My Humble Beginning – The 4th Anniversary of My Ordination

Today is the fourth anniversary of my ordination as a pastor. One of the things I decided to do after I became a pastor was to watch the video that contains the ordination service. I wanted to revisit and relive the precious and humble moments. I must remember my humble beginning. How can I ever forget that? But man’s propensity is to forget. That’s why I got into the habit of watching the video. So I sat down on my sofa today and popped in the video. Then I had my son, 9-year-old, come and sit next to me. How can he really understand the ordination, but I wanted him at least to taste what it is like to become a pastor.

As I began to watch the video, the old memories began to sweep over me and I was there at the church in Arlington, Texas. I soaked in everything I heard again: Pastor In-Gyun Oh’s message about Christ’s calling, equipping, and sending out of his disciples, Pastor Kyung Kim’s words of encouragement about having tears in my eyes for my flock (Acts 20:31), and Dr. Ashlock’s words of encouragement about fanning into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hand (the apostle Paul) and how I should have the heart that burns when I walk with the Christ. I want to cherish these words spoken to me every day. It was very pertinent for me to hear these messages again.

I thank the church, the people who worked so hard for me to make the experience effective and successful, and the many pastors who showed up to congratulate me on my ordination. More than anybody or anything, I want to thank my parents, especially my mother who was at the ordination and is now with the Lord, who had always wanted me to become a pastor. I owe what I am to their sincere prayers, words of encouragement, and all the support. Thank you, dad and mom. You were so good to me.

After watching the video, I headed to church to pray. While praying, I rededicated myself to the ministry of the Word and prayer and to my church and my flock. I repented of lack of tears in my ministry. God restored in me the joy of serving him and the focus I need to have as I continue my life here on earth. God is my vision and my everything. Amen.

Easter Sunday Service

FKCC had a joint Easter Sunday service. As usual, I interpreted for Pastor Kim.

Hello Love Tour

I attended the Hello Love Tour concert with Chris Tomlin last night. When I bought the tickets, I was told that I would have to pay $2 for parking, but they raised it to $10 at the last minute. It was a rip-off, but oh, well, the school must have wanted to make some profit out of the event. I’ve been to places where they raised parking fees twice, three times, and even more at times when there’s a special sporting event. So, my son, Moses, and I decided to walk for about 1000 yard after parking the car along the curb. It was fun running at night hand in hand with my son.

Inside the San Jose State University Event Center, I could feel the electrifying expectations of people and the love people have for God and Chris. Although I had seen Chris lead worship at one of the JAMA conferences, it was somewhat brief. However, last night it was different. It was a concert, but it was more than a concert. He had a message for Californians. He was more calm, mature, funny, and passionate about the causes God is passionate about. I loved the time. One of the things that sticks out in my memory is the song titled “GOD OF THIS CITY.” I liked the part when he sang, “For greater things have yet to come. And greater things are still to be done in this city.” It rekindled the passion and zeal I had had when I decided to come to California. People had given me caveats about how challenging it would be to minister in California. And I have tasted the bitter side through the church dispute and through English Ministry. I think I lost some of my passion for the state and for what God wants to do here. Chris Tomlin helped me to refocus.

Some of the young adults from my church were there with me. As I glanced at them while praising, I could tell they were having a blast in the Lord. I desire great things for them. In particular, Gibson, who was fasting all day due to his commitment to the church-wide fast drive in connection with Lent, caught my attention and he was into praise along with Isaac, Tim, Christine, James, David, and DH and his daughter. It was an awesome time.

Oh, God, may you do great things in this state and in this land. We expect great things from you, Lord. We humble ourselveves before you and seek your breakthroughs in these economically and legall challenging times. May you come through, oh, Lord. May you not delay.

We are in recession, but God is not. God is able to deliver us from the woes we’re facing. Oh, God, come and deliver us and deliver the world.

Dr. Jim Yong Kim becomes the 17th president of Dartmouth University.

