From June 30 to July 2, 2024, Korean ACT (Adventist Collegians with Tidings) held the 33rd National Seventh-day Adventist University Student Summer Retreat at Anmyeondo Training Center in South Korea. This year’s event was especially significant as it marked the 57th anniversary of Korean ACT and the 10th anniversary of the General Conference Public Campus Ministry initiative.
Under the theme “Faith Tour with ACT,” 210 students and guiding pastors came together to share and experience God’s love and grace in their lives. Notably, seven members from Jeju ACT, formed last year, participated for the first time. Korean students from the U.S. and Australia, as well as international students currently studying in Korea, also attended, creating a truly diverse gathering.
Park JaeYoung, president of ACT Association—a collaborative body of ACT Campus Ministry and ACT Club (Adventist Campus Ministry Support Group)—encouraged members to invite Jesus into their lives. He said, “If you start a new journey with Jesus, the obstacles before you will turn into steps for your growth.”
Choi HoYoung, youth director of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), highlighted the PCM ministry’s motto in his opening sermon by referring to Elisha’s disciple, an unnamed young prophet. Choi emphasized, “Our identity is not defined by our names, universities, or majors. It is found and remembered in our relationship with Christ.” He underscored the importance of fulfilling one’s calling and mission.
He continued, “This unnamed young man was able to change the world by following Jesus and embracing his mission. An unprecedented "spiritual coup" occurred in Israel’s history, and God’s word began to be fulfilled. Likewise, though we may be inexperienced and weak, if we truly follow Jesus and embrace His holy mission, we can transform the world with the gospel.”
The main speaker, Cho SangIk, an Internal Medicine specialist, shared his experiences through lectures titled “For the Glory of God,” “Jesus in My Life,” “Nothing Is Impossible for Believers,” and “The Love of the Cross.” He recounted his personal stories from family life, university, and medical school, testifying how God protects and blesses those who remain steadfast in faith without compromising with injustice.
He assured, “Some of you might be going through dark and oppressive tunnels in life. But our Savior God is beside us. Do not worry about failure or stumbling. Humans make mistakes, but God never does. He will guide our precious lives, bought with the blood of the cross, to be used for His glory.”
The young attendees were deeply moved, many shedding tears in response to Cho’s testimony. In small groups, they shared their reflections and questions about their lives, binding their hearts together. Special activities were themed “Faith Tour” and involved virtual world travels. They conducted group games like music relays, paper cup stacking, and action play, highlighting the unique features of major cities like Seoul, Paris, and Rome.
In the closing service, Kim HyungJoon Kim, youth director of the KUC, emphasized three places ACT members should return to: C(church), C(community), and C(campus). He challenged, “Shall we not dedicate our youth to God as part of ‘Faith Tour with ACT’? Shall we not live as admirable disciples of Christ in our local churches, communities, and campuses?” He urged members to actively participate in ACT’s mission, encouraging them to commit their vibrant youth to God’s service.
The original article was published on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division website.
