“I have crayons in my dorm room — should I go get them?”
It’s not a question you usually hear at a capital project launch event at Life Pacific University. But a guest had brought her young children to the event, and Esther Park noticed they had nothing to do. Her response was simple and selfless: she gave what she had to make the kids feel welcome.
Esther knows she has much to give, because to her much has been given. “Jesus met me at my lowest point,” she remembers. “During a season when I felt lost and without purpose, He met me, freed me from depression and suffering, and restored a clear sense of calling and direction in my life.”
Esther is now a sophomore majoring in Ministry at Life Pacific University, where she also serves with Student Ambassadors, a group of students who share the heart and mission of LPU at camps, churches, and other similar events. Here on campus, Esther sees how God is moving and working. “I always felt like our school is like a pan full of corn that is ready to pop,” she shares. “Holy Spirit is stirring [us] to be active in faith.”
Heritage of Faith
Her passion to do the work of Jesus was modeled by her missionary parents from her youth. Her father was radically transformed by God and delivered from alcoholism in his late 20s, and her mother vowed to serve the Lord as a tween. Now, years later, the couple is seasoned in pastoral ministry, and their strong missionary heart has led them to nations across the globe, including Mexico and the Philippines (the place where Esther learned most of her English)!
“While my parents were the first in their families to believe, their radical faith led to the salvation of both sides of our extended family,” Esther says. “I have been immersed in a life of faith from the beginning, witnessing firsthand how God uses one generation’s ‘yes’ to change the course of a family’s history.”
Esther’s parents now pray for her and cheer her on from overseas, as they co-pastor at The Rock Korea, a Foursquare church in Incheon, Korea. “My parents have been very supportive. Although it was not easy for them to see me go far from home, they encouraged me to follow God’s calling and trusted that He was leading my steps.” Her dad even gave her an envelope with money and a special note which read, “끝까지 내가 너와 함께 하리라 하나님이 너와 늘 함께 하신다 히네니의 하나님을 늘 부르세요,” meaning, “I will be with you to the very end. God is always with you. Always call upon the God of Hineni (הנני).”
Journey to U.S. and University
God has definitely always been with Esther. It was in a time of prayer and fasting at the age of 19 that the Lord called her to be a missionary, and pointed her to pursue a biblical education in the United States: “My pastor immediately recommended Life Pacific University. After learning about LPU’s history, I felt excited and confident that this was where God was calling me to be formed and equipped.” Though she had no connections to the U.S., she saw how God paved the path for her and gave her favor.
Now on campus, Esther sees why God pointed her to LPU. “One of the things I love about LPU is that it is about holistic growth. [Everything is] equipping and transforming my mind and heart to be much more like Jesus.”
Centered in Christ, Celebrating Culture
Painting by Esther
Esther currently serves the Korean-American congregation at Christ Community Church in Glendale, CA as an intern pastor and worship leader. Her Korean culture is also something she has joyfully shared with classmates. At an event called “Night Market” last year, where LPU students can share dishes from their own family’s culture, Esther made her favorite Korean dish, tteokbokki: “I love [it]. It’s Korean spicy stir-fried rice cake!”
For her, participation in student activities is a bold step. “I am a reserved person who prefers to stay behind the scenes,” Esther explains. “However, I’ve recently felt God calling me to step out of my comfort zone.” Even sharing her story for this article was an act of faith for Esther. “I chose to say ‘yes’ because I believe God can use even my smallest efforts,” she shares. “My goal is to remain humble and serve with a servant’s heart, allowing people to see God’s heart through my willingness to be visible for His glory.”
Passion and Mission
Esther herself may be a quieter person, but she knows the God she serves speaks a bold message to His children: “What I love most about God is that He is passionate. He calls people to be all in for Him, just as He was all in for humanity; even giving His life. His love and goodness are deeply passionate.” This is a passion she’s taking to the mission field on LPU missions trips to San Francisco and Mexico this year.
Her profoundly meaningful experience has fanned the flame in her desire to serve. Esther says, “My goal is to take the grace and love I’ve experienced at LPU and share it with those who need it most, proving that we can always give back, through service and presence, not just with my own human love, but with the Lord’s love flowing out from my life.”
Jinri
**Esther Park is a student at Life Pacific University in San Dimas, CA. When not working, studying, or serving at her church, she refreshes her soul by painting flowers and sunsets, or singing and playing worship music (guitar, piano, or ukulele). When she thinks of home, her heart floods with images of her parents, her two siblings, and her adorable brown-eyed dog Jinri.
