JENNIFER KIM
SENT BY CHURCH OF SOUTHLAND TO EAST ASIA.
Born and raised in Seattle, Jennifer currently lives and works in Southern California. She recently graduated with an M.Div from Talbot School of Theology and is passionate about worship ministry. In her free time, she loves playing music and hitting up local coffee shops.
1. When did you go on your 1-yr internship?
2012-2013
2. Where do you currently attend church?
Church of Southland
3. How did you decide to devote one year to serving as an intern?
After I graduated college, I worked at a corporate job and served at church on the weekends. Even though I received God’s call to full-time ministry during my high school years, I was still in the process of discerning the clarity of this call. In hopes to discover how God was leading my next steps, I decided to go on an AMI one year internship. I not only desired to have a wider perspective of the world, but I also wanted to experience first-hand what God was doing within our AMI churches abroad. Despite the uncertainties of finances and job security, God strongly reminded me that everything comes from Him and entrusting one year to Him was a way of acknowledging His ultimate control over my life. To this day, I have no regrets. It was one of the most challenging, yet transformative years of my life!
4. During your time as an intern, what roles did you play?
I began my internship without any prior knowledge of the local language. Because of the language barrier, my role was somewhat limited but the students still embraced me with open arms. I spent the bulk of my time assisting the local student leaders, getting to know them on a personal basis, attending weekly small groups, evangelizing on university campuses, and participating in all of the church events. I also had the privilege of working with the worship team and teaching guitar/piano lessons. On my spare time, I studied the language and immersed myself within the culture.
5. What is one realization or revelation that God showed you about Himself, people, and/or His kingdom as a result of your internship?
It is a simple one, but I learned about God’s love for His people. I was reminded of the great lengths that God will go to reach out to us. He says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God desires for us to be healed of our brokenness and come to know this glorious Jesus. As I spent time with the locals, I was able to hear their stories—stories of great faith as well as great struggles of learning to trust Jesus. As we worshipped and prayed together, we continually encouraged one another to not lose hope in the midst of our present circumstances. This was one of the most precious things about the internship that I will forever cherish. I was again reminded of the love that God has for me, His church, and the lost.
6. How has your experience while interning influenced what you are doing now and what you hope to do in the future?
In many ways, my internship solidified my calling into full-time ministry and led me to begin seminary at Talbot School of Theology. Being a part of a house church has been an eye-opening experience. I was continuously struck by the simplicity of worship and the power of the Gospel message. Many of the local students were the only Christians in their families; and they were often ridiculed for their decision to follow Jesus. Yet, they chose to sacrifice their family, reputation, career, and even future security for the sake of Christ. In the same way, in whatever season or ministry I find myself in, I desire to always return to a place of simple worship and surrender before God.