Pastor Jon Choi

OIL Retreat 2012 in Chicago

2012-01-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

OIL has lived up to its reputation once again! Powerful praise, Word, and long hours of fervent prayer! It was awesome to see 700 young people (mostly college students) gather to exalt the Name of Jesus Christ. Dr. Paul Tripp, Dr. Eric Mason, Dr. Min Chung, Dr. Zimmermann... amazing speakers and humble servants of God! What an honor to take part in this awesome retreat! Behind the scene, there were many people like Pastors Jong Park, KJ, etc... who've put in countless hours for preparation. We also sent 13 people from GHC. It was such a blessing to see them get blessed!

KCCA Youth and College Conference, AZ

2011-12-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

Praise God for the exciting opportunities to preach God's Word next week in Arizona (12/26-29). I'm praying for God's outpouring of His Holy Spirit!

DFW EM Servants Fellowship on 12/7/2011

2011-12-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

Our very first DFW area EM servants fellowship meeting was held at GHC on 12/7/2012. This was a historic meeting because there was none like it before. 23 ministers from 6 churches, representing five different areas (Lead, Youth, Singles/College, Worship, Children's) have gathered in one place for fellowship and encouragement. It was great to connect with co-laborers in Christ. Thanks to Carol Pak, along with Jinny Kang, Linda Park, for the wonderful steak meal and awesome deserts!

GHC's 15th Anniversary

2011-09-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Praise God! We're celebrating our church’s 15th Year Anniversary!I remember the day GHC was born in 1996. I want to thank God for New Song Church, formerly known as Korean First Baptist Church of Dallas. It was through their obedience to God’s call, GHC was born in 1996. The story of Global Harvest Church can be summed up in two words: God’ Faithfulness. As I look back, I can see the faithful hand of God all over our church, guiding and leading us in so many ways. Many lives have been transformed here at Global Harvest Church, including myself. All glory to God! And I’d like to thank the members of Global Harvest Church (both Carrollton and Frisco) who have been serving so sacrificially. May the Lord's spiritual blessings continue to flow through GHC!

Busy but meaningful summer!

2011-09-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I blogged! I find myself using Facebook to update my status...I guess it's more convenient than blogging. Anyway, it's been a busy summer: JAMA National Conference in Philly, Korea trip during my mini-Sabbatical, mini-term teaching at DBU...I got to spend some time with my parents in Korea. Talking with my dad who's been in ministry for more than 50 years was amazing. I can honestly say that my dad is my best "ministry" coach! He always points me to the Cross! My dad has been teaching me that "kneeling before the Lord" is the key.

I thank the LORD every day for the assignments He's given me. I'm blessed to know that God wants to use someone like me in spite of my limitations. That's why I praise God all the more. More than any other ministry assignments, I consider Global Harvest Church the most important assignment that God has given me (besides my calling as the head of my family). With the LORD's strength, I will strive to be faithful in what He's called me to do. Praise God!

Faith in the Workplace Seminar with Tim Haahs

2011-04-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

Faith in the Workplace Seminar/Revival was the first of its kind at GHC. Having Tim Haahs to speak to our people was a blessing! God really spoke through him. Tim Haahs is a CEO/Founder of a successful company called TimHaahs Architecture/Engineering. Having two heart-transplants, he is still going strong, serving the Lord faithfully. I was touched by his testimony, especially when he shared, "I originally prayed for God to heal my physical heart, but my prayer changed to 'Lord, heal me as a person!'" I was also touched by his perspective of Prov. 31 as a business leader. The Lord is using his company to touch many lives! Praise God!

Preaching and teaching in 3 Countries in 12 days

2011-03-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

What a trip!
Thank God for the opportunities to preach in 3 different countries in Europe in 12 days: France, Italy, and Spain.
I met awesome servants of God - selfless pastors and missionaries as well as humble lay servants. Europe is not so dark after all because of these people - they are the "salt" of Europe.

GHC Frisco Campus Launch!

