An Exciting Roller Coaster Ride

I'll start with a little introduction for those that might not know me. My name is Andrew Wang. I attended Emmanuel from my sophomore year until my graduation from Penn in 2001. I am originally from Los Angeles, California, where I am writing from now.

I was pleasantly surprised when asked to write for DT. In many ways, I still consider Emmanuel my church. It has been the setting for many important events in my personal and spiritual lives, including my baptism in April 1999. Relationally, I have a strong attachment to my ECF class and many others in the body, especially my ecf-cali brethren. Emmanuel is also where God grew me the most, teaching me what it means to be a Christian, from the "basics" to deeper theology. As a credit to those in the web ministry, I have stayed in touch with events and announcements (congratulations Billy and Mark!) through the website, while regularly listening to Pastor Paul's awesome sermons. So I consider it a privilege to have this opportunity to write to all of you.

Since graduation over a year ago, I've had quite a roller coaster ride. I came back home to Los Angeles with the euphoria of a college graduation and third Lakers championship in a row. On the other hand, I had the lingering awkwardness of joblessness and uncertainty about my future. Since then, the highs have been amazing (Game 7 of the World Series) and the lows have been extremely trying (my first employer forced to close). I am at a new and busy job and applying to law schools as well, putting much on my plate. Young adult life has indeed been thoroughly exhausting yet terrifically exciting. Through it all, I am glad I am not alone. And more and more, I am thankful for what I learned during my time in college and at Emmanuel.

First, I believe Emmanuel church, through Pastor Paul, ECF and older brothers and sisters equipped me with the tools to get through tough times. Before Emmanuel, I don't think I can honestly say I knew how to pray, how to repent, how to study the Bible, or even knew right theology, which are all so important to maintaining your walk with God. It is often said that the transition of college to young adult life is difficult, especially spiritually. It is indeed difficult, no question, but my personal experience is that while there are low points to anyone's young adult life, knowing how to call on God, regardless of your situation, is what makes the difference.

Secondly, I believe Emmanuel gave me the opportunities and experiences that allowed me to work out my salvation and find my spiritual gifts. Most notably, I had a great experience participating in Quo Vadis ministry. I didn't realize until afterwards, just how much God loved those children he brought into our classes and how much he wanted to bless us as teachers. So often these days, I find myself relating to a lesson or experience from Quo Vadis. Since then, I continue on with the understanding that my salvation is not something to be taken for granted, but shared and practiced, both with fellow believers and non-believers. This is what gave my life purpose - and it will continue to give my life purpose, regardless of circumstance. I second Pastor Paul's consistent appeal for us not to be "pew-warmers."

Lastly, I learned through Emmanuel Church the necessity and power of fellowship. When I first arrived at PENN, I searched half-heartedly for a church and decided soon after not to go to church because it would not matter all that much. The difference, I realized by the end of that year, between a person who others pray for and provide accountability to and someone who does not have those things, is night and day. Consequently, a top priority when I arrived back home after graduation was to find a church where I'd be able to continue growing in Christ and in the body. I did indeed find one in Living Hope Community Church. I recently became a member. One of my favorite practices of Living Hope is the participation of all members in a ministry for a full year. Getting involved is a wonderful way to experience fellowship and every member should have the opportunity to do so.

I continue to look back at my time at Emmanuel with fondness and thankfulness. Very simply, God is present and working there. It still astounds me that God would take a Chinese kid out of California - away from Pink's, fish tacos, In-N-Out burgers, warm, sunny days and four-lane freeways - and into a predominantly Korean church on the other side of the continent just so that kid would learn a few simple life lessons. Couldn't all this just have happened at UCLA? It would have been far cheaper for my parents and the weather is a hundred times better. But God's plan is sovereign and good, as I'm continuing to discover. Compared to what our Savior had to endure, my "costs" were minimal and the reward immeasurable. I also would never have experienced Lorenzo's, Koch's (I would kill for a PCOM special), Jim's, water ice or snow days.

To those that know and remember me, thank you and I wish you well. I miss you all more than you can imagine. And to those that are new to Emmanuel, you have found yourselves a great church in which to worship, grow, and put your spiritual gifts to use. I pray Emmanuel does not simply grow in number, but more importantly in maturity. Please feel free to write me at andrewwang416@yahoo.com. If you are ever in Los Angeles, I'd love to introduce you to another great place to worship called Living Hope…right after we swing by the Staples Center and Edison Field.