MS SEW: Real Faith, Being Committed, Servant-Hearted
On January 18-21 our middle school students took part in YISS’s annual SEW program. For our chapel students, that meant Spiritual Emphasis Week with guest speaker pastor Joel Yoon from Gospel City Church who delivered a series of talks around “Real Faith, Real Questions.” For our Oasis students, that meant Special Emphasis Week with four guest speakers who presented on a series called “A Life Reflective.”
Pastor Joel spoke to Chapel students on this year’s theme: Real Faith. The students were encouraged and challenged to honestly approach God with their questions and doubts as the pathway to finding His design for their best life which He created them for. Each day students were greeted with live worship music from the Gospel City worship band and some fun interactive games with one another and the SEW speakers and musicians. Of course, students also enjoy the special treats and prizes that go along with SEW activities! The students said they really liked the personal messages each day and many responded saying they wanted to grow closer in a personal relationship with Jesus and to follow Him in their everyday lives. The four main messages included, REAL FAITH - The Problem of Evil, REAL FAITH - God Is Our Refuge, REAL FAITH - Emotional Health, and REAL FAITH - Purpose and Calling.
In Ossembly, Special Emphasis Week brought in four speakers who talked to students about what to strive for in life, embracing the school’s ESLRs of being committed and servant-hearted. On the first day, Jaehyo Choi inspired students to have the courage to follow their hearts. He spoke of his own untraditional path that led to personal and professional success.
On the second day, Jim Paek (former NHL Hockey player and current Korea National Hockey team coach), spoke to students about commitment and integrity. He shared his own story of growing up with a love of hockey, setting daily goals, and never giving up on oneself.
On the third day, Brian Gresham, the director of Operation Christmas Child for Samaritan’s Purse, visited with our students. Brian challenged the students to think beyond what they wanted to do in life and to instead think about who they want to be and how they will be remembered.
To close out SEW the students heard from Rachel Ramirez, the head of marketing for Nike in South Korea. Rachel spoke to students about the importance of investing in yourself, the role of athletics and “play,” and the importance of being active.
Over the course of SEW students heard from voices within and around the YISS community. Our youth face challenges inside and outside the classroom, and SEW taps into the importance of holistic learning, encouraging students to reflect and grow from these experiences. We are grateful to all of our guest speakers, support from the PTO, and community members for making SEW possible.