2011-01-12T18:32:00.001-08:00

Praise God! GHC Frisco Campus has finally launched on 12/12/2010.
Thanks to our Launch Team for their sacrifice and our Carrollton Congregation for their support and prayer.
I'm looking forward to all that God will be doing through our Frisco Campus.
I'm excited about the opportunity to reach the unchurched for Christ!

Global Harvest Church is now One Church - Two locations!

2010-11-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

Frisco, here we come!
Global Harvest Church is now One Church-Two locations (Carrollton and Frisco).
We had our very first Countdown service on 11/14/2010 @ 11:40 AM.
Our Launch Team was amazing! They worked and served so tirelessly and sacrificially.
We have three more Countdown services until we officially launch on 12/12/2010.

I've invited the church to come out to the Frisco Campus for prayer @ 1 PM.
We prayed together in a big circle (incl. the children). The prayer was absolutely powerful and amazing. God's presence was evident!

May the Lord use us to carry out His task of evangelism.

Teaching in Cambodia Nov. 2010

2010-11-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Cambodia.
In spite of some health issues (sore throat, other symptoms, etc.), the pastor's conference went well. They were very attentive and receptive. When I challenged them to pray for their own country of Cambodia, they got on their knees to pray.
I also spoke at a Bible college - the students spoke English well.

San Jose FKCC Retreat 8/1-8/4

2010-08-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

FKCC of San Jose retreat was special because I got to meet the sons and daughters of my old friends that I grew up with (in San Jose). I was blessed to witness 11 youth make decision to receive Christ as their Savior. Two of them were my friends' children.
I'm sure a lot of people were praying for them, but I was reminded of the times I prayed for my friends 20 years ago. I felt like the Lord was saying that the prayers I offered up 20 years ago were not a waste. It was amazing to witness God working through the next generation. One of the youth members who got saved at the retreat told his dad who came to pick him up, "Dad, from now on, we need to attend church every week." I was deeply moved by the way God was using the youth member to touch his dad's heart.

Jamaica Mission 7/20-28

2010-08-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

"No problem, Man, Ya-Man!"
14 of us from GHC (including 4 from NSC) went to Falmouth, Jamaica, for missions. We hosted VBS for children in the morning and revival meetings in the evening at local churches. I didn't know that Jamaica had such a rich history in terms of Christianity - spiritual revivals and great awakenings in earlier times (1800's).
Now, however, only the elderly people are left in most churches. Where are the young people? There's a lot of work to be done in Jamaica! (Yes, in the U.S. as well!)

GLDI - Global Leadership Development Institue 6/23-26

2010-08-07T12:02:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a powerful institute!
I'm so honored to take part in impacting future servant leaders at GLDI.
This is my second time teaching at GLDI. This time, my wife Janet got a chance to mentor them as well. I've enjoyed every moment connecting with the students and watching them transform into Christ's likeness.

Summer 2010 Ministries: NSC Korean Youth Retreat 6/10-12

2010-08-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

Praise God for the opportunity to speak at NSC Korean-Speaking Youth Retreat.
I've been wanting to connect with the Korean-Speaking Youth at NSC. Even though GHC and NSC share the same facility, we hardly get chances to get to know each other. So I took the opportunity to connect with them.
To my surprise, almost all of them spoke/understood English very well. Some of them were born in the U.S.
In any case, I was blessed to see many of them rededicate their lives to God! It was amazing to see them fired up for God.

Rhema the 7-year-old Gospel Singer

2010-06-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

I recently met an amazingly talented girl - Rhema Marvanne, a 7-year-old Gospel signer. Even though Rhema lost her mom to cancer last year, she still sings boldly for the glory of the Lord. Her singing has already touched hundreds of thousands of lives, giving hope and encouragement to those who are discouraged. Rhema was at GHC last Sunday and sang "Amazing Grace" beautifully. I hope that the Lord would protect her heart and mind so that she will always remember why the Lord has given her the singing talent. I really like the statement that she made on the Maury Povich show on 5/25/2010: "When I'm not singing, I'm just a regular 7-year-old...."
This picture (Rhema eating Korean Rib "Kalbi") was taken at a Korean Restaurant.

