Abe is 13.
He has reached a new milestone yesterday.

In Jewish tradition a coming-of-age celebration is called “Bar Mitzvah,” meaning “son of the commandment.” The ceremony marks the transition to adulthood. The boy becomes responsible for his religious practices and is encouraged to profess “my God.”

My grandfather (maternal) was a defector from North Korea. He fought for the South during the Korean War. In times of trouble he was invited to the church and encountered “my God,” and his life was never the same. He became “Abraham” and brought the entire family to Christ. He then became a Methodist pastor and brought many to the light.

My father came from a family of farmers. He lost his parents before he reached 18. Though he lived a very difficult life, he was deeply loved by his church family where his future father-in-law was a pastor. In the middle of his health crisis he encountered “my God” and was called to ministry. He became a Methodist pastor and retired from his full-time ministry in 2021.

I am a third-generation pastor. I was born into a Christian family and grew up in the church. I didn’t meet “my God” until I heard the gospel at the age of 13 preached by my grandfather who was a main speaker at the youth camp. Through a series of formative experiences afterward – living as an exchange student in Thailand, serving in UN Peacekeeping Forces in East Timor, and suffering from Dengue Fever – I sensed I was called to ministry. And here I am.

The story continues. Now my son turns 13. Joyce and I gave him a new Bible as we celebrated his coming-of-age ceremony. Abraham to Isaac, Isaac to Jacob, and Jacob to his sons. Abe is a fourth-generation Christian. Would he live a life of Judah? of Joseph?? I don’t know. What I know is that God is faithful and that God has a plan for him. God’s will be done. God’s name be honored throughout Abe’s life. To God be the glory.