(USA) A Glimpse into El Camino UBF’s Vibrant Discipleship Ministry
- by ubf hq
- Apr 08, 2025
- 866 reads
A Holy Nation in El Camino
Pastor Ron Ward
Last weekend, March 28-30, I and Dervilla visited the El Camino UBF chapter in Los Angeles, California. It is named after El Camino College; “El Camino” means “The Way” in Spanish. For the last two decades, Dr. John and Grace have preached the gospel and devoted themselves to raising Jesus’ disciples there. Through ups and downs, the Lord has established a vibrant UBF ministry with nearly 90 regular Sunday worship attendants. I wanted to visit out of a deep sense of gratitude for their support of the ISBC 2023. At that time, 80 members paid their own airfare and conference fees to attend. They did not come as guests but as hosts; they performed a powerful “Lion King” drama and provided 43 group Bible study leaders. The Lord used them to encourage all of us to overcome a lingering “pandemic mentality.”
Shortly after arriving on Friday afternoon, we visited the El Camino campus and prayed for the students there (38,000 per Dr. Baik). Some of them go on to four-year schools like Cal State Long Beach or UCLA. The potential for El Camino's ministry to impact southern California and beyond is great. In fact, William, who is now the senior pastor in LA UBF, began Bible study while a student at ECC. On Friday evening seven leaders shared their testimonies on the previous Sunday message from John 1:5-13. The sharers were young men and women who met UBF leaders on campus, began one-to-one Bible study, and then accepted Christ personally. Some of them were young parents who had established families, while others were still single. Each testimony was focused on Jesus as the true light that gives light to every person. Some shared with tears, and all shared with joy. Listening to their testimonies, we felt the refreshing grace and truth of Jesus wash over us like the nearby waves of the Pacific Ocean. And yes, there was a salty taste to the water! They are salty Christians. The meeting concluded with prayer topics and announcements by Dr. John, which included increasing one-to-one Bible studies to 400 and Sunday attendants to 200, peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the world mission ministry of UBF.
On Saturday, we had personal fellowship with some of the key leaders: John and April, Johnny and Kathryn, Robert and Sara, and others. We shared the joys and sorrows of life together as families and in ministry. We were encouraged by the commitment, passion, and maturity of these leaders.
The highlight of our visit was the Saturday night program. It was organized to celebrate the completion of a 42-week study of the book of Exodus. Ten leaders shared testimonies over the parts of Exodus, which touched them the most. The testimonies were on the Exodus, the Passover, the Law, and the Tabernacle. They shared not only personal struggles but also how they were helping their Bible students with the word of God. Their passion to teach the Bible and raise Jesus’ disciples was obvious and evident. Overall, their understanding of the original text of Exodus, Christ-centered perspective, and relevant application showed me how deeply they had studied the book. I felt that I was living among the Israelites in the time of Moses while still being in the 21st century in southern California. God is raising a holy nation in El Camino. The testimony-sharing time was followed by some special programs: an orchestra performance, a special ballet-style dance, special music performances, and even a juggling act. Throughout the celebration, the audience was also given Exodus quizzes. Though the quiz questions were pretty challenging, the members were able to answer well. It was most surprising when the children answered. It seemed that entire families had studied Exodus together for one year.
On Sunday, I had the privilege of sharing the new year’s message on 1 Peter 1:1-9, “The Living Hope.” Their attitude in listening to the message reminded me of the Bereans in the book of Acts. They were eager to hear the words of God, and they listened with great attentiveness. At the same time, it was clear that they were measuring everything that was said with the words of God in the Bible. They were not seeking an emotional high but spiritual food–God’s truth–that would nourish their souls. Though the message was a little long, they were fully engaged to the end without any yawning or restlessness, and many shared their appreciation for hearing about our living hope in Christ. After the worship service, we had a farewell dinner with some key leaders. They wanted to hear about God’s work in other nations. When Dervilla and I shared what we had observed and learned during our visits, they listened attentively, asked questions, and showed deep concern for the spread of the gospel all over the world through UBF ministry.
In the midst of our times' trials and uncertainty, God is working mightily through UBF ministry, especially through one-to-one Bible study. I pray that we may stay focused on deep Bible study, honest testimony sharing, growing as Jesus’ disciples and raising Jesus’ disciples, and prayer for the world mission. Thank God for his mighty work in the El Camino UBF ministry.
