Why this site and newsletter?
I have been running really hard for the last almost seven years at Oakridge Presbyterian Church since my ordination, and in these years a few things have changed. First, I got married to Grace. This happened in my second year of ministry. Then, Leo was birthed on my fourth year of ministry. Esther soon came to our family on my sixth year. My life and our life became so busy.
My ministry became so busy as well. Alpha at Oakridge Presbyterian Church literally exploded this year. We have over 100 people attending every Wednesday night. I have over 20 students attending youth Alpha on Thursday during Pizza Lunch. I have six students on Campus doing Alpha together at UWO. My youth ministry makes up of two youth groups, each making up at least 25 students. I've hired a professional worship coach to improve OPC's contemporary worship band. It's becoming harder and harder everyday to have quality time with my family.
Here's what I concluded: family triumphs ministry. But, how can I do that? I realized the only way I can truly be present with my family and yet stay committed to my ministry and my calling is to be involved in the ministry where my family can do it together. Instead of me alone going out to the church on weekday to run programs, I begin to imagine the possibility of my whole family running a program together.
Here's a few answers I have received from the Lord on this matter. My dear mentor, Rev. Susan Lee, saw in her dream that my wife, Grace, and I both received the Holy Bible from heaven. Grace has an incredible spiritual gift of prophecy and intercession. I believe God has given her these gifts along with many of her outstanding talents, including her musical talent, to work with me to further God's Kingdom together.
Also, many people have shared that they had dreams or visions in which Leo was helping his dad's ministry. I believe God wants us to include our children in our future ministry.
Where do I begin then? I believe I need to begin here, this website and newsletter. I am going to start recruiting prayer partners, who can regularly pray for my family, because I believe God has called our family to further His Kingdom together and it must begin with prayer.
I am challenging you right now to subscribe to our newsletter. You can go to our website main page and subscribe. I have lots of exciting ideas God has been pouring into my heart lately and I'm excited to share these with you in near future.
In Christ,
Rev. John Park