KIMBERLY CHUNG
sent by grace covenant church to southeast asia.
Kim is a Philly-residing Jersey girl who works as a speech-language pathologist in inner city elementary schools. She will soon be married to a God-loving, missions-minded man named Tim and enjoys fine-motor activities, speaking in metaphors, and trying weird snacks.
1. When did you go on your 1-yr internship?
2014-2015
2. Where do you currently attend church?
Grace Covenant Church
3. How did you decide to devote one year to serving as an intern?
I decided to devote one year to serving as an intern in my senior year of college when I realized I had never asked God what HE wanted me to do with my life. I felt God wanted to increase my faith and to learn to obey His voice, and so I took one step out and stepped into ____. (and then another step into Singapore!).
4. During your time as an intern, what roles did you play?
I was a language/culture student, Christian extra-curricular program assistant, rookie accountant, translator, substitute worship team member, presider, 1-semester seminarian, short-term missions coordinator, AMI representative, news-letter writer, baby sitter, sous chef, and friend.
5. What is one realization or revelation that God showed you about Himself, people, or His kingdom as a result of your internship?
God changed my view of always having ‘purpose’. Sometimes purpose is traveling across the world to experience His loving, powerful presence. I had the privilege of helping with a new church plant, but was reluctant to leave because I was just getting settled. In a rushed moved, I only had 2 weeks to find housing. It wasn’t until I saw how God provided housing that had access to all things I wanted (a safe park, transportation, grocery store, my favorite soymilk ice cream shop) that I understood that He had prepared this place for me all along, just so that I could meet with Him.
6. How has your experience while interning influenced what you are doing now and what you hope to do in the future?
To quote Pastor Paul Liu, one-year internship “ruined my life”. I can’t think about the coming of the Kingdom, and therefore everything I do must come in alignment with that ultimate reality. It means fighting to win the battle in the secret place every day. It means trying to be a daily light to broken children. It means praying, learning, sending, mobilizing, welcoming, and going, according to the season God calls me to. For the future, it means praying with my soon-to-be-husband about how the Lord will lead us to love Him and His people so that all may hear.
How would you advise interns to maximize their experience while they are on the field?
Accept that you will make a fool of yourself; reject that fear. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Rest. Make friends local friends. Learn how to play soccer. Journal regularly. Say yes to uncomfortable opportunities.