CSUEB Koinonia meets weekly for “The Alpha Series,” a 5-week series on different topics in Christianity. We had our usual small group discussion time, but this time I got to share my testimony of how God led me from “rock bottom” to repentance and redemption. Due to a language barrier, one international student in our group was confused after I had spoken, so I decided to share my testimony in Mandarin. This was definitely exciting because (1) my Mandarin proficiency barely exceeds that of an eight–year-old (2) I had never given my testimony in Mandarin before (3) and she responded by asking some weighty questions such as “Is Buddhism compatible with Christianity?” and “Why is it important to have Jesus forgive our sin?” This student became even more curious about Christianity and wants to return this Thursday to Alpha for more conversation about this topic! God is good and uses ordinary people like me to spread the good news of God’s love to others. Through this experience, I learned I really need to brush up on my Mandarin and, more importantly, I also need to keep praying for seekers like this student to come to know Jesus' heart for them.

On Halloween Day I spent my time at school as productively as possible, working hard in class and during my study period to ensure that I would have as little homework as possible that night, because I was going to be busy. Not because I planned to go trick-or-treating or partying as my friends from school were doing, but because I was helping out with Joyland Festival. Joyland is our children's ministry. Joyland Festival is basically our church’s substitute for the normal Halloween activities. There were many different booths where the kids could play games, winning “PowerPoints” which are redeemable at the PowerPoint store where they could buy all sorts of things.

In addition, there were photo booths where kids could dress up as a pirate from "Pirates of the Carribbean" and take a picture on a ship, or take a pic with Pixar buddies Lightning and Mater. There was also a magic show with our own resident magician Maurice, and a snack booth with cotton candy and popcorn to top it all off!

As a helper in one of the booths, I had such a good time just being there and being a part of what was going on and being able to witness the kids’ joy. Kids and parents alike were having fun bowling with Batman, shooting targets in the Wild, Wild West, taking pictures on a pirate ship and getting cotton candy from the Jetsons. And especially watching the joy and gratitude of the kids and the appreciation of the parents, I felt so fortunate to be able to be part of something like this. And the next day at school, while other people were talking about the shooting in San Francisco’s Castro district, I was able to talk about my Halloween.

It has been seven years since I first entered foster care. I have matured as a person and come to an understanding of my past. Being blessed with a new opportunity at life, I now find my greatest joy in serving others. Every Sunday I wake up at 6:30 am to serve as staff in the IMPACT program. Although waking up early on Sunday means less sleep, one fact I learned made it all worth it. On Mother’s day I was given a glimpse into one of my student’s background. The frame she made for her mom read, “Happy Mother’s Day mom. I miss you. I wish you would come back. We need you.” The words struck like a double edge sword, as it reminded me of my own past.

Through this one situation I was able to see the desperate need in our corrupt and fallen world. I have been her teacher for some time now and seeing her brighten up every Sunday gives me such satisfaction. Words cannot express how thankful I am, that I am given the privilege to impact the lives of others. As a recipient of dedication and love from others, I want to use my life to live for others by becoming a nurse and starting an orphanage.

Sunday mornings are atypical for our Element youth. While many kids their age are either sleeping in or taking it easy, many of our youth wake up at 7am and get into their ImpACT and Joyland shirts to welcome and serve elementary school children. ImpACT is our inner city ministry, where we invite elementary school kids from Oakland to join us for a time of academic enrichment. Several of our youth volunteer as team leads trying to guide and teach eager young hearts that look to them as their role models and mentors. Some other Element youth volunteer for our children's ministry called Joyland, where they help with everything from lighting to serving as teacher's assistants.

Yes, they get tired, but I know that seeing the smile on our ImpACT and Joyland kids makes it all worth it it for them. And I can see that our Element youth get a glimpse into God's love for them as they love the children. Compare that to just having another lazy Sunday, and the Element Sunday clearly holds more reward.

Luke 9:48 - Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me.."

On Fridays, I go to the UC Berkeley campus to attend the ISM Friday Forum. Last Friday, I came back amazed that so many international students came to learn about the Word of God. I feel like the number of students that regularly attend Friday Forum doubled from last semester! This fall, we saw the need to have one bible study for Christians who are familiar with the bible, and another bible study for those who have never studied the bible before, targeted for the students at their level of understanding of the bible, and the students are really challenged, impacted, and engaged.

I met a graduate student from South Korea who was looking for a fellowship and church to be part of. He is willing to help when he sees the opportunity, teachable, and always smiling. I am happy to call him my brother in Christ. I can see that the students are learning more about the Gospel each week, and I am hopeful that many students will come know Christ for the first time or again in a deeper way. The time that the students spend in the United States may be the only rare time that they get exposed to Christianity, and I feel privileged to be able to welcome them into our group and share the Gospel with them.