “life is not about you” and “it’s the people, not the program.” Both of these statements are fairly obvious and no brainers. But why do we, as Christians find them so hard to do?

We acknowledge that life is not about us, and that we are called to be selfless, to put others before ourselves (Phil 2:3-4) and yet when push comes to shove, we will do what is best for ourselves. That happens because the love of God does not affect us the way it should, we choose not to get rid of our earthly desires and disobey what it says in Colossians 3. So then what is life about? Life is about serving and loving God and to do all things for His glory (1 Cor 10:31).

The second one, which is related, we would also acknowledge as true. We would agree that yes, we serve the church in various ministries to serve the people. Yet when we plan stuff, why is it that the programs take center stage and not what could be done to better help and serve the people in it? Or why is it that after a while we just go through the motions? One thing I really appreciated about College Staff, Cleaning and LKC is that each leader really placed an emphasis to make sure that did not happen for us. We were constantly reminded that we are serving people, brothers and sisters in Christ, people Christ chose to save. If that wasn’t enough to put things in perspective then I would be a liar as it says 1 John, for by serving the church I would claim to love God, but going through the motions would indicate I do not love my brothers, thus making me a liar.

These two statements basically come down to whether one believes in the passion of LBC, and what PJohn has been going through the last three weeks. How much do we love God and people? If we truly do, then our faith will be shown through our works. Everything else will naturally follow. Ultimately our love for God and people will drive us to be serve others, to strive for holiness, and to grow in truth and love, all things that God calls us to do. The last three years at LBC has been a tremendous joy as I was able to just learn the depths of God’s love and mercy and truth of His Word, becoming saved through the faithful teachings of the pastors and enjoying sweet fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. My experiences are something that I will never forget and will stick with me for the rest of my life. A big shoutout to my family at LBC, thank you for your love, encouragement, and challenges during my time in SD, I pray that God will use me in much the same way as I prepare to serve at LBCSJ. I pray that God will use you all mightily for His kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria!

What was your college major?

Management Science/Political Science

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

3.5 years, member for 3.

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

I have grown one inch since 5th grade

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

Love God, love people. Stop being lazy and lame. Form disciplines and convictions now to better serve the Lord and the church. 1 Timothy 4

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

I can’t really decide…Philippians 1:3-6. It serves as a source of encouragement/rebuke. Encourages and reminds me that the path of sanctification is a long and arduous process but God will complete it in me. Rebukes for everytime I think I did something right or am growing, to not place the hope in myself but in God, realizing that even those things were not possible without God, that I could not love God if God hadn’t first loved me (1 John 4:19).

Or Romans 8:28. What an encouragement to know that God is in control of our good times, and even our hard times. That all of those things He orchestrated and placed in our lives for good, meaning that through our faithfulness and perseverance, the events will bring Him greater glory.

by Ryan Short

This is now my fourth year here at Lighthouse. I first came to LBC at the end of summer of my freshman year 2006 by recommendation of one of my friends. At that time I was looking for a church that would faithfully teach God’s Word and have opportunities for accountability. I fell in love with Lighthouse very soon after and joined the first membership class of the fall. From there, God has been faithfully growing me in Christ likeness and has blessed me with faithful men to lead me in my walk. Starting my sophomore year, I began to become more involved in College Life and quickly joined a small group with Kevin Au. Kevin began to disciple me in small group as well as one on one discipleship. I am so thankful for that time, being able to be led through Godly teaching and example. After this, Pastor J.R. began to disciple me and God had blessed me with an opportunity to serve in College Life on student staff and lead a small group of my own. Having a small group was my favorite part about College Life, having opportunity to share in fellow brothers’ lives, to both encourage them and be encouraged by them. I am so thankful also for God’s faithfulness to me in providing a college Pastor who truly loves Christ and loves people. Pastor Patrick has been such a blessing to me these past four years, showing me so much love and patience. Now, as I am planning to attend Master’s Seminary in the Fall, I hope that God will bless me in having more opportunities to love and serve my church family.

What was your college major?

Linguistics

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

I have been at LBC for 4 years and have been a member for all 4 years.

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

I am a huge San Diego Charger fan!

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

Take advantage of the awesome blessing we have at Lighthouse in being discipled by older men and women at church, specifically the married people. Be purposeful in getting to know them and seeing how you can serve their families, whether it’s babysitting or making food or doing errands, whatever it is do what you can to serve them and learn from their example.