You can check her out on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/RhemaMarvanne?blend=2&ob=1

National Day of Prayer - Our privilege and responsibility!

2010-05-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

What an honor and privilege it is to pray for our nation! It is also our duty as believers. 1 Tim. 2:1-3 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior...."
A good number of GHC people came out to pray for our nation on Thursday, 5/6, 2010. For America to change, individuals must change. Therefore, we first humbled ourselves before God and confessed our sins. Then, we prayed for the leaders of this country: for humility, wisdom, holiness, and the fear of God. Our children had their own prayer meeting, lifting up this nation to the Lord.

Do Justice Dallas on 4/25/2010

2010-04-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

It was truly a blessing to see 5 churches come together to serve our community on 4/25/2010!
My daughters had a lot of fun serving as well. Our group was assigned to volunteer at Young Life Ministries. When we (5 adults and 4 children) got there, Anita Odom (the Coordinator) welcomed us and prayed in tears. At her request, we cleaned and organized the main closet at the center. I'm thankful for the opportunity for us to be Jesus' hands and feet! To find out more about Do Justice Dallas, you can go to: http://dojusticedallas.org/

A Powerful Message by P Min Chung (CFC)

2010-04-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Pastor Min Chung (CFC) spoke a powerful message at GHC on 4/11/2010. The title of the message was "Wounds to Scars" based on Isa. 53. When you are wounded, you will likely hurt others. Jesus can heal you and turn your wounds to scars. Scars are a reminder of your past wounds. Scars don't hurt anymore. You will be able to help others who are wounded (To see this sermon video, go to GHC website (www.ghcdallas.org) and click on "Sermon."

After the service, we toured the new Cowboys Stadium (a GIGANTIC TV.... cost $40 million). Everything about the stadium was impressive (over 800 concession stands, over 1500 toilets, over 3,000 flat/HD TV's, etc.). This impressive stadium is still nothing compared to the universe that our Heavenly Father created!

IN2 Church, NY

2010-03-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

This week, I will be speaking at IN2 Church, NY (Crosswalk Ministries).
When Pastor Marc Choi called me and asked me if I can speak at their retreat, I gave my usual response - "I need to pray about it." At first, I told him that it will be hard because I didn't want to miss Sunday at my church. When he told me that the theme of the retreat was "Even Now," I knew that this was God's assignment for me to speak His message of repentance in the NY area.

About six months ago, at the JAMA board meeting, I introduced the song "Even Now," based on Joel 2 (Pastor Marc was present). Since then, the Lord has been opening up doors to share the message of repentance and restoration out of Joel 2. The message was first preached at our church (Global Harvest Church) and was spoken at Memphis (TN), Champaign (IL), and in Germany. I simply obeyed and spoke what God has laid upon my heart.
I believe God is about to send His revival. What is our part? To humble ourselves and return to God! The word "repent" means "to turn" - turn from our evil ways and turn to God.

What will happen when God sends revival to our city?

2010-03-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

When I was in Ephesus, I meditated on Acts 19, the story of a remarkable revival that took place in Ephesus that changed the lives of so many people in Asia Minor. Many people openly confessed their evil acts. They brought sorcery scrolls and burned them publicly.
Acts 19:18-20 "Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power."
50,000 drachmas is equivalent to about 6 million dollars today. Can you imagine people burning expensive scrolls? I was reminded of the time I burned all my LP records (the bands that I had idolized). On top of that, the idol shops couldn’t sell their products because the people were not buying them anymore. Their business was hurting badly. That was the reason why a silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver idols of Artemis, was so upset. He gathered the townsmen and convinced them to capture Paul’s traveling companions, and they rushed them into the theater (shown earlier). They shouted for two hours “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Can you imagine idol shops going out of business as a result of Paul’s preaching? These were the effects of revival.

