International Graduate Student Ministry – Gracepoint Berkeley

This post is a bit late, but it’s still worth remembering all the graduations that took place last month because graduation is a significant milestone. Last month, we celebrated Ted, Betty, Diana, Hui, and Sara’s graduations with their families and friends. We pray for these graduates that they will experience God’s leading and provision as they begin the next chapter of their career. Congratulations! 

As you may or may not know, baby Joshua was born to Joseph and Carolyn on December 20, 2008.  (the day of our ISM Christmas Party)  He was a hefty 8lbs and 1oz, and is officially the smallest and youngest member of ISM Berkeley!  He is the result of many prayers and we are thankful that God has protected the family so far.

Of course, the parents are at home resting…  but various people at ISM have been keeping them company.  They are quite happy…  and when we’re there, Joshua has been such a good baby.  (he’s really cute)

If you get a chance, you should drop by.  Or just wait until he is old enough and healthy enough to start making cameo appearances at Friday Forum or ISM outings.  Either way, please join us in welcoming this precious child to our family!

Last Friday, we celebrated it with all of ISM together after our Friday Forum Bible study.  Right after Bible study and announcements, Chul noted that it was the last Friday for Frederick and Angelique, our encouraging couple from Germany.  They were only with us for a few months, but we felt a strong kinship with them–their heart for Germany and the campuses there, Frederick’s love for theology, and how they really immersed themselves into the community at ISM and Gracepoint Fellowship Church Berkeley.  Frederick shared some kind words with us.

After that, Shufei, Karen, and webmod went up to the stage because we had a “special song” prepared… for Chul!  We all sang Happy Birthday, and then gave him some gifts that we prepared.  Chul opened the wrapped package (without oven mitts though) that contained instant coffee and kimchee.  And yes, he was happy to receive these things!  Of course, today is Chul’s 40th birthday.  So if you see him around, make sure to wish him a happy 40th.

Jonathan Hong turned one at the beginning of September. All of us in the International Student Ministry celebrated together. Consisting of graduate students and alumni from Berkeley, we are surrounded by children. The Hong family with Jonathan’s grandparents are shown on the right with the traditional Korean rice cake and fruit. I don’t know how Jisup and Sara were able to raise Jonathan as they  are such busy graduate students, trying to juggle writing dissertations, presenting at lab meetings, studying, and raising an energetic baby. They shared how they are so thankful for this community who helped raise him. As I see Jonathan, he is a reminder of God providing all the energy and resources. Sara had a really hard pregnancy. Then after Jonathan was born, Jisup had to take his qualifying exam. Less than a week before his qualifying, he got food poisoning and had to be rushed to the emergency room. Life always throws surprises, but it is so comforting to know that we are never alone in facing these challenges. God is ultimately with us and he surrounds us with people.

This entry is dedicated to the overseas alumni who cannot see the children here at Berkeley grow up . They have changed so much and have only gotten cuter. On the left, Kate is holding Elizabeth, Paul and Mary’s second child. She is less than one year old. Ken is holding Nikki, Ken and Jean’s daughter. Next David is looking at Ken. David is now four years old and as energetic as ever. To the left of Jonathan is Christopher, son of Paul and Julie, friends of Sara and Jisup. Please send us pictures of your family, kids, etc. I would love to hear updates about you.