A note from Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer: I am pleased to introduce to our regional family ABCNJ's new Associate Regional Pastor for Asian Ministries - Rev. Hojin Yu. Rev. Yu pastors one of our new church development projects, First Korean Baptist Church in Merchantville, and also serves as Associate Pastor at First Baptist, Merchantville. On my blog, I will post an article on my recent visit to these churches. For now, here is Pastor Yu's journey testimony:

I was born in Kwang-ju, South Korea in 1971. I became a Christian when I was a freshman in high school. It was a very difficult time because my whole hometown was Buddhist, but God had a plan for me. God sent one of his missionary ministers to my hometown and he was a great influence on me and me decision to go to seminary.

God touched my heart and gave me the direction for Seoul Baptist Theological Seminary in 1991.My studies were interrupted by my military obligation (during which time I witnessed and became chaplain of my unit). While I was chaplain I learned the full meaning of what is involved in living a life for the Lord and became more determined than ever to continue and complete my ministerial training. Upon completing my military service I returned to Seoul Theological Baptist Seminary and I became dean of the students in my dormitory. This gave me the opportunity to gain leadership skills and learn about many different people and relationships. During my seminary training I became youth pastor at Yangmun Church in Suwon City, which is near Seoul. This experience helped me better understand the wants and needs of teenagers. After graduation from seminary I came to America to study for a masters of divinity at Liberty University Theological Seminary in Virginia. I transferred and graduated with my Master's of Divinity From Faith Christian College in Tampa Florida.

After that Graduation in 2002 I returned to Korea as an interim senior pastor of Yangmun Church, was married and formally ordained. Since the interim pastorship was finished God opened a new door for me. I was called to be a missionary at First Baptist Church in Merchantville in 2004. My family, which includes my wife Grace and 4 year old daughter Sharon, reside in Merchantville. I'm now pastoring both Korean and Caucasian congregation under one roof, Korean senior pastor and Associate Pastor. I am also Asian Caucus ABC East Coast Coordinator in 2007. In April,2008, I became Associate Regional Pastor for Asian Ministries.

I thank God for this opportunity to serve other churches as I was in the position of a New Church Planter and now I can give back to Asian ministers and churches the assistance and knowledge that was Given to me.

Acts 2:43,47 "Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those were being saved."

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Hojin Yu

Associate Regional Pastor for Asian Ministries