Reflections on the English Coffee Break Program

When I first heard about the English Coffee Break program, I thought it was a Bible-based discipleship class 

where we would study grammar and vocabulary using an English Bible, and translate it into Korean to better understand the passages. 

With the hope that I might one day have the opportunity to teach students using the English Bible, I signed up with curiosity and anticipation.

However, after receiving the workbook, I quickly realized that I had completely misunderstood the nature of the program. 

The material was not focused on language mechanics, but rather structured around deep and thought-provoking questions in each chapter. 

These questions guided us to meditate on Scripture and to share our reflections and life experiences with others.

The workbook follows a four-step study method:

Step 1: Read the Bible passage repeatedly.

Step 2: Draw answers directly from the text and answer the questions.

Step 3: Apply the message of the passage to your personal life.

Step 4: Share your thoughts with others as much as possible.

Through this process, I was continually challenged to ask myself:

“What is God’s message to me through this passage?”

“What commitments should I make?”

“What am I thankful for today?”

Although I try to faithfully reflect on each question through these four steps, 

the greatest blessing for me has come through Step 4, sharing with others. 

In my group, many members have a long history of faith and deep insight into God’s Word. During our discussions, 

I often find my limited interpretations broadened, enriched, and sometimes even overturned by new and creative perspectives. 

There have been moments when someone shared such a surprising and refreshing idea that we were all amazed and inspired.

When I first joined the class, many English Bible terms felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. 

But over time, I’ve grown more comfortable, and I now genuinely enjoy communicating in English 

with my fellow brothers and sisters through the Word. 

I've also noticed that my English speaking skills are gradually improving. 

These days, I sometimes use resources like ChatGPT to help understand difficult expressions or background information, 

which has made studying even more engaging.

I’m truly grateful to our pastor for leading this wonderful program, 

to the group leaders who serve so faithfully behind the scenes, and to all my fellow English Coffee Break members. 

I pray that God’s abundant blessings will be upon each and every one of you.

by  Park Sounga

Obeying the guidance of the Holy Spirit... 

Hello, my name is Soon Lee Jung.

I am so happy to share the grace I received. 

While studying the ACTS of the Apostles through Coffee Break, I received both great grace and a personal challenge. 

One thing that touched me was how Philip immediately obeyed the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

He met the Ethiopian eunch, shared the gospel with him, and baptized him. 

Through this, I learned that if I obey the Holy Spirit, I also can meet the people God has prepared and share the gospel with them. 

So, I decided to put this into practice. 

I went to church and prayed, and afterward, I went to buy a candy package that looked expensive and pretty. 

I chose the one that really stood out to me. The candy looked pretty and high-quality even to me.

I thought, “If I give this pretty candy to someone, maybe they’ll be more open to listening to what I have to say.” 

I arrived in front of the Centum department store.

Just in time, I saw a woman sitting alone. 

I approached her, smiled politely, held out the candy that looked expensive and pretty, and said, “Believe in Jesus.”

However, she looked at me strangely and avoided me, saying she didn’t need it. 

I said to myself, “This candy is really expensive...so why won’t you listen to me after receiving it?” 

I lost confidence and started looking for someone who might actually listen to me. 

Then I approached four other people, gave them the candy, and in a small voice said, “Believe in Jesus.” 

On my way home, I prayed earnestly for them to believe in Jesus and entrusted everything to the Lord. 

Even though my evangelism didn’t feel successful, I believe the Lord consoled me, seeing my heart that was trying to listen to his voice and put it into practice. 

Through this Coffee Break Bible Study, I had a precious experience. 

And I was especially touched by these words from the Bible: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Amen.

Thank you to the team leader who led this Bible study. 

Thank you to everyone here for listening to my story.

by Soon Lee Jung