JAMA GLDI

CPR Chaperone/Parent Review:
“A 5-day, 4-night conference hosted by Jama is held during the third week of July in Lindale, Texas, about two hours from Dallas. The conference is divided into two tracks: YLC (Youth Leadership Conference) for high school students and CPR (College Prep Radiant) for incoming college freshmen. I’m here as a chaperone with four students.

As you can see from the schedule, a variety of speakers cover essential topics for Korean American youth—things like dopamine addiction, sexuality, dating, achieving academic excellence in college, time management, and psychological challenges such as anxiety and shame.

Students are divided into small groups of 6–7, each cared for by loving and attentive small group leaders. From day one, the students worship with the kind of passion you’d usually expect only on the final night of a retreat. I’m truly grateful, because they are learning things here that I simply couldn’t teach them myself.

Students gather from the East Coast, West Coast, Brazil, and all over the U.S., creating great opportunities for networking. College-bound students meet older brothers and sisters—students or alumni of their future universities—who offer advice and mentorship.

The overarching theme here is to raise up Korean American youth to live as owners and servant leaders in America. While I’ve led BICA with a strong emphasis on “Don’t forget you’re Korean,” this experience is challenging me to also consider how we can help our students live confidently as rightful members of this land.

The kids undergo a complete phone detox during the 5 days—no phones allowed—which is so refreshing to see. It fosters healthy focus and real connection.

Many of the mentors here are elites even by worldly standards, yet from them, I’m learning humility. From day one, students welcomed us with big smiles and even helped carry luggage from my car. The volunteers helping with cleaning and meal service—all these young people serving joyfully—show me what it means to be “elite without elitism.” Just watching them love and serve the kids is heartwarming.
Thank you for your service!”

Day 2 continues here at Youth Leadership Conference/College Prep:Radiant! We have 100 Students and Youth Workers in attendance from all over the country and the world (Brazil!). They’ve tackled topics on How to Stay Christian in College, How to Lead as Citizens of Heaven, with topics addressed such as facing society’s cultural norms as Christians and even intentional dating and how to use social media well. We are only two days in and have so much more to learn so stay tuned for more updates! 🙌🔥🤩🫡

To the GLDI Class of 2025,
As you graduate tomorrow,
We are SO proud of how you showed up, engaged with each other, submitted to the Lord, studied hard, and lived with excellence.
Whether it was morning runs with Dr. Min, cleaning in the kitchen, defying the ropes course, getting over 90% on your exam! (4 💯 s!) , 2025, you did it all!
You will be graduating as alumni tomorrow and join our over 700 Alumni around the world! 🌎

End of Week 2 of GLDI and these students have been studying hard and are taking their exam today! With extended time with God, and time to study in groups and form bonds, these students have really enjoyed learning about God, His story, the Old and New Testament, and how to survey the Bible.