Church Musical

one of my small regrets in life is that i never performed in a high school musical. but i had a chance to live out my dreams in our church's first musical which was performed at an evangelistic event. the musical was about 40 minutes long and included two song/dance numbers. we, the actors, received some pretty high-quality coaching and directing. the practice schedule was grueling, as we prepared for four months. now i have so much respect and appreciation for actors. it takes so much work to memorize your lines and dance moves. and it takes so much energy to practice and perform it right. there is already talk about an encore performance.

bronx zoo

Pastor Ha

Pastor Ha Yong Jo passed away this week on August 2, at the age of 65. He was the founding pastor of Onnuri Church in Korea. Onnuri has become one of the most influential and innovative churches in the world. He was a great leader and a true visionary. He was so creative with his ministry plans and in the way that he saw the future. I found this old picture that I took with him back in 2003, when I was on the pastoral staff at Onnuri. I remember being upset when I took this picture because some of the other pastors made me wear this womens floral headpiece. But I guess Pastor Ha thought it was funny. Several times Pastor Ha spoke to me in English. Some people commented how strange it was that he would speak to me in English, because he didn't speak English to anyone. I feel so blessed to have served under the leadership of Pastor Ha.

Philippines Mission Trip

i returned recently from a two week mission trip in the philippines. this year was even more intense & sobering than last year's trip. we visited two villages that are only accessible by foot. one of the villages had no electricity. it was totally isolated from modern life. i was amazed by the breadth & depth of the mission work of pastor paul lim and holy grace christian church.
more pics at: www.flickr.com/photos/pilgrimnj/sets/72157627037751110/

yucatan-mexico mission trip

i recently returned from a church mission trip in the yucatan peninsula of mexico. we have been leading youth retreats there for four years in a row. it is amazing how we get to see the teenagers grow into college students & young adults. & our intimacy & trust has grown with them as well. this year we had the privilege of visiting a group of three cenotes (underground natural swimming pools). i couldn't believe how beautiful they were. the water was clean & cool & deep enough for cliff-diving. & it wasn't overly crowded. we took horse-driven carts up a small mountain to get there. it was one of the most naturally beautiful places i have ever seen.
more pics at: www.flickr.com/photos/pilgrimnj/sets/72157626641965752/

pastors worship team

a handful of our pastoral staff came together to lead worship a few weeks ago. it was an awesome experience. i was inspired by the group casting crowns, as i heard that they serve the same church as youth pastors.

mayor of paramus

yesterday was an interesting day. in the morning i preached at a homeless ministry in harlem. then in the evening i attended the paramus council meeting where the mayor recognized our church. because our senior pastor wasn't available, i went in place of him.