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

It is hard for me to pick a single verse that is my favorite, (they are all good), but one that I do particularly love is Romans 5:8 “but God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” I love this verse because of how it reminds me God’s grace to save us from our sin, that while we were still enemies of God, He sent His Son to die for us on the cross. Praise God!

by Anthony Kwon

I’ve been a “Christian” for as long as I can remember, but I truly came to understand salvation around early high school years. Although in high school God placed me through immense trials with family issues, I was blessed to have support not only from the church I attended, but also from other close friends of the faith around me. From the times I spent with these prayer warriors, I grew to understand the great importance of a local community and valued the fellowship found with other believers. However, in the desire to emphasize fellowship, I realized I lacked greatly in Biblical knowledge. After a year of avoiding it, God humbled my heart and I stayed at Lighthouse, and to no surprise, have been very blessed by the rich teaching the church provides. Though I am so thankful to God for Lighthouse growing me in my understanding of Christ, nothing has blessed me more than Lighthouse’s commitment to the Peacemaker’s Pledge. It is no secret that every person goes through struggles and trials, often involving other people. Being able to witness the way this church has gone about in seeking reconciliation, being quick to apologize, but even quicker to forgive, all the while holding firm to the truth of God’s Word, has taught me what loving a brother and sister is really all about. Loving one another is not limited to supporting and praying when someone is in need (although, it is very loving =]), but when it’s tough to fellowship with someone else, can we remember the Gospel and how much we’ve been forgiven, and then forgive our brothers and sisters? I’m so encouraged by the Peacemaker’s Pledge and thankful for Lighthouse equipping me with such an invaluable tool.

What was your college major?

Biochemistry and Cell Biology

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

4 years at LBC, member for 3

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

Yes, I have a concave chest. No, it is not a hole, so you cannot stick your hand/arm through me. But if you really wanted to, I guess you can eat some cereal and milk out of me…

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

Love, serve, and grow together with your fellow brothers and sisters of your local church. It is easy to get caught up in thinking your Christian life is just Jesus and you, but Jesus loves those people, so it’s probably a good idea that you do too =). Hey, you’re going to see them so often anyway, might as well enjoy it!

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

Jeremiah 29:11. This not only displays the sovereignty of God over all things, but shows the grace and mercy found in it as well. At times when I am feeling helpless, I am reminded that God has already planned everything out for me to find my way back to Him.

by Sarah Shen

Prior to coming to college, I knew how important it was to seek out a group of believers to grow with and keep each other accountable, but I paid little thought to committing myself to a local church. I quickly plugged into a CCM small group, and God was gracious to lead me to Lighthouse Bible Church through my many CCM friends who happened to attend Lighthouse as well. I appreciated LBC’s high view of God’s Word, as well as the resolve of the members to really live out a life that glorified God in all that they did. Over the past few years, I have been blessed by the teachings at Lighthouse and the encouragement from fellow members to run the race with perseverance.

One of the things that I appreciate most about LBC is its members’ commitment to carry out the Titus 2 principle. Even though I had come to a deeper knowledge of my own sin during college, the older Lighthouse women have spoken truth in my life and have helped me to develop a biblical word view has been immensely encouraging. Whether it’s through small group time or one-on-one meetings with the older women, these sisters have been there to probe the areas where I am most inconsistent in my faith. Lighthouse Church has taught me how to think through my decision-making process and to consider practical applications for the things that are taught at church. While the process has not always been easy, it has ultimately helped me to love God more.

Despite my initial belief that I already had a strong grasp of the Gospel, because I had been a Christian for many years before entering college, I was really challenged and blessed when we studied the Gospel again last year. Being challenged to preach the Gospel to myself daily and to view every aspect of my life in its terms has been tremendously helpful. I am a bit nervous about stepping into the post-college life, but I know that God is faithful and that His plans are greater than my own.

What was your college major?

Communication

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

3.5 years, 3 years

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

When I think something is really funny i laugh really hard but..silently.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

You have a lot of time in college so use it wisely. Take the time to participate in the life of the church, serve others, read a lot, and make sure that your faith is firmly grounded.

by Michelle Chan

Dude, Lighthouse has been such a huge blessing! HUGE! I thought I was a Christian growing up, but during my first year, the teaching at Lighthouse helped show me that I wasn’t a Christian. LBC showed me examples of love that helped keep me coming out even though I wasn’t a believer. People were nice enough to meet up with me to teach me the gospel and to call to remind me to go to church. I had never heard of quiet times, but they’re so helpful! It took two years, but LBC helped me understand who God is and who I am in relation to Him. I learned what the gospel is and why it is such good news! It’s so encouraging to see so many people spreading the gospel at school, work, in their homes, to their friends, and at their weddings. I still can believe how many people are willing to pay for my meals and hear about all my problems and help me out! It really encourages me to live a life that is pleasing to God.

What was your college major?

Bioengineering: Premedical

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

I have been at LBC all four years of college. I’ve been a member for
several months.

