Sophomore | UCR

Hello, my name is Joseph Youn, a sophomore at the University of California, Riverside. This year I had the opportunity to go on short-term summer missions through KCM to India. I decided to go on short-term missions this summer because of the love and grace that was shown to me by God. One instance of love and grace was during a season of loneliness when God touched my heart by reminding me that I wasn’t alone and that Jesus was my friend. As I’ve grown in my knowledge and affection for God, it has led me to serve and glorify Him through opportunities like STSM. After attending MRN (Mission’s Rally Night) for KCM, I gained a desire to serve and partake in God’s work over this world, which would lead me to go to India.

In India, I was reminded daily to fix my gaze upon Jesus every day. By fixing my gaze upon Jesus, in all that I do, it would be to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I remember there would be moments during VBS and ministry when I would catch myself losing focus on why I was doing such things. I had to be constantly reminded that in the things that I would do, in VBS or fellowship, it would be to love and worship Him with all that I am. By fixing my gaze upon Jesus, I would rejoice in my circumstances. Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 states, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” During our time in Jalpaiguri, our team would attend morning prayer every day. During morning prayer, I constantly prayed and reminded myself that, though physically exhausting, this was another day in which the Lord has made, and has given breath in my lungs, and life to my body. Additionally, I was reminded of the cross of His unending love and grace to the world, and the gift of salvation to which I would rejoice for He has redeemed me. By fixing my gaze upon Jesus, I boldly proclaimed the Gospel through the Spirit. Romans 1:16 states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,” and 2 Timothy 1:7 states, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” I feared man and judgment whenever I had the opportunity to share the Gospel, often leading to missed opportunities. However, coming to India and being prayerful, I felt the Spirit working in me. When our team split into 3 separate groups for village outreach to share a word, I was fearful and uncomfortable. However, when our group was there with the village people, I felt the urge to share and took the opportunity towards the end of our meeting. Though my heart was pumping, I felt comfort and boldness as I shared and believed God would move. In Jaigaon, as our team split into pairs to teach in multiple classes, my teammate and I took the opportunity to share the love of God in all boldness. 

Coming back home, with the many lessons I was reminded of, I seek to fix my gaze upon Jesus day by day, though not perfect. It’s been a struggle to focus on Jesus as I’ve returned home to my regular, mundane life where there have been many moments of failure and discouragement due to falling into sin. But even though I fail, I come before Him because Jesus is my joy, Redeemer, and worthy of all my praises. Additionally, I’ve applied a daily routine of morning prayer. I think setting my mind and gaze upon God first thing in the morning helps to set the tone of the day. Lastly, to be missional at home. I stay home almost every summer and help with my parents’ business. Even through this eventless summer, I pray I will seek God’s heart and grow in my steadfastness and obedience to Him. And even as the upcoming school year begins, I pray that I will have a kingdom perspective as I live my day-to-day life.

All in all, it’s truly been a blessing to be able to go to another nation and see how God has been moving to advance His kingdom in India and be able to partake in it, and I thank you for all your prayers and support.

Best, 

Joseph Youn