YeongKwon’s Study Abroad trip to Greece

Greetings friends and family,

For those who may not be acquainted with me, I am Yeong Kwon Yu, currently an international junior enrolled at Moody Bible Institute, and an MK (missionary kid) from the Amazon, Brazil. Though I first drew breath in South Korea, my life took an unanticipated turn at the age of four when I was sent to the heart of the Amazon rainforest. My life's journey thus far has been a testament to the bountiful grace that has sustained me.

My family's ministry has been steadfastly focused on the pursuit of evangelizing unreached children dwelling along the banks of the Amazon River. This path, as one might surmise, has been marked by numerous trials and moments when I was on the brink of surrender. I recall going weeks sleeping on benches and months without electricity and water. Knocking on our neighbor’s door, we were dependent on their hospitality even for basic needs. From these hardships grew a stubborn heart against God and despised every day of my life. Nevertheless, despite my initial resistance to His divine work and providence, God has faithfully guided me through physical, emotional, and spiritual desolation. In the midst of an ongoing internal struggle, I ultimately surrendered my life to His control where in that pivotal moment, I encountered Jesus and His abundant grace shone brilliantly in my weakness. Every hardship picked together forming a heart of surrender. From that point forward, my life underwent a profound transformation.

During my senior year of high school, I found myself profoundly captivated by the field of Theology and its crucial role in laying the foundation of faith. With unwavering determination, I embarked on a dedicated pursuit of knowledge in the realm of Theology, driven by the heartfelt aspiration to one day impart its wisdom and guidance to the younger generation, illuminating the life-giving power of the Gospel.

Having grown up ministering to unreached children, I have been truly blessed to witness the miraculous transformations that God has wrought in the lives of numerous individuals, including my own. Indeed, the immeasurable grace of God is active and near, and if only we wholeheartedly submit to the work of Jesus in our lives, we can find no greater source of assurance and love.

With this heart and purpose, I am continuing my theological studies at Moody Bible Institute. This semester, as my final opportunity, I have seized the chance to participate in a 2 week J-term Study Abroad program to Greece. Here, I will undertake a 3-credit course – Pauline Christology – while visiting the very places where these significant events unfolded. This endeavor promises to expand my understanding of Scriptures, offering me a deeper insight into the context and settings of the New Testament narratives; thus, I will be stepping foot in Thessaloniki, Berea, Virgina, Meteora, Thermopylae, Delphi, Athens, and Corinth. With all these exciting prospects on the horizon, I am reaching out with an earnest request. I invite you to join me in contributing to my educational testimony, making it possible for me to seize this incredible opportunity to grow and better equip myself for future ministry.