Michigan—Students were challenged and inspired every morning with stories and scripture by David Shin, Village Church youth pastor, during our fall Week of Prayer, Sept. 20–24. The theme for the week was “Making God First, Last, and Best in Your Life.”

Shin spoke from his heart, giving both personal testimonies and Bible stories about individuals who put God first. He challenged students to seek God first, even when they don’t feel like it or are distracted by other things. He also encouraged students to step out in faith and let God do His work in their lives.

Shin is new at the Village Church in Berrien Springs. He comes most recently from Kalamazoo, where he was an associate pastor. His energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and his love for Jesus and young people is evident in both his actions and words. We were blessed to have him start our year off on the right path as he helped us realize we need to put God first in our lives.

On Friday, the last day of Week of Prayer, several students presented Shin with a Village Adventist Elementary School sweatshirt as a token of appreciation for being their speaker.

Shin received requests for baptismal studies from 40 students in grades 5–8. It was a great week of spiritual emphasis. We are blessed to have Shin as part of the Village pastoral staff.

John Chen, Village Adventist Elementary School principal