This past weekend I joined 40 staff and about 120 students on the West Coast for the annual Epic Conference. Epic is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ that reaches out to Asian Americans. The conference was in beautiful Santa Clara, CA in the heart of Silicon Valley and while a bit chilly, it was wonderful.
I've spent several years working with Destino, the Hispanic ministry of Campus Crusade so it was fun to learn about Asian Americans and experience something different. Dave Choi, a pastor from New York City, challenged us to be worshippers first and then to be 100% SENT whether sent back to campus, our families, or out on the mission field.
One of his messages this weekend really challenged me as he was preaching from Luke 14 about the cost of discipleship. Dave exhorted us to give up 4 things to follow Jesus whole-heartedly. We have to give up:
1. Our sin and worldliness-- not only try to avoid sin, but HATE sin
2. Living for the approval of others-- don't put the fear of people above the fear of God, and the cure for the fear of man is to know that I am God's BELOVED and I find my security and strength in Him.
3. Pride and self-righteousness- we can't perform to earn God's favor.
4. Comfort and materialism--see Hebrews 11:32- 40 they didn't have what was promised but looked forward to it, giving up everything.
In addition to being challenged from the Word, I got to experience more of Asian American culture... karaoke, bubble tea, teriayke chicken... it was great. check out their website at www.epicmovement.com