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

People don’t know that I’m a ballet folklorico dancer.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

Get involved at Lighthouse! Go eat on Friday nights!

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7. I think I like it because Christians should be known by love and this passages describes what love is. This passage is convicting because being unloving is sin. Recognizing sin causes me to cling to Christ more because I see that I need help! This passage also helps me love others and let God use me to turn people toward Him.

by Yuen Kwong

I have been tremendously blessed to come to know the Lord as my Savior at Lighthouse. I love how piercing and convicting the messages are and how they compel me to strive to be more like Christ. One of many blessings at Lighthouse is seeing the older men and women at church live out Titus 2, and in doing so, inspiring and teaching those that are younger to do the same. I am grateful for how willing the Singles and the Marrieds are to meet up and disciple the younger guys and gals in spite of their busy schedules.

Another blessing is the ability to serve the church family through various ministries. I have learned so much from serving in various ministries and appreciate how the leadership in these ministries always remind us that serving is done out of a love for Christ and not for boasting up ourselves. One of the highlights of serving in Nursery is the joy of serving the families through loving their children. The babies and toddlers are wonderful and totally melt my heart with their brilliant smiles. Regardless of whether they are smiling, crying, or smelly due to a poopy diaper, I love how the kids show their affection to those who care for them. Another amazing thing I am able to witness in Nursery is how the curriculum, memory verses and songs impact the kids. It is truly amazing to see the kids go from a really short attention span and not willing to sitting at the table for the lessons, to growing so eager to learn and obedient when the nursery staff talk to them; this is nothing less than God’s grace and godly parenting.

Serving in College Life has allowed me to get to know fellow collegians better, especially the staff. It is so encouraging to see faithful brothers and sisters serving the body. Being able to lead a small group this year has been a great blessing and a humbling experience. My small group girls are all so different, but one thing that has been the same is their passion to live a God-honoring life. It has been a blessing to see how much each one of them have grown since the beginning of the year and how they have grown to love each other and want to keep each other accountable. And of course my two favorite things, hugs from them every time I see them and being able to enjoy baked goods with them during small group time.

What was your college major?

Human Biology

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

I’ve been at LBC since freshmen year and I’ve been a member since October 21, 2007.

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

I’ve told some people about this, but I have crazy stage fright, so singing in front of an audience is a constant struggle. I’d prefer singing alone in the car or in the shower over in front of people any day, but that’s not really using God’s gift to me to encourage the body, so I do my best to sing in front of people. =)

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

Find someone older to disciple you and get plugged into a ministry to serve the church, you’ll gain a ton of blessings.

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

Psalm 73:25-26 because it reminds me that God is sufficient for all my needs and that He is the only worthy treasure of my life.

by Lily Han

One way that lighthouse has blessed me was it grounded my faith in the truth of the word rather than on social norms or my personal convictions. From the first sunday I attended lighthouse, I was amazed at the high view of God and the high view of God’s word that not only the pastor possessed, but also the congregation. Believers at lighthouse were living out their christian testimony by actually actively pursuing sanctification through solid teaching, accountability, and discipleship. By witnessing these more mature brothers and sisters living out their faith, I began to strive to work out my sanctification through the truth of God’s word. Praise the Lord for leading me to lighthouse quickly to build my faith on the solid foundation of the Bible because college was filled with trials. These past four years have been particularly rough because I have experienced the death of a friend every single year through drowning, drunk driving, brain tumors, and stomach cancer. But rather than being discouraged by these sudden and unexpected deaths, I have been blessed with the hope I have in Christ and continually strive to keep an eternal perspective. I trust and take comfort in God’s sovereignty over each and every situation.

What was your college major?

Human Development

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

Freshman year, week zero & Freshman year, fall quarter, respectively.

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

Even though I’m loud outside, I am quiet at home.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

Pursue Christ alone.

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

Rev. 21:4. It’s my goto verse for comfort and its a simple reminder to keep an eternal perspective.

by Kristen Yee

LBC has been a blessing by allowing me to experience what it means to have and be part of a church family.

I am always so encouraged by the members of the body, who individually and collectively, strive to magnify Christ. Although I may not know everyone personally, I see people serving whole-heartedly at church, which stems from a geunuine love for God and for people. The faithful teaching from the Word by the leaders is another blessing. I am also thankful to have been a part of College Life and for the times of fellowship.

A big part of my spiritual growth came through being part of a small group and having that accountability. I praise God for bringing me to LBC!

What was your college major?

Psychology with a minor in Education Studies

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

I have been a member of LBC for over a year.

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

The random fact that I often give about myself is that I’m allergic to bandaids.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

My advice to the underclassmen is to really make the time count in college in terms of living and doing all things for God’s glory. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet different people on campus and witness to them.

