Dear Theophilus Archive: April 2001

Alumni Column: From Philly to Hollywood

I left Philadelphia over six months for sunny Los Angeles, California. Beyond the sunshine and beaches, a new chapter of my life began. It was and is hard-trying to establish yourself, settle down, make new friends, familiarize yourself in a foreign area, and simply attempting to build a home. Yet in the midst of this change and transition, God has been reminding me that He is truly all that I need. Even though I am going through somewhat of an identity crisis, attending a non-Korean church and starting a new career (our cultural heritage and occupation, I have come to realize, are two major areas that define who we are), I am clinging to God all the more, and finding my true identity in Christ. Frankly, it has been a struggle, but I know my character is being molded and my faith refined.

I am currently working in Burbank (where all the game shows are) at Warner Bros., in the marketing department. Before that I took summer classes at USC Film School, studying the movie industry and production. My intent in coming to LA was to enter the entertainment industry. It is a very dark world, as evidenced by its fruits in today's movies and TV programs. So all the more I am attracted to it, hoping to shine His light in small or large ways. There is a steep mountain of challenges that awaits me, but I am excited to take the gradual steps with much perseverance. In the challenge of delving into a hostile industry, and the lack of external security I have in an unknown place, I find much comfort in the truth that Apostle Paul stated: "But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God." (2 Cor. 1:9) Although his words were in the context of great suffering, persecution, and near-death experiences, the principle set forth is shared in my heart: The things of this world-financial security, career, social status, even family, friends and ourselves-are unreliable, fleeting things, and only God is ultimately constant and secure, and I must rely upon Him alone. I have known this basic truth in my head through sermons and Bible studies, but only now am I truly experiencing it and understanding it in a real way by being here. I am no different than anyone else, for I long for security. God is just teaching me more these days to look at the right Source. So morsels of blessings from quiet times have never meant so much, meditations in my car as I commute are cherished, and simple lessons learned in my personal studies are received with greater appreciation. I am learning to depend on God alone, since I am no longer immersed in programs and ministries. Of course, these things are very valuable, but now that I am momentarily apart from them, the genuineness of my faith is tested and stretched. It is good.

However, that is not to say that I do not miss Emmanuel Church, my second family. After six years of investment and nurturing, Emmanuel will always hold a special place in my heart. It was where my spiritual life exploded, where God broke me and picked me up, where I was trained in godliness and prepared to go out and stand firm in the faith. I have fond memories of times of fellowship (usually around food), much laughter and some tears, extended talks with friends and mentors, impromptu moments of prayer, encouragements and rebukes, and of course, basketball at Haverford (may God bless the EBA).

I must say, Emmanuel is a very, very blessed church, with gifted and devoted pastors, and a body that has a sincere and right heart. Such a church is hard to find. I hope that everyone may make the most of God's blessings there, getting fed like crazy, and giving generously, all out of a deeply thankful heart, for there is so much to be thankful for at Emmanuel.

May God continue to bless your church in profound and lofty ways. May the vision of giving God glory always be sought passionately. (Geez, I feel like I'm giving a benediction or something.) I truly wish you all well. I am here, 3000 miles away, with confidence and security, for I have God Emmanuel upon my life.