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History
Our Story So Far
From a Small Campus Mission to a Global Youth Fellowship
Youth Evangelical Fellowship (YEF) traces its roots to 2002, when Apostolos Campus Ministry (ACM) was founded by Dr. David Jang together with students from Olivet Theological College and Seminary (OTCS). In 2003, the ministry began developing into what would become Youth Evangelical Fellowship, carrying a growing vision to reach university students through the Word of God, discipleship, and evangelism.
A significant new chapter began in New York City in 2009, when YEF was inaugurated with students from Columbia University who were moved by the Holy Spirit to gather for small-group Bible studies and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their fellow students. From these early gatherings, YEF developed with a clear focus: to reach university students who are thirsty for the Word of God, help them grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and raise a young generation willing to participate in God’s mission.
By the grace of God, the ministry continued expanding internationally. By 2015, YEF’s mission had reached campuses across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The growth of YEF reflects Jesus’ description of the Kingdom of God:
“It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.” — Mark 4:31–32
YEF’s commission is to raise a young generation who love the Cross of Jesus Christ, boldly proclaim His sacrifice and the power of His salvation, and dream together for the Kingdom of God. YEF firmly believes in international growth and in equipping young people from diverse backgrounds to devote themselves to Jesus Christ and His Great Commission. Through biblical teaching, discipleship, evangelism, leadership development, retreats, mission conferences, and local fellowship life, YEF seeks to help young believers passionately embody Kingdom-centered lifestyles. Youth Evangelical Fellowship is a member of the World Olivet Assembly and an associate member of the World Evangelical Alliance.
From its early roots in campus ministry to an international fellowship reaching across continents, YEF’s history is a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness.
What began as a small seed has continued to grow through Bible studies, campus evangelism, retreats, mission centers, leadership conferences, international partnerships, missionary training, and the dedication of young believers who have answered God’s call.
Today, YEF continues looking toward the future with a vision for more campuses, cities, mission centers, and nations. As chapters are established and strengthened across more than 60 nations, YEF desires to raise young people who will not only receive the gospel but also become disciples, leaders, and missionaries who carry it to others.
Every student reached, every Bible study opened, every leader raised, every missionary sent, every campus pioneered, and every nation reached becomes another chapter in the story of God’s work through YEF.
From a small mustard seed to a growing international mission, YEF continues forward in faith—raising the next generation to love Christ, serve His Church, and carry the gospel to the nations.
YEF Through the Years
2002
The Beginning
Apostolos Campus Ministry (ACM) was founded by Dr. David Jang together with students from Olivet Theological College and Seminary, laying an early foundation for university-centered evangelism and discipleship.
2003
Development of YEF
The ministry began developing independently as Youth Evangelical Fellowship, carrying forward the vision of evangelizing university students and raising young disciples for the mission of God.
2004
Expansion in Korea
The Korea Evangelical College Students Association was established by Dr. David Jang, further strengthening university mission efforts in Korea.
2005
Campus Mission Expands
The ministry expanded throughout Korea to approximately 40 universities across 12 regional branches, establishing a broader foundation for campus evangelism and discipleship.
2006
Participation in Urbana 06
YEF participated in the Urbana 06 missions conference in St. Louis, Missouri, beginning their expansion abroad and joining young Christians and mission leaders from around the world in seeking God's direction for global evangelism.
2007
Mission Engagement and Publications
YEF participated in MissionFest Toronto in Canada. The ministry also published several books related to global mission and contemporary religious issues, including How Islam Plans to Change the World by William Wagner. YEF also participated in the publication of READ, a magazine focused on revival and discipleship organized through a Korean Christian youth and university network.
2008
Growing International Connections
YEF participated in the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly and the WEA Mission Commission. The ministry also organized theological seminars, including discussions on the modern understanding of the Student Volunteer Movement and its continuing significance for world mission.
2009
A New Chapter in International Campus Mission
YEF International was inaugurated in New York City by students from Columbia University who began gathering for small-group Bible studies and witnessing to fellow students about Jesus Christ. That same year, the international website was launched to spread the gospel more widely. The Korea Evangelical College Students Association became affiliated with YEF International as its Korean branch. YEF participated as a partner organization in the NEXT WAVE CONVENTION and attended the third Asia Emerging Leaders Summit.
