About this blog series:
We believe that doing justice is key to understanding the gospel, especially to areas of life that society can often dismiss. As such, we want to hear from members of our congregation and their efforts in bringing God’s Kingdom on earth. For this blogpost we interviewed Emily Chang about her work with Young Life.
What area or aspect of Missional Justice are you involved in?
I work in a Christian organisation called Young Life as a Program & Training Coordinator. I primarily do outreach to middle and high school students at several local and international schools as a field staff but I also train new staff.
Why should God’s people take action? What does Scripture say about it?
In Young Life, we try to reach the “furthest out” kid. People are often intimidated to work or interact with them but I feel that youth are often misunderstood. We may think that we are “too old” to talk to them or that we have nothing in common, but after working with youth for four years, I realised that they just want to be loved and cared for. And who but Jesus is the best person to provide that?
Our love isn’t perfect, but through us, Jesus can display his perfect love to those who need it most. At Young Life, we also say: “You were made for this”. But what are you made for? You are made for a life with Jesus and I strive to demonstrate that through building friendships with youth so that they can get a taste of how wonderful Jesus is through community and discipleship. As we raise up the youth to love and follow Jesus, we are raising up disciples for him. What better Scripture to be reminded of than Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations”.
How did God lead you to it and what inspired you to get involved?
I didn’t plan to do youth ministry; I was a business major! I was looking for corporate positions and submitted a multitude of applications for over two months but received no responses. I figured I had to expand my career options. I had Campus Ministry at the end of my list, thinking I could do university ministry for a year until I found another job.
During my search, I was led to Young Life by a friend who had been involved with the ministry in high school. I had never heard of Young Life until then and feeling obligated to my friend who introduced it to me, I sent in my CV to the director of Hong Kong Young Life at the time. Within 12 hours, I received a response and an invitation to an interview!
After talking to the director and being invited to see a Young Life camp in the States, I was sold. I was so touched by the way adult leaders were investing in the lives of high school students that it reminded me of when I was that age. I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to say yes, and go to Hong Kong as a missionary. I was still quite uncertain of what the job entailed but trusted that God would never lead me astray. After two months of fundraising, I left my hometown, St. Louis, and came to Hong Kong.
How has God impacted you through it?
I never thought I could work with youth. For reasons stated above, I found them to be mysterious, hormonal, and sassy. I didn’t think we had anything in common! But now, I can relate to a lot of things they are going through. When I was their age, I felt the same emotions, worries, and concerns, and even doubted whether God saw me. I felt especially drawn to the kids whose families are not Christian. Being the only Christian in my family, I understood the desperate feeling of wanting and needing an older Christian to walk with. Now that I am that adult, I get to be on the other side, discipling them.
What encouragement would you have for Watermark members to get involved in Missional Justice?
Getting involved with Missional Justice can feel intimidating because saying “yes” is a commitment. I would encourage our members to pray and seek God’s will for how you can be involved, albeit in a small way. It’s not as scary as it seems and you can bet on God teaching you a thing or two about yourself through the process.