KoreansMinister In Nation's Capital

By Ruth Gutierrez

Grace and James Choi give of themselves in a unique way. They are friends working together to make a difference in the lives of international people in the nation's capital.

Grace Choi isfrom Seoul,Korea. She was born in 1965and grewup inaChristianhome. Afterrededicatingherlife at achurchretreat, shebecame determined to make a difference in other people's lives. Shereceived a B.S.degree in German and literatureand is presentlypursuingherM.S.degreeinreligiouseducationhereat Liberty.

It is notalways easybeing an international student, but forGrace, theLU studentshave made everything worth it. "I'vemet alot ofgood friendswho arevery sincere and faithful,"she said "In the Christian life friends are very important,because when Iam discouraged they can giveme a specialword."

Graceis currentlyinvolvedwiththe KoreanPresbyterianChurch inWashington, D.C., where shetravels faithfullyevery weekend. Although thetripis sometimesdifficult to make and decreasesherstudyhours, the opportunity for ministry isirreplaceable. "God gives me the special chance to serve the small children," shesaid.

By servingasachildren'sministriesdirector,shehas been able to gain experience in teaching, training teachers, and organizing programs This Christian servicehas notonlybeen asdemanding asafull-time job, it is preparing herfor themissionfield. "Theonly way to be successfulis totrust in God,"Grace said "I can'tdo anything, butifGod givesme the wisdom and understanding of the Bible, I can do everything with Him."

Graceisveryimpressed with the mountains and trees in Virginia. Shealso described Americans as always smiling and saying "hello," even ifthey were complete strangers

JamesChoi,junior mathematics major, is more experienced with theAmerican way of lifethan Grace. In 1983 his family lefttheirhome in Seoul, Korea, and moved to Orlando, Florida. He was studying aerospace engineering at Embry Riddle AerospaceUniversityin DaytonaBeach, Florida,when

PhotobyTimAlbertson he decided to transfer to Liberty.

According toJames, this decisioncame as aresult of his new desire for spiritual growth. "My Christian life was down, and I decided to work forGod," hesaid."I came to a Christian school to boost my spiritual life."

While visiting Washington, D.C.Jamesmeta pastor who invited him tohelp asa youth leader at the Korean Presbyterian Church. Thishas made an impact on his life."It has proven to bevery helpful to me because of my involvement

PhotobyTim Albertson i n helping other peoplespiritually,"hesaid

James'goal is toreach out to thespiritual needs of othersthrough missionary work inthecountrysideof Korea. Getting involved inthisChristian service has given him a good foundation forreaching his goal. MI

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