In September, we have three people getting baptized from the EC side in VA campus. I am truly so excited and happy about their baptisms. I don’t think there is a greater joy than seeing someone come to Christ and being baptized. There is no greater joy in heaven as well. We are told in the Bible that many angels rejoice when one person comes to Christ. How awesome it is that we can be a child of God!
We had our baptism class last Sunday, and their conversion stories reminded me of mine. They had all grown up in the church like me. They had come to God while going to church and they had been waiting for the right time to be baptized. I came to know Christ because of Pastor Roger. I don’t know if many of you remember him, and if you do, I know I just took you way back into NCFC history. I remember he shared the gospel during his message on Sunday and that’s when I came to know Christ. That was when I was in seventh grade. Hearing their testimonies during the class just brought back all those memories.
It reminded me of all that NCFC had done for me in my spiritual walk. I came to know Christ because of NCFC. I grew in my faith through all the different discipleship classes I took while in Timothy (does anyone still remember XD?). I believe that NCFC played a big part in me becoming a pastor. God used this church to groom me in preparation for the day I went to seminary and started doing youth ministry. I had the privilege of having great pastors like Roger Kim, Tom Youn, Young Kim, and Alvin Chun, who are still doing great things for God’s kingdom today. My hope is that I can have a similar impact on our current Timothy students like these pastors had on me back in my days as a Timothy student.
It’s great to see that NCFC is still being used to bring people to Christ. It lets me know that our church is alive and well. There have been a lot of hard times in the recent past, but we are still bringing people to Christ and baptizing them. In the end, isn’t that what really matters? The ultimate purpose of the church is to be salt and light for its community, and that’s what NCFC has become for MD and VA. God is using our church to accomplish His purpose and His plan. What a privilege it is that we get to participate in that. I know that God has even greater things in store for this church. Things that we cannot even imagine. May we continue to spread the good news of the gospel and bring people to Christ. May we continue to raise up men and women who are so in love with God.
So, as we baptize these three believers this month, may you be as joyful as I am! Every time we have baptism, it is a time for celebration. There truly is no greater joy! With the NFL season starting next week, I can honestly say that when the Cowboys win the Super Bowl this year, it won’t bring me greater joy than the baptism we have this month. The day that my wife has her paintings exhibited in the National Art Gallery in D.C., it won’t bring me greater joy. The day that Andrew gets a full ride to Harvard, it won’t bring me greater joy. The day that I finally bowl a perfect 300, it won’t bring me greater joy. When we look at things in the eternal perspective, the good things in this physical world pales in comparison. What is greater than a lost soul coming to know the love of the Father? Truly nothing.

From Pastor Eugene’s Heart
September 6, 2015

It’s that time of the year again!
I hope everyone took advantage of the tax free week to get ready for the new school year. I usually don’t enjoy this time of year because of so many back to schools meetings I have to attend. As a pastor I should enjoy meeting and getting to know new people but I honestly don’t enjoy it that much due to my personality as an introvert. So whenever I attend my kids’ school events or go to their friends’ b’day parties, I usually sit in the corner and stare at my phone the whole time. However, when it comes to ministry I can’t hide my face and sit in the corner anymore because I need to actively reach out to parents and students. I really enjoy ministry but meeting new people is always a big challenge for me. Pray for me! ^^
Promiseland and Timothy ministries will have our back to school meeting today after service. We are going through so many changes as a church so make sure to come to be informed of those changes and meet our new ministry partners. Although changes are not always welcomed by many, I think they bring freshness to the ministry and also push us to get out of our comfort zones. The Children’s ministry is going through a time of transition under the new leadership of P. Jae. He’s been working hard to get to know the people and to learn the NCFC culture of doing ministry for the past couple months. At the same time P. Jae is bringing new perspective into the ministry as well. One thing I love about him is his heart for the children. I can’t stop laughing whenever he preaches to the kids because this big guy with an intimidating look puts on a cheesy smile and gets down to their level. The best part is that he does that wearing a suit and a tie. Don’t get me wrong, I am not making fun of him. I am truly inspired by a man who broke my stereotype of what a children’s minister should look like. I’m so glad that God sent us such a great pastor with a clear conviction and passion to love the children. Please get involved and partner with P. Jae in Promiseland ministry as they are still in need of more volunteers!
Timothy is also starting a new chapter of history today by having our own service. It’s been such an honor and blessing to worship together with EC families for so many years but now God is taking Timothy into a different direction. Many kids have been spectators of an adult worship but now God is challenging our youth to rise up to take more ownership of their service and become worshippers instead of watching other people worship. We will definitely miss the presence of EC family and leaders who set examples for our youth to follow. However, I believe God will use this new opportunity to raise up a new generation of leaders who will not only influence fellow youths, but the whole church in the years to come. God is already moving the hearts of many parents and other adults to partner with us. We have teachers and parents who are ready and excited to embark in this new journey together. It’s going to be a great year! Yes, I believe! Please pray and partner with us!
See you at Back to School.

From Pastor Brian’s Heart
August 30, 2015