It was a historic moment when Dr. Jim Yong Kim became the first Asian Korean male who became president of an Ivy League university. Three qualities the outgoing president Jim Wright said about Dr. Kim were learning, innovation, and service. To me, the word service really stood out because from what I found out he had been a man of serving the world. It reminded me again of what Jesus said. Whoever wants to become great must serve others. Dr. Kim served the world, and how fitting it is that he now takes the leadership as president of Dartmouth. As a fellow Korean, I am super proud of you and may you maximize the gifts, passion, and service, and love you received from God for Dartmouth as well as for the world.

Spicy Chicken Goujons

With my camera lost, I can’t post any picture now. Sad. That doesn’t keep me from writing though. So here we go. Today I went to a TJ Max store and bought a bunch of towels. As I was waiting in a long line, I spotted a book entitled Finger Food. I thought to myself, “Hmmm. I think I can use this book to make snacks for Moses.” So I bought the book. Coming home, I wanted to strike the iron while it was still hot. So I flipped through the book and put post-it on the recipes I wanted to try. Then I took Moses out for shopping ingredients for Spicy Chicken Goujons. It was a lot of fun looking for different condiments. Upon returning home, I began to cook. After cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips, I heated the deep frying pot and then tossed the strips into the pot. I waited for the strips to turn golden. Then I took them out of the pot and drained them on crumpled paper towels. Then I mixed the turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, and 1 teaspoonful of salt. Then I tossed the goujons in the mixture and served them on a plate after shaking off the excess mixture. Moses loved it and I loved it. Oh, BTW, Moses helped me by coating the strips with all purpose flour. We had fun together. I also had Moses take one plate of the goujons to our next door neighbor. It was a time well-spent between me and Moses bonding through cooking. Moses, you did a good job. Next time I will try Chorizo and Tomato Salsa. Until then, take care!

Christmas Praise & Message

Here I led the praise in Korean and gave an English message about Christmas. The gifts we bring to Jesus speak volumes about who Jesus Christ is.

Staff Offering Song

The pastoral staff sang an offering song during the Christmas Joint Worship Service. I was Bass with Ryu JDSN, my wife Alto, Ryu JDSN’s wife Alto, Pastor Kim’s wife Soprano, and Pastor Kim Tenor. I think we had lot of bonding time while practicing the song together. There were a few times when I was a little unstable during practice, but I think I pulled it off just fine during the service. Praise God!

Moses Played in MacBeth Play

Moses played MacDuff in the MacBeth play. Before he actually performed in the play, he had spent 1.5 hours two days a week for a few months. One of the comments Moses often heard was that he was the most confident, energetic, and clear when he spoke his lines. I couldn’t agree with those who gave those comments more. Sumi and I were glad that Moses could be part of the play. Both of us majored in English-related fields (English Lit & English Education), so we are somewhat English Literature-literate and we enjoyed the play very much. It was a good experience to revisit one of the Shakespearean tragedies.

 One conspicuous feature was the role of the storytellers who spiced up the play and helped the audience better understand the play. During the play, two guys sitting in front of Sumi commented, “Is that boy your son? He’s the best.” That was a great comment!

I pray that Moses would be able to do well on the stage of life with the blessings of God. Son, remember although the director of your play was Mr. Josh Sigal, the real and ultimate director of your life’s play is God. Remember Him and acknowledge Him in everything you do. I’m very proud to be your dad! Love you.

Christmas Joint Worship Service with KM and Youth Group

Today we had a joint Christmas worship service. Jesus Christ came to this world as light, and that light symbolizes life, hope, and love.

I don’t regret a mile by Howard Goodman

This is one of my favorite songs I sometimes use in my sermon. The title of the song is I DON’T REGRET A MILE.

I’ve dreamed many a dream that’s never come true,

I’ve seen them vanish at dawn,

But enough of my dreams have come true

To make me keep dreaming on.

I’ve prayed many a prayer that seemed no answer would come,

Though I’d waited so patient and long;

But enough answers have come to my prayers

To make me keep praying on

I’ve sown many a seed that’s fallen by the wayside,

For the birds to feed upon

But I’ve had enough golden sheaves in my hands

To make me keep sowing on

I’ve trusted many a friend that’s failed me

And left me to weep alone

But enough of my friends have been true-blue

To make me keep trusting on

I’ve drained the cup of disappointment and pain,

And gone many a day without a song

But I’ve sipped enough nectar from the roses of life

To make me want to live on.