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God is faithful and his words are trustworthy. This is what I learned while I studied for my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. On November 7th, 2011, I earned my doctoral degree in Civil (Structural) Engineering after five and half years of study. I came to U.S. with two Bible verses: One is Isaiah 49:6 and another one is Judges 6:12.
he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6).
When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior (Judges 6:12)

While studying in Champaign-Urbana, IL, many fears came into my mind due to relationship with my advisor, unstable research funds, challenging research works, relationship with people and so on. Even this fear attached me physically, and I had to deal with sudden back pain after one year of study. One of the biggest fears was failure of being kicked out of my research group, although I felt like I should quit the doctoral program. But, the two Bible verses had helped me to remind of what God promised; ‘God will make me a light for the Gentiles’ ; and ‘God is with me.’ With the promises of God, the fear of failure faded away and I was filled with a hope of God. Also, when I needed to make a practical decision, I put my trust in the promise of presence of God. I had fought against fears but with the promises of God. And then, I realize that I finished a journey of Ph.D. I praise God who helps me to learn how to live by faith and the meaning of it. I thank for every one including brothers and sisters in Christ who encouraged me to focus on the words of God and Jesus. I thank U of I family members who supported me in their prayers and with practical helps. I thank my family, friends and many scholars on campus. Also, I give much thanks to God who allows me to be with my beautiful wife, missionary Hannah Faith Shin from Toledo UBF. Without all their love, helps and prayers, I would not be who I am.

From this experience I learned two things: 1) God is faithful and his words are trustworthy, and 2) I am a debtor of tremendous love from others.
May God bless America with words of God, and we may put our trust in his words. I pray may God help Missionary Hannah and I live continually as a source of blessing to share his love for many sinners. I would like to pay back all the love I’ve got to people who need to hear the Good news in their spirit and body. Based on Rom 1:5, Hannah and I pray that we may live for for his name's sake, and we share grace and apostleship that we’ve received. Until God sends us to the next mission field, I pray that we may serve U of I ministry and students sincerely with the truth and love of Christ.