Similar fruits were seen in the Wales revival in 1904. When the revival took place in Wales, in the United Kingdom, thousands of people were saved. People who used to waste their money to get drunk were now saving it, giving it to help their churches and to other worthwhile venues. Bars and clubs were not making money. Stealing and other offenses grew less and less, and as a result, fewer such cases were brought before the courts. Instead of dirty jokes and gossip, people gathered to pray and sing praises to God. Men stopped using profanity. It has been reported that their horses were so used to being cursed at that they didn’t understand when orders were given in kind, clean words. People became responsible - paying their outstanding bills and paying back the money they owed to others. Many broken relationships were restored. Even the children were greatly affected by the revival, and they started children’s prayer meetings.
They marched through the streets singing praises to God. The revival that started in a small church called Moriah Calvinistic Methodist Chapel (Wales) soon broke out and affected the whole nation of Wales. The power of the Holy Spirit changed not only individual lives but the whole community and the nation as well.

There was also the revival that took place in Pyong Yang, Korea in 1907, in which many lives were changed. Tens of thousands of people gave their hearts to the Lord. People confessed their sins openly in the church. Stolen goods were returned. Hatred turned into love, and severed relationships were restored. People who were touched by the revival stopped getting drunk. Men stopped using profanity. In 2007, millions of Christians in Korea commemorated the 100th year anniversary of the 1907 Revival. They had a big rally in Seoul and prayed earnestly in one heart: “Lord, do it again in 2007!”

My prayer is “Lord, do it here in the DFW area!” We need God’s revival in this city. I hope and pray that what happened in Ephesus happens here. When God’s revival hits, the power of the Holy Spirit will turn this city upside down! Can you imagine what will happen if revival took place here? Adult bookstores and men’s clubs will go out of business. Casinos in nearby states will close down because people will stop gambling. Alcohol sales will go down because people will stop getting drunk! People will start to use their money more wisely. Drug lords will have no one to do business with. The drug lords themselves will repent and become evangelists. Broken relationships will be restored. Racism will be gone. Hundreds of thousands of people will turn to God and become Christians.

Back from Turkey

2010-03-07T04:50:00.000-08:00

It's great to be back home.....after speaking at KOSTE and visiting Turkey. I visited Istanbul, Ephesus, Izmir (Smyrna), Hierapolis (near Laodicea), and Sardis. It will take some time to process everything, but it was a great opportunity to reflect and meditate on Revelation 2 and 3. Here are some pictures for now....

KOSTE Conference in Europe Part 2

2010-02-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

Pastor Bob Oh was one of the speakers at KOSTE. It was great ministering with him. I remember him as our retreat guest speaker when I was a senior in high school back in 1985. Now, we're both speakers at KOSTE.

KOSTE Conference in Europe

2010-02-22T02:06:00.000-08:00

Immediately after worship on 2/21, Tommy dropped me off at the airport (Thank you, Tommy). The flight was not so comfortable. My tailbone injury from 20 years ago still bothers me especially when I'm flying long hours. About 10 hours of "painful" flying, I'm now in Frankfurt, Germany, to speak at KOSTE Conference.
Praise God for intercessors! My wife and my two daughters are praying for me. Many people from GHC and NSC are also praying for me. I have no doubt that God's powerful anointing will be upon everyone who attends this conference.
I will also be speaking at a local Korean church in Frankfurt on Wed. and Th. (evening and early morning). This weekend, I will be in Essen to speak at a 2-day revival at Korean-German Immanuel Church. Then, I will be flying to Turkey to connect with David Park.
I already miss my family and GHC.
LORD, I need strength and wisdom! LORD, use me for your kingdom. Speak through me. Pour out your Spirit and fill me with Your Holy Spirit!

