Welcome to EPIC.

We are a contextualized, Asian American Christian ministry on campus, a branch under the umbrella of Cru.
What is contextualization?
And what is a contextualized ministry?
Why do Asian Americans have their own Christian group on campus?

Like with most standardized academic essays, I'll start off with an "official dictionary definition". Contextualization is "the attempt to present the Gospel in a culturally relevant way", "presenting the unchanging truths of the gospel within the unique and changing contexts of cultures and worldviews". Ed Stetzer
But basically, it enables us as a ministry to provide and extend the gospel in such a way that reaches people in the most relevant way according to their culture/background - in this case, to reach Asian Americans.

We still preach and share the same message of the gospel - that Jesus Christ, who was both man and God, and was perfect, took our punishment by dying for our offenses against a perfect and just God. He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again in three days, and consequently cleared our wrongings and gave us an opportunity for a new life and hope - and all it requires is our recognition of our wrong and our need for a Savior.

It's taking that good news, that message, and showing how it connects with Asian Americans. In Acts, Paul went to the Athenians and presents the message of Christ using references of their culture. Jesus came to earth so that he might understand the breadth of suffering, pain, and experience of living on the earth.
For those of y'all in business - we're told you have to know your audience. So this is how we're reaching the Asian American audience.

There are things in Asian culture, and specifically Asian American culture, that are unique to just us. It's more than taking off our shoes in the house or eating rice and noodles all the time. In a contextualized ministry, we are able to relate and support one another as an Asian American community, and as an Asian American community in Christ. We deal with shared issues and struggles: whether it's familial pressures - how we're expected to be married with kids two years after college (with a home, a stable job, and a retirement fund set up), or cultural expectations. Our parents and consequently us, want to succeed academically, succeed in getting secure jobs and livings. We also struggle with worth, and approval, "looking good" to others and presenting ourselves a certain way.

So basically we can relate on a lot of different levels.
And this is a community where we can support one another through that, and show each other how God works and is sovereign through it all. And none of this negates or cancels out the need for other ministries. You don't have to be a part of a contextualized ministry. This is just one of the ways we're sharing the love of Christ and extending His kingdom.

So we'll do a lot of things together, we love sharing food together and especially Asian food, lots of it. We'll hang out, play games, smash (for those of you who like that lolz) - there's a lot of community here, and there's a lot of love - because that's what Christ has called us to do.

So we welcome you if you're a Christian or not, you are always welcome to join us.
And if you ever want a ride to church, hit me up I will find you a ride. And honestly if you need anything let me know. I am officially old so I can help.


Welcome to EPIC friends, we're so glad y'all are here. I'm so excited for this upcoming year :) Praise the Lord.

08.26.2016