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

My favorite passage in the Bible is Philippians 4:4-7 because it is encouraging and applicable in many situations in life. As Christians, we truly can rejoice in the Lord always!

by Patrick Shin

Reflecting on the time spent at Lighthouse Bible Church I have come to the conclusion that God has been extremely gracious to me. Over these past couple of years and through the kind shepherding from the pastors, college staff, and fellow church members God has been able to open my eyes to the power of his word molding my life to live in light of the truth and not in darkness.

I have to give thanks to Cesar for helping me out when I started to come out to Lighthouse, because it was the love of God that I saw when we meet up to have discipleship that I was encouraged to continue to trust what God was doing in my life at Lighthouse. And I’d like to thank Pastor Pat for taking the time to really invest and mold my life to have a love and passion for God and for his people.

There have definitely been many more people who have invested and blessed my life so to all of you who I have had the privilege of being with I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

So with much love I pray that God would bless you all!

What was your college major?

Major: Political Science
Minor: Theatre

How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?

I been at Lighthouse for about 3¼ years. But I’ve only been a member for about 1½ years

What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?

I was born on March 17 which happens to be Saint Patrick’s Day!

And that the reason why I was named Patrick.

What advice would you give to the underclassmen?

Never let awkwardness, embarrassments, and pride, be a reason preventing you to getting to know someone, try something, and do what God is calling you to do, because those moments will be beautiful highlight that will make your college life just a little bit brighter. Make it your heart’s desire to make God amazingly huge in your life, filling your thoughts with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and being reminded of the demonstration of God’s love in that He sent his son to this world so that we could believe in him and not perish, but have eternal life. And don’t forget to be consumed by God, because out of God’s Spirit, Word, and Love are you going to be challenged to take a jump of faith in living a breathtaking life for the glory of God!

What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?

Lamentations 3:22. Because it reminds me of the never ending grace and love God has shown in my life. Even when I’ve been unfaithful to him, God has never stopped being faithful to me. Thank you God!

by David Yen

Looking back on my college years, it’s incredible how fast the time flew by. It seems like only yesterday when I stepped onto the UCSD campus. Growing up in church, my belief in God had always been strong. I grew up learning about His goodness, His grace, and His everlasting lovingkindness. Coming to college was not a good time for me though. I lost sight of these truths. I was much more concerned with the bitter taste that continually lingered in my mouth from my previous life, I was depressed and could not see how this good God let such a “faithful” servant suffer.

Bumming around from church to church, occasionally visiting various fellowships, this was the extent of my fellowship freshman year. I don’t even really know why I kept going; perhaps force of habit. This went on for a couple of months until, one day God rescued me, and I don’t know exactly how. It could have been through the love I was received from fellow believers; the teaching on justification in the fellowship I was attending; or maybe the conclusions I came to regarding Calvinism. All I really know is that I wasn’t taking my Christian faith seriously, but one day God just rescued me. My spirit was suddenly set free and my faith solidified as my life started to change. The only explanation I have comes from 2 Corinthians 4: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” It was a miracle. I don’t claim to know whether I was saved at that point. I can only tell of these events that have happened in my life and give God all of the credit. I know I did nothing. To share my college testimony, I need to begin with that. It really gives a framework to my faith in God. To take any credit myself would be a great injustice to God’s miraculous work in my life. Maybe it was necessary for me to go through the depression to arrive at the point where I am now.

Having said that, I think college is a very unique time for a Christian. For many, it is the first time they are on their own. The saying is true that what you invest your time in, shows what you really care about. College is a time where we have much freedom. If you want to get really good grades, you can invest all of your time into that and accomplish it. If you want to have a lot of fun, you can invest all your time in entertainment. These things are not bad things in it of themselves, but the most crucial thing I have learned in college that helped me the most in my faith is to invest in the right things. Invest in things that will last. Invest in people that further God’s kingdom. Invest your time in the Word so that your mind may be transformed. Time is valuable, and so often we use time in such a way that is not beneficial. I feel in college I have developed habits (good and bad ones) that will probably be with me for the rest of my life, for some things I honestly wish that I had put in more effort keeping myself in check.

Being at LBC has been a tremendous blessing; God has truly blessed our church with many wonderful people. The church family is a great place to hear solid biblical teaching and valuable advice. There are many older people who are much more mature and much godlier than I. These people are a great resource for guidance and growth. It’s just a good idea to use what has been given to us. I know I have been blessed through many people in the church. I hate to end so abruptly, but since this is nearing the end, I pray that this article will be both encouraging and helpful. College has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I hope it will be for all of the collegians we have at LBC as well!