From December 23 to 25, participants from YEF Hong Kong attended the Asia-Pacific Christmas Retreat held in Korea. For some, it was their first time joining a large regional gathering, and over the three days, they experienced God’s grace in deeply personal and transformative ways.
Throughout the retreat, they encountered both inner struggle and the clear movement of the Holy Spirit. As they reflected on God’s Word and listened to the messages, many became aware of areas of self-righteousness and felt conviction over sin. Feelings of guilt and shame led to humbled hearts, opening the way for repentance and renewal. Through this process, they came to better understand the unconditional love of Jesus Christ—a love so complete that it extends even to Judas, who betrayed Him. This realization revealed the depth of God’s love and reminded them how blessed believers are to be loved by such a compassionate Lord.
They were also reminded that God’s love is not based on human merit. The Lord has compassion for sinners and draws near to those who suffer. In times of struggle and weakness, they learned not to withdraw, but to come courageously before the Lord in prayer and supplication, trusting in His mercy and grace.
During the retreat, many became more aware of their own weakness. Reading about the sorrow Jesus experienced when He was rejected by those He loved moved them deeply, especially as they reflected on personal inadequacies. At times, they felt small and unworthy. Yet through encountering Christ, this perspective began to change. In Jesus, they experienced freedom and restoration, recognizing that the Lord removes the chains that bind the heart.
In addition to worship and teaching, they received great grace through serving others. By helping in the cafeteria—washing dishes, mopping floors, and wiping tables—serving in small and unseen ways became an opportunity to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Servant Lord, who came not to be served but to serve.
This testimony reflects how God works through worship, fellowship, and service to renew hearts and draw His people closer to Him. The experience of YEF Hong Kong participants at the Asia-Pacific Christmas Retreat in Korea stands as a reminder that God’s grace meets believers both in moments of conviction and in faithful acts of humble service.