Category Archives: Staff

Elisabeth Ko

I just graduated from UCSD, taking a class at community college.

How I came to Lighthouse: When my family moved to San Diego, I didn’t really know what to look for in a church, so I just decided to follow my brother to go to Lighthouse Bible Church. Although I felt very uncomfortable in the beginning because people seemed so holy, it was evident in my eyes how different they were. The Youth staffs showed tremendous love towards this irresponsible, trouble-making teenager, and that softened my heart to see what it means to live like a Christian. Later, I got into UCSD, and my heart was already set on becoming a member here so that I may work alongside fellow believers to bring glory to God.

Hobbies: Drawing, watching movies, developing stories.

Favorites: Favorite dessert: froyo / Favorite place: home / Favorite ice cream flavor: cookies & cream / Favorite animal: wolves & eagles / Favorite fantasy animal: werewolves / Favorite genre: fantasy & action / Favorite color: black & white / Favorite fruit: watermelon & peach / Favorite bugs: none / Favorite movie: depends on when you ask me.

Favorite verse: Colossians 3:1-2 -If then you have been raised with Christ, seekthe things that are above, where Christ is,seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

The staffs are here because they love the youth and desire to teach and lead the youth so that they may know Christ and follow Him in a worthy manner. None of the staffs are perfect, and they are dependent on God’s mercy and grace to live a Christian life every day. Feel free to ask what we struggle with how God is growing us in those struggles. They’ll be more than happy to share!

Jen Shih

Hello! I’m Jen. By day, I work in a research laboratory to help develop biofuels –
actually at a company just around the corner from our church!

How I came to Lighthouse: God led me to LBC summer of 2008. I remember when I first came to Lighthouse; I attended the single life bible study on Friday nights and was so encouraged during the small group time. Everyone I met was really open to sharing about their walks with God. I could see that there were people here who genuinely loved God and people. I also learned that LBC was very committed to Bible teaching on Sunday mornings. I become a member at the end of that year!

My hobbies: photography, Hiking (and taking photos of the plants, flowers and animals on the trail).

My favorites: All kinds of sports like running, surfing, and indoor rock climbing! My favorite ice cream is Pistachio with the actual nuts mixed it. I like it because it’s sweet and salty and the pistachio adds texture. Or simply Haaggen Dazs’ Coffee ice cream. I also have a fondness for cats!! :3

Verse I want to share: Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” I love this short and sweet verse that’s filled with truth about the Truth. The psalmist here recognizes that it’s God’s Word that he needs to guide his feet and light his path in the darkness that surrounds him. I wanted to share this verse with Lumos because as we study the Bible together this year and share life together – I pray that we would develop a deeper understanding of God and His will for our lives!

I’m excited to be on staff and to get to know the youth at LBC! Think of me as an older sister and someone that is committed to loving God and you guys!

Kristen Lim

Hi! My name is Kristen Lim and I am a sophomore at UCSD, currently studying computer science. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, then moved to San Diego when I was entering the 8th grade (2006) and started attending Lighthouse since then. In my free time I love baking/eating yummy treats (my favorites being anything pumpkin or banana or cinnamon), running, playing music (flute and guitar), and spending time with friends and family. One of the reasons why I love music and singing meaningful songs is because of how they can remind my soul of God’s truths and promises. A song that I have been listening to on repeat recently is “God is God” by Steven Curtis Chapman (haha, an oldie but a goodie), which speaks of God’s bigness and holiness, and how as a human I won’t understand everything that goes on in life, but I can rest assure that God is sovereign. Along those lines, a favorite psalm of mine is Psalm 46, underscoring that God is our refuge and strength and that we can take comfort knowing that since God is God, He will be glorified no matter how bleak the circumstances may be.

I am super excited to a part of the Lumos youth ministry here at Lighthouse, since I was saved under this ministry and grew in my love and fear of the Lord during my time there (and continue to do so after graduating). I desire and pray that God will save the souls of these youth at an early age, that they may serve Him with more vigor and passion than I did when I was their age, that God may be magnified through their lives.

Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

My name is Cesar Vigil-Ruiz and I am an intern at Lighthouse Bible Church. I work part-time at The San Diego Squash Club and have been there while completing my undergraduate studies at UCSD. I came to Lighthouse when a former member invited me while involved with Crossroads Campus Ministries. I very much appreciated the teaching, and later realized God used His Word to save me during my sophomore year in college. I became a member in 2006 to fulfill part of the Great Commission and grow as a committed follower of Jesus Christ.

Some of my hobbies include, running, reading, hiking, playing chess, and soccer. My favorite food is tacos from Tacos el Gordo, my favorite ice cream is vanilla, my favorite book is The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul, my favorite movie is The Dark Knight, and my favorite song is “Face to Face” from Indelible Grace Music.
My favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21, which says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we become the righteousness of God.” This verse sums up what came before (2 Corinthians 5:11-20), but gives a glimpse into the love of the Father for wicked sinners by making Christ our substitute for sin, that we may be given the righteousness of Christ. This is the most succinct summary of the Gospel I have seen, and it’s from God Himself!
I have been a staffer for Lumos Youth from 2008-2011, and returned after a year with the Singles Ministry, and looking forward to what God does in the lives of our youth!

Joyce Kang

I first started coming out to Lighthouse after I graduated from UCSD. At that time Pastor John was going over the book of Romans and I was immediately drawn to the solid teaching of God’s word. In the summer of 2009, I went to the Czech Republic for summer missions and had the opportunity to work closely with the youth. In hindsight, I see how God not only used that trip to cultivate in me a deeper love for Him but also a desire to invest in the youth at our church. What I love most about Lumos is watching the young men and women mature in their understanding of the the Gospel and begin to take ownership of their Christian faith.
  • Hobbies: cooking, baking, knitting, and spending time with my friends and family
  • Favorite Christian Book: Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman
  • Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Josh Liu

Hello! My name is Joshua Liu and I am a pastoral intern at Lighthouse Bible Church. I am currently a student at The Master’s College (MA Biblical Counseling), The Master’s Seminary (M.Div), and Alliant International University (MAEd TESOL). I oversee Lighthouse Kids’ Club (midweek Bible study ministry for children at LBC) and the Lumos Youth Ministry.

How I came to Lighthouse: God led me to Lighthouse during my first year at UCSD while I was checking out different churches and campus ministries. I heard Pastor Patrick preach the gospel during the college ministry’s annual luau, was in awe and complete agreement with the message, and decided that I wanted to commit to this church that so exalts God and His Word.

Hobbies: spending time with friends and family, watching movies, playing tag and dodgeball

One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is a short yet deep reminder of the grand hope, peace, and joy I have because of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection to satisfy God’s holy wrath against my sin.

I am extremely excited to serve in Lumos and to pass on the greatness of God to the next generation!

Roger Alcaraz

I first came to Lighthouse in 2005 because some college friends invited me.  I was so convicted of the messages and of my sinful living that I left the church for a few months.  Thankfully, a friend from Lighthouse reached out to me and shared the hope we have in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.  God granted me faith and repentance and soon after, I became a member and since then have called Lighthouse my home.  I am also currently attending The Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles.  As the Lumos coordinator I’ve been able serve and hopefully bless our youth ministry. I absolutely love the people there and though life can get demanding, ministering to them has never been a burden.  I am happy that God has seen fit to bless me by allowing this ministry to bring much joy and comfort in life.

Favorite Christian Book:  The Cup and the Glory by Greg Harris

Favorite Verse:  1 Samuel 12:22