Draw me

Recently I was asked to write my Christian testimony for a ministry application. Thought I'd also put it up (slightly edited) for those of who may be wondering if I'm still alive. If you have comments or questions, hit me up at marchogi@yahoo.com.

Although I had a fairly religious upbringing and I didn't live a blatantly immoral life (at least not compared to my friends), Church and Christianity were relatively boring to me and I had no assurance of salvation. However, my father was a strong Christian and because of this I was constantly exposed to the Word of God through church and Christian radio. Although this was not by my choice--my father made me listen to it--I can look back and see how it served as a good foundation for me. When I graduated high school and left home for college, I was not yet a Christian but there were certain truths related to the gospel which I knew and believed. I didn't need to be convinced of them.

At my university in 1993, I became friends with another student who, after an extended conversation in a restaurant, introduced me to Jesus. Up until this point I believed in the trinity, the second coming of Christ, the need for repentance of sins and several important doctrines, but this time the gospel became personal to me in a way that I hadn't known before. I believe the evidence of my conversion was that things in my lifestyle and behavior began to change without me having to force anything. Also, God no longer seemed to be a distant, cosmic force; He became a real person with whom I could communicate whenever I wanted.

Since that time my walk has involved various forms of ministry and outreach, especially in the area of music. I've also been introduced, in various ways, to worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I was also blessed to be discipled by several pastors, leaders and lay people who were sensitive to my needs. I'd like to say that I've been passionately devoted to God all the way, but honestly I've gone through some extreme highs and lows. I've experienced a crisis of faith on more than one occasion. I've also made decisions for which I am still paying the consequences. However, I'm always discovering more about how the Lord calls people into intimate fellowship with Him, and also their our lives should reflect the example set by His Son Jesus.

More recently as an English teacher in Korea, I view myself as a kind of cultural and spiritual ambassador. Although I currently teach at a Christian university, previously I taught at a secular institute where I interacted regularly with non-Christians. I remain in touch with several of those people. I view such relationships as opportunities to reflect the character of Jesus Christ. Recently I've been seeking more ways to "rediscover" my faith and further reflect that character.

My life verse is Song of Solomon 1.4, which says: "Draw me after you and let us run together! The king has brought me into his chambers. We will rejoice in you and be glad; We will extol your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you." My constant prayer is that the Lord would lead me into the place He's called me to be and to make me into the man He's called me to be. I also understand that He has to do it and that there's nothing in myself.