PAUL YOO

I decided to go on STSM this past summer due to my struggles with church and my walk with God, and to share the gospel, which I had rarely done. I was very lost and had no idea why I was at church and why I was serving. But I’ve always had a heart for missions, especially international missions. My situation made it confusing for me whether to go on missions with the church or not. In this confusing time, and wanting to go on missions, KCM had this amazing opportunity to go on Short Term Summer Missions for college students for the whole month of July. I hoped that while on this mission trip, God would reveal his purpose for me and provide clarity in my life. 

God taught me lessons that deeply impacted my faith. Two things in particular stood out to me. The first was being in an impoverished place. I saw living conditions that broke my heart and stirred up many emotions like sadness, heaviness, and even helplessness at times. Yet, as I reflected, God gave me hope. I saw how He was working through Missionary Chung serving there, especially through the building of St. Paul High School. That school wasn’t just a building; it was a symbol of God’s love, provision, and His desire to bring light into a dark place. Even in poverty, God reminded me that He is present and faithful, and that His plans are greater than what I could see with my own eyes. The second blessing was the brothers on my team. God placed me with men of faith who not only encouraged me but also challenged me. Through conversations, prayer, and simply living alongside them, they revealed things about me I hadn’t noticed before. At times it was uncomfortable, but it was also life-giving, because God was using them to refine me. I realized that only by God’s grace was I placed on this specific team, and through them God exposed areas of my heart and revealed His truth in a deeper way. Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about what I could give, but about what God was giving to me. He reminded me of His hope for the world, His work through His people, and His grace in surrounding me with brothers who pointed me closer to Him. I am grateful for this experience and pray that I continue to live out these lessons back home.

As I return home, I don’t want to leave what I learned in South India behind. God showed me that hope is possible even in the hardest situations, and I want to carry that same perspective here. When I see brokenness, whether in people’s lives or in my own community, I want to remember that God is working and trust Him more fully instead of falling into discouragement. I also want to apply what I experienced with my team. The way my brothers spoke truth into my life, encouraged me, and challenged me showed me the importance of genuine, godly community. Back home, I want to be more intentional in my friendships to encourage others in their faith, but also to be humble and open to correction and growth myself. Ultimately, the trip reminded me that missions isn’t just something we do overseas. It’s a lifestyle of reflecting Christ wherever we are. I want to live out the same love, hope, and grace that I saw God display in India, whether that’s with my family, at church, on campus, or in everyday conversations.