Covenant Fellowship Church, Champaign, IL

2010-02-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, what an awesome opportunity to enjoy God's powerful presence!
I just came back from speaking at Covenant Fellowship Church, Champaign, IL (2/12-14). My dad and I were so blessed to see God using Pastor Min Chung and all his associate pastors to advance God's kingdom!
I want to thank CFC and their pastoral staff for the opportunity for my dad and I to minister together. This was our very first time speaking together in tandem. Although I was really nervous, I knew God's hand was upon us (Praise God for the intercessors at my home church - Global Harvest Church as well as New Song Church.... Their prayers were felt throughout the retreat).
In any case, "tag-team" preaching with my dad was an incredible experience. My dad was concerned at first whether he would be able to connect with young people (He is already 76 years old). Well, I believe he truly connected with them because everyone at CFC had an open-heart to receive God's Word. They were ready! It was evident that the Word of God fell on "good soil." Praise God! Lord, we are your instruments! Use us for your glory! All glory to God!

"Father-Son Revival" - a historic moment!

2010-02-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

When I was first asked if I ever spoke at a revival meeting with my dad, I thought, "That would be awesome, but I would be too intimidated..." After all, my dad has been in ministry for more than 50 years. God used my dad to plant a church in 1962 in Seoul, and He has been faithful throughout my dad's pastoral ministry at the same church for 42 years until his retirement in 2004. God is still using him all over the world as missions pastor. He told me some amazing stories of God's powerful manifestations during his ministries. I want that! I desire to see God's powerful presence in my ministries. But I also know that my dad spent countless hours on his knees in prayer - ex) 14 days of straight prayer in the mountain - alone! God's servants from his generation knew what it means to cry out to God.

Well, God has provided me with an opportunity to minister with my dad. We will be speaking at a retreat/revival at Covenant Fellowship Church, Champaign, IL (Pastor Min Chung) www.cfchome.org
This is a historic moment for us. My dad was one of God's servants whom God used to bring a revival and spiritual awakening in Korea and Washington D.C. in the 70's and 80's. Just like Elijah passed on his baton to Elisha, I want to take the baton from my dad and run the race.
Just as Elisha said to Elijah, "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," I want to inherit a double portion of every spiritual anointing that God has given my dad.

What a Moment of Joy - Baptizing my own daughters!

2010-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

I know it's a bit late posting these....but I wanted to share what an incredible moment it was for me to baptize my own children. To hear them declare that Jesus is their Lord and Savior....I'm just thankful for God's grace!

A Song of Repentance

2010-01-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

Many Christians say that America is in trouble spiritually.
Yes, we are in a moral/spiritual crisis. Prayer (for Christians) is not allowed in public schools; We can't say "Merry Christmas" at workplaces, etc. America is #1 in pornography and #1 in alcohol consumption.
Our days are just like in the days of Noah. God is in pain. God's heart is broken.
Gen. 6:5-6 "The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain."

I recently wrote a song called "Even Now" (comes from Joel 2:12-13). I hope and pray that America returns to God.

2010-01-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

GHC Staff Retreat Aug. 2009 in Ft. Worth and Dec. 2009 in Austin (UT)

2010-01-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

GHC Staff Retreat (Aug. 2009) in Ft. Worth.
What a beautiful city! I spent almost 15 years in Ft. Worth due to my studies at Southwestern Bapt. Seminary.
Lots of memories.....of God's faithfulness throughout my seminary days.......

Staff Retreat (Dec. 2009) in Austin (pic. below). Go Longhorns!!!!

"I'm glad I'm not fasting!"

2007-04-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

4/5/07

On Sunday, I've asked the whole church to fast together for 7 days to commemorate the Passion of Christ. Many people have decided to fast at least one or two meals/day along with TV fast, and several people have committed themselves to fast 3 meals/day.

On Monday evening, my two daughters asked me to make something to eat. So I decided to make an egg dish for them, and boy . . . it smelled so good - the temptation was tremendous! As my two daughters sat down to eat, the older one, Jina (8 yrs. old), asked me if I wanted a bite. When I said, "No thanks," she said, "Why? Are you fasting?" When I told her, "Yes," she felt bad about eating in front of me. But my second daughter, Jinjoo (6 yrs. old), spoke out loud, "I'm glad I'm not fasting! Whew! This egg is yummy!" The way she said it was so funny that I laughed hard.

Praise God for my honest and caring daughters!