2010
Strengthening Biblical and Global Mission Training
YEF International hosted its first World Mission Workshop, Summer Gatherings, Winter Gatherings and Pentecost Gatherings. Also participated in the Tokyo 2010 Global Mission Consultation. New editions of Bible study materials, including a Romans study series, were published.
2011
Expanding Chapters and Building Mission Partnerships
YEF International held its inaugural Global Leadership Summit. Chapters also began expanding to South America and Southeast Asia. Korea became an official member organization of the Korea World Missions Association (KWMA).
2012
Research, Publications, and Growing Leadership
YEF International hosts a 5-day-long leadership program, “LEAP” (Leadership Education And Practice) in New York City for national and international university students. The Korea Evangelical Institute was established as a research and publishing organization. YEF also participated in the 22nd General Assembly of the Korea World Missions Association.
2013
International Mission and Leadership Development
YEF participated in the World Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission's East Asia Youth Mission Leaders Consultation and the YEF International World Mission Conference. YEF also co-hosted and participated in the first through fourth Revival Bible Camps organized by the Revival Movement and participated in the 23rd General Assembly of KWMA.
2014
Developing Discipleship and Bible Education
YEF International developed and published structured Bible education and member-training programs, including the Member Training Course, Discipleship Training Course, and Leader Training Course, designed to support progressive stages of discipleship and ministry development. YEF participated in the 24th General Assembly of KWMA and co-hosted the fifth Revival Vision Camp organized by the Revival Movement.
2015
Global Expansion and Leadership Development
By 2015, YEF's international mission had expanded to campuses across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Dr. Mark Wagner became the Chairman of YEF International. This period also marked the beginning of YEF's first Leadership Conference series in Korea, bringing leaders together for biblical training, fellowship, mission planning, and preparation for continued international expansion.
2016
Developing Regional Leadership
YEF around the world continued growing in number and leadership conferences in Africa, Asia Pacific, South Asia, North America and South America take place, bringing together ministry leaders for further training, fellowship, and preparation for international mission.
2017
YEF Holds Leadership Conference Series and Launches Mission Trips Toward the Vision of 100 Chapters Worldwide
YEF held a series of Leadership Conferences in Korea, strengthening relationships among leaders and developing a shared vision for its expanding international mission. Chapters also began organizing mission and vision trips to new cities, advancing the dream of establishing 100 YEF chapters worldwide.
2018
YEF Holds Inaugural General Assembly in New York as Regional Leadership Retreats Expand Worldwide
YEF International held its inaugural General Assembly in New York, strengthening unity and cooperation across its global network. Building on this momentum, YEF North America, India, Africa, and other regions began organizing leadership retreats to deepen relationships, strengthen regional ministry, and develop future leaders.
2019
YEF Expands Its Global Mission Through International Conferences, Leadership Development, and New Chapters
YEF held its 2019 International Mission Conference in the United Kingdom. Representatives also participated in the World Olivet Assembly General Assembly in Dover, New York, and the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia. Throughout the year, YEF continued developing leaders and planting new chapters around the world.
2020
YEF Headquarters Established in Orlando
A significant milestone in YEF's international development came in 2020 with the acquisition of YEF Headquarters in Orlando, Florida. The headquarters provided a permanent base for international mission coordination, leadership development, training, worship, fellowship, and missionary preparation. As ministry increasingly moved online, YEF held the Online Easter Retreat 2020, Online Summer Retreat 2020, and Online Christmas Retreat 2020.
2021
YEF Strengthens Its Global Network Through New Mission Centers, International Retreats, and Leadership Development
YEF International established mission centers and leadership structures across Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific, and South America, further strengthening its global ministry network. YEF International Headquarters also began hosting onsite retreats for the first time, welcoming members from around the world. In addition, the ministry participated as a member organization in the 31st General Assembly of the Korea World Missions Association.
2022
YEF Expands Global Mission Vision Across Three Continents
Youth Evangelical Fellowship renewed its global mission vision, joining the wider effort to establish missions in 153 nations. YEF strengthened its leadership, evangelism, and biblical training while expanding its mission work throughout Asia-Pacific, Oceania, and Africa. YEF also participated in the 30th-anniversary celebration of the World Olivet Assembly.
2023
Strengthening the Global Mission Through Missionary Sending and Mission Partnerships
YEF International and HQ continued to strengthen the global mission network through leadership development, campus evangelism, Bible training, and international cooperation. Missionaries were sent out from Southeast Asia, Oceania, