Hi! I’m Jueun from Korea. I’ve been living in Toronto for about two years now, and currently, I serve with Zoe Toronto, a church-planting ministry focused on raising disciples of Jesus in downtown Toronto.
What is a favourite memory from your summer so far?
This summer has been a beautiful season of connection meeting new people through ministry, enjoying the (hot but refreshing!) weather, biking, and even playing some pickleball!
One of the most meaningful highlights has been serving at Greenhouse, a summer discipleship program for students and young adults. It’s been a joy to witness young people dedicating their summer to grow deeper in discipleship, discovering who God is and who they are through Scripture and their daily lives.
How are you seeking to live missionally in this season of your life?
I see Toronto as my mission field, especially for reaching international students. As a staff member at Zoe Toronto and a part of the Bridges Global Community microchurch, I consider myself a missionary in this city full of diverse cultures and stories.
I’ve been intentionally building friendships with international students learning to understand their lives and how to love and serve them more deeply. At the same time, I’m growing in how to disciple others who are in different life stages and spiritual journeys.
It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been a joyful and stretching process of learning how to be a disciple and discipler following Jesus’ way of humility, sacrifice, and love. Every moment is a chance to reflect His heart to individuals and to our community.
How have you been encouraged or challenged in your journey to participate in God’s mission?
One thing I continue to learn is that everything I do is by God’s grace. There’s no mission I can carry on my own. God invites me to join His work, alongside His people.
That reminder gives me so much encouragement and peace. No matter where I am, if God is present, it can become peaceful ground.
I tend to be rushed and ambitious, often hoping for quick results. But this journey has taught me to be patient, to rely on God’s strength, to listen, and to trust God’s timing. Learning to let go of my plans and witness God’s power unfold has been both challenging and beautiful.
Please share more about the spiritual climate, outreach strategy or ministry overview during your time serving this summer:
As I mentioned, I recently served as a staff member for the 7-week Greenhouse summer discipleship program. This time, the theme really resonated with me:
“Seek God’s face, seen with love, sent to bless.”
We focused on transformation over information helping each other understand how God sees us, how He created us, and how both blessings and brokenness shape our lives. This deep reflection helped many of us realize our true purpose in God.
Personally, preparing for retreats, teaching, and leading training was a precious and humbling experience. I prayed and reflected a lot on how to faithfully deliver God’s message in ways that lead to heart transformation, not just well-run programs. That became our core strategy—focusing on people over performance.
How would you encourage someone looking to get involved or engaged missionally? Any specific resources, tools, or communities to connect with?
You are sent to bless!
There are so many opportunities right here in downtown Toronto to be a disciple and make disciples. God has already blessed you and now is the time to let that blessing overflow into the world around you.
Every Wednesday, we host Bridges—an international student social gathering that’s open for you to come, connect, and be part of this mission. We also host special events, especially around the new semester, so check out our Instagram (@bridgesuoft) for updates!
If you’re interested in serving international students or if you are an international student, I’d love to connect with you personally. Let’s find ways to join God’s mission in this city together!
I love finding nice cafes and enjoying a good cup of coffee so if you ever want to connect (especially if you’re interested in international student ministry or you are an international student!), let’s meet up. I’d be happy to chat, listen, and walk alongside you on this journey.