Wow you’re a Glory / Shine / Jireh counselor! How did this happen?!
In summer of 2018, Jeff Deleon had asked if I was interested in serving in Jireh after service one Sunday and I did not think it was time yet. However, over the course of the next week, I just felt a pulling to reconsider and reminiscing more and more of my time in Jireh and how formative they were to my walk with God. Putting what little pride I had aside, I asked if Jeff would reconsider chatting about Jireh (thanks for saying yes Jeff). After learning that Auntie Amy and Louise were also thinking of jumping on board at a dinner at Migarock, it was a no-brainer for me as well.
How long have you been at SCCEFC and how long have you been serving in youth?
I have been at SCCEFC since August of 2008 and actually Jireh (and the people in Jireh) was one of the pivotal parts of our church that has really made me feel blessed to be part of this community. In my last year of University, I had served on committee on a daily basis (I’m not kidding, there were some weeks where I think our committee was at church every single weeknight) and this will be my third year serving as a counselor.
What do you love about serving in youth ministry so far? Do you have a vision?
The obvious answer here is that you get to walk through life with a wonderful group of young adults and trust me, that part is true and I love every single part of that but also encouraged with all of the things we get to do together and the conversations that we have as a fellowship. Our vision as Jireh is to provide an environment where we can grow in our faith thru Scripture, serving, being in a growing community, even our “casual conversations” nights.
What is it like serving with your teammates and Adriel?
Incredibly fun and rewarding. With Auntie Amy, Louise and Adriel, we all bring something different to the table and we compliment each other very well but it has also been a journey of supporting each other, trying new things, sharing struggles, celebrating joys, etc. Our planning days/nights rarely feel tedious…right guys?
What is it about being a youth counselor you find challenging?
I think one of the challenges is always finding that balance between providing guidance/counsel but also allowing space for spiritual growth and the opportunity for the fellowship to do what they want. It’s always a challenge to let things develop within the fellowship and let people grow but making sure I remain present, supportive, encouraging, etc.
What was the last book you read? Or show/movie you streamed/watched?
Honestly, the last time I read a book cover to cover, I don’t think I had my license yet so I don’t even remember which book that was. I just restarted “The Last Dance”, the Michael Jordan miniseries, for the fourth time…I know, a bit embarrassing…but it’s so good…
What do you do when you’re not counseling?
In the summer months, I have been biking quite a lot. Especially around Canmore with all the highway closures or around the Springbank area. Biking has been quite a great way to get away from things and be able to just pause your mind (as I’m zipping 70 downhill or my heart pounding like a metronome on steroids up the biggest incline of your life). During the winter months, bouldering has been a go-to activity. There are always interesting projects at the local gyms and the blend of physical / mental aspects of that sport has always intrigued me!
What’s an interesting factoid/fun fact about you?
I can’t swim and I panic so hard if I’m in water BUT I LOVE WATER SPORTS as long as I guarantee 100% safety…and survival.
How has the pandemic been for you?
Hard. But I have learned a lot about myself and certainly learned a lot about who God is. God needs to my rock, my foundation, my king, my Father and boy has he reminded me that in the last 18 months.
What is one of your most embarrassing moments?
The first time I flew a plane back home alone (I was 15?). My dear mother, bless her soul, thought I would be hungry on the plane ride from Los Angeles back to Montreal so she packed a canned of instant congee into my carry-on (I think it was more that she did not want me to go spend money at the airport restaurants). After my bag passes the security check scanner, TSA guard asks the routine, “Random check. do you have any liquids?” Me being the proud Asian Macaulay Culkin, flying alone like a big shot, smiles ear to ear and shakes my head. With the coldest stare back (and never losing eye contact with me), she reaches into my bag and pulls out the can of congee which was 3.5 times the 100ml limit. I thought I was going to be sentenced to life to a maximum-security penitentiary with no chance of parole.
What else do you want to say? The floor is yours!
Someone in the Jireh whatsapp group chat, please change the profile pic so that it’s not my face. Just kidding not really. To all of you in Jireh, I cherish each and every one of you, thankful to be alongside those who have been there so far in the last 3 years, you have been what makes Friday nights fun and exciting and something to look forward to and to those who just joined this year, excited to see you grow abundantly in loving and knowing God more in the next couple of years.
