Page 7 - Mission Note Jan23

As March comes to a close, I cannot help but no-
tice how quickly time has passed. This winter has
been quite unusual with warmer temperatures and
little snow, something I have not experienced in
my 37 years of living in Connecticut. As mid-
March approaches, we can begin to feel the spirit
of spring and the promise of new beginnings. My
hope is that this season will bring a sense of re-
newal to our hearts and minds.

In February, news of the “spiritual renewal” at
Asbury University sparked religious and social
interest across the US. What started as an ordi-
nary chapel service on February 8th at Asbury University turned into an incredible movement of spiritual re-
newal among young people, particularly the MZ generation.

As some one who has visited the campus of Asbury University in the past, I can attest to the impact this small
town in Kentucky has had on spiritual renewal. Despite its population of just over 6000 people, the movement
in February drew over 80,000 participants from the US and around the world. Interestingly, a similar move-
ment occurred in February 1970, which provided momentum for a renewal of campus ministry throughout the
US. It is our prayer that this recent movement will have a similar effect, leading the MZ generation back to the
church.

I recently had dinner with a young couple involved in
the Hope5L2F ministry. Carol and her husband, who
are second generation Korean Americans. Both pro-
fessionals in their fields, they are spiritually mature
Christian with a passion for serving God and His peo-
ple. The biggest challenge facing churches in the US
today is the departure of young people, which leads to
a lack of young families and children and the decline
of church schools. However, the way Carol and her
husband demonstrate their faith gives me hope for the
future of the church.

This year, Hope5L2F is focusing on young adult minis-
try, which is also a crucial area in many mission fields
today. It is more important than ever to provide oppor-
tunities for young people to learn and grow into mature
believers. In this October, the leadership training in
Cambodia will prioritize young adult ministry, and the
mission partnership in Central Asia will also have a
strong emphasis on it. I invite you to continue support-
ing us and joun us in prayer for the success of these
efforts.