Mila Choei (far left) now ministers to second generation Koreans at Morning Light Korean Baptist Church.
By Sharon Mager, BaptistLIFE coorespondent
At the University of Maryland, Mila Choie, daughter of Joeng Choie, pastor of Morning Light Korean Baptist Church, majored in Family Science and minored in Human Development. While in college, Mila served as a counselor for the Maryland Korean Church Council, a youth retreat for Korean churches in Maryland, for 5 years. That’s where she met Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network/BCMD Collegiate Missionary Mike McQuitty. He trained the counselors (college-age and older members serve as staff members, counselors, or counselor assistants) and assistants weekly, providing Mila with more education and evangelism training. He also mentored her by guiding her through the Word, giving her books to study, and encouraging her in God’s ministry and discipleship.
Now Mila serves in her church where she feels called, helping to bridge the first- and second-generation Koreans. “I saw a huge gap. The second-generation Koreans had a difficult time engaging in worship services because of language and cultural barriers,” she said.
Mila started an English ministry in the church to engage youth and young adults and to foster friendship. They are working towards building a praise team. ”Jesus reveals His love and strengthens us through it as we become His disciples and disciple-makers. Our young adults, including myself, have been encouraged in heart every time we share our struggles and the living hope that the Gospel brings in our lives,” Mila said.