Sarah Johnson (West Virginia of USA)



In June of 2010, I heard about the news of 2010 Summer Retreat of Manmin Central Church. I had much interest in the Students' Praise Contest that would be held at the summer retreat. I looked forward to seeing Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee, attending the worship services of Manmin Central Church, and having fellowship with Korean friends and participating in the Praise Contest at the summer retreat. I also wanted to improve my faith. I determined to participate in the praise contest along with my younger sister Stephanie. She and I practiced the song "Our God" and prayed.
On July 19, I arrived in the land of Korea along with my mother Soojin Johnson and my elder and younger sisters after the 14-hour flight. I was so glad to attend the worship services of Manmin Central Church and to have fellowship with many friends who were at Students' Sunday School. The friends were kind and helped me practice the song many times even though we couldn't make communications with each other. When I received Dr. Jaerock Lee's prayer for participation in the praise contest, I was so touched and welled up tears.
On July 26, the 4-day Students' Summer Retreat was kicked off. Pastor Heesun Lee's message on the first day, Pastor Soojin Lee's on the second day, and Pastor Timothy Kim's message on the third day were so touching that I cried out with tears and repented of my sins in the first row.
On the second day I fully participated in the athletic meeting and very thankfully I was chosen as the female MVP. In that afternoon and evening I and my sister Stephanie practiced our song a lot until late. My sister Stephanie played the guitar and I sang the song. Stephanie didn't seem to play the guitar well at first, but improved her skill by the help of many friends and finally she did a good job at the contest. Many teams took part in the praise contest and we were awarded the 'Favorite Prize' among many rivals. We thought it was made possible by the prayer of Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee. Now we give thanks to him and many friends.
I was greatly challenged at this 2010 Students' Summer Retreat. I am very thankful for my spiritual growth through the holiness gospel and I am so glad to have many friends in faith.