Why we exist:

Something wonderful recently happened (i.e., an opportunity to bless young cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy by providing space to rest, provide home cooking, and, most importantly, study Bible together). Our home gathering occurred spontaneously through a cadet looking for a deeper spiritual connection. He was a sophomore when my daughter was a senior at the Academy. As my wife is focused on orphan ministry through Faith N Hope International Ministry (FYI – currently operated by exceptional board members and volunteers), we realized that raising the next generation of godly leaders who can share the same passion towards orphans is also a critical component needed at Faith N Hope.

 Our initial discussion with these cadets, gathered in our basement, was around the meaning of our existence, and what truly is the chief end of our life/us? As most believers who read the Westminster Shorter Catechism will know, the proper response to this question is, "the chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." However, I am concerned that some believers do not understand this concept of glorying God by enjoying Him. Fundamentally, the response to the question is evident. One must start with glorifying God that results in deep fulfillment and enjoyment that is derived through our relationship with our Savior. I think it is essential to understand the first question from Westminster's Shorter Catechism. The response is not an isolated two-part response, but that it is intertwined in one reply.

 Once a fallen and carnal individual like us are saved through the work of Jesus Christ, then our focus, walk, how we examine our life and future should be about glorying God. In that state, a deep sense of enjoyment, excitement, and fulfillment is materialized. Whether our needs are met, or business becomes successful becomes irreverent since my enjoyment is centered around my relationship with our Lord and Savior.

 One of the books I read while back asked, what happens when "Christians" start to focus only on the enjoyment of God? As you can imagine, the answer to that question is they become superficial, self-centered with self-absorbed. In essence, we end up developing a transactional relationship and conditional component to glorying God. We may say the right things, but it is about self rather than God.

 So, as we break bread and examine our existence and purpose God had intended for us, with cadets gathered at my house, I am encouraged that there is still hope for Christian ministry and community. Faith N Hope International Ministry’s desire is to challenge and build up young women and men who love the Lord and understand what it means to glorify God and enjoy God forever. I was encouraged to hear one of the cadets (how fitting that her Korean name is Hope) shared her desire to serve orphans as medical personnel, whether that be as a short-term missionary or after completing her commitment in the military. How amazing that there are young men/women who understand and know the meaning of "don't copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2 NLT). I pray that God will raise an army of believers who will see beyond themselves, glorify God in all they do, and find enjoyment in ministering to those who fatherless and widows.