Leave it up to KFBC to host a grand event like the 2004 revival they had the weekend of Sept. 25 and 26. About 100 to 150 people showed up, mostly high-schoolers and some college kids, flooding the massive main sanctuary that could very well be used as a concert hall. I walked in to see a sea of black hair and a warm glow of light emanating from a giant white cross. The band, consisted of only three boys, but seemed to really rip up the stage with a powerful but natural performance. The sight of young people praising so earnestly was moving, and I saw the Holy Spirit working through some of them. A group of girls dressed funky did a dance performance that was pretty entertaining.
My experience so far was enjoyable until something jolted me out of the spirit. Barely five minutes had passed and one of the ushers who was walking around stopped to scold a kid I brought with me. Having known this young boy since he was no bigger than my leg, I was pleased that he even came along instead of going off doing some other meaningless activity. The usher ordered him to sit in the front, although it was clear he would rather sit in the back. I stepped in to defend him, explaining that it was better for us to sit together in the back so that I could observe everything. Sadly, the man did not understand.
It is upsetting to see kids of Korean youth today are not given a fair chance with God because they do not conform easily to the ideal of a good, studious, obedient child. These confused teens are judged by church leaders for their appearance or manner, and are treated with disrespect and disregard. Shouldn't these be the very churches where they receive acceptance and love? How does forcibly molding every child into an ideal image allow them to surrender to God? I certainly didn't. This very neglectful Korean attitude in the church contributed to my fear of getting close to God in the first place. It was probably wiser for me not to interfere, but there is no way I would let a thoughtless action discourage one of my youth group members. Thus any optimism I had was killed, and even considered leaving. But, after praying, I decided to give it another chance.
Next, KFBC came up with a witty little icebreaker called "Feed it or Eat it," where they presented a slide show of different animals in various parts of the world. The audience then had to guess what this country did with the animal according to the title, "Feed it or Eat it". The response was lively and uproarious; everyone was getting involved. Kudos to whoever came up with that brilliant idea. This was followed by a few testimonies from some students, probably members of the KFBC youth group. What was fascinating about this was that school and grades were an invariable concern in their walk with God. I agree that these are important in worldly life, but it has become such an imperative in Korean churches that it has totally incorporated itself into the Christian theme. I guess things haven't changed since I've returned to church activities.
 It was finally time for the speaker. Introducing Pastor Jason, a 28-year-old youth pastor from the Oriental Mission Church in L.A., a very California-style guy stepped up to the pulpit. Looking like he stepped off the "Better Luck Tomorrow" set, I was surprised to see that the youthful pastor looked like someone I'd always see hanging around a group of teenagers at Starbucks. Perhaps that is what made him so credible, as someone who the Korean youth can relate to today, striving to bring people closer to God. He spoke to us about the commitment we have with the Lord and urged us to not to give up in the race. His target audience (and very appropriate) were youth who grew up in church and are having difficulty sticking to God's path. Pastor Jason was very enthusiastic, challenging people to persevere and stirring up fire in the youth.
Despite this awesome deliverance, I must admit I was slightly disappointed. I was hoping to see something different, something to get them seriously thinking and seeing things from a bigger perspective. Bringing fire to faith is not only about "challenging" the youth; they have enough challenges in life as it is. They are already busy trying to meet other expectations. No one seems to understand these days that God is a resting place for us, He is our refuge. He is not some spiritual coach that hovers over our heads, pushing us to excel spiritually and condemning us if we get a B- in prayer. Korean parents and youth leaders may have an influence like that, but God is bigger than whatever anyone tries to mold Him to be. And I don't mean bigger like some powerful dictator Kim Jong Il, but a God that can be merciful beyond human capability and beyond Korean expectations.
This first night of the revival was powerful, and I would even go as far as saying it was glamorous. The attendance was high and the program was impeccable. Although I did not attend the second meeting, I am sure it was equally as impressive.