A Theological Reflection Why can’t white folks in general – and white Christians in particular – be rid of the problems of
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An Opening Editorial Yes, you read the title right. I am racist, and so is the majority-white denomination I serve, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). I’m not particularly happy to admit this about myself or my Church. True, I have never
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The Kingdom of God and the Myth of the American Dream I am the son of first-generation, working-class Korean immigrants. My family lived a difficult but fairly typical immigrant life: My parents went through many failed attempts at starting small businesses in the US, but when push came to shove,
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Called to Live in Intentional Communities? Samuel was sleeping in the shrine away from home, being taught by the old priest Eli, when God called him. Samuel is the one who heard God’s voice calling him in the night. Not Eli’s kids. The time described at the beginning of the
MoreWhen I was in seminary, a guest speaker came to one of my classes to talk about vocation. He said, “In one sentence, write down what kind of ministry you want to do.” I stared blankly at my paper. I want to do more than a sentence worth of ministry,
MoreThe motto of the Young Adult Volunteer Program (YAV for short) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reads, “A year of service for a lifetime of change.” The YAV Program is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church that has engaged and transformed the lives of young adults (Presbyterian and non-Presbyterian alike)
MoreMy primary placement by the end of my year as a Young Adult Volunteer in Northern Ireland was with PeacePlayers International (PPI). PeacePlayers is an international organization that uses sports to bring children and youth together with a rich curriculum that explores diversity, stereotypes, and peace building. This dreary Thursday
MoreI have spent the majority of my life moving from place to place, settling in only to be uprooted soon thereafter. I guess you could say that my roots have never had a real chance to grow very deep – but with growth and maturity, I’ve come to value the
MoreThis is a joke that commonly gets tossed around by Young Adult Volunteer Alumni, but for me, it’s the truth. I had my life and career completely planned out in college – I was going to become a photojournalist and travel the world. So how is it that five years
MoreFive years ago, I discovered the Young Adult Volunteer program and thought it would be a great way to transition from college to…whatever I would do after college. As a YAV, I served in Nashville, Tennessee, working with children and volunteers at Preston Taylor Ministries – an after-school program for
MoreI am a born-and-bred Midwestern boy. It is in my blood and is reflected in my decisions and actions. For better or worse, wherever I live or travel, I see things through Indiana-colored lenses. I have also always had strong Presbyterian roots; some of my earliest memories are from VBS
MoreDisplacement and Eviction in Colombia “Isn’t it dangerous?” That’s the question people in the U.S. usually ask when they learn I live in Colombia. My answer: Yes and no. No, I am not fearful for my personal safety. For outsiders, Colombia’s current tourism slogan may be accurate: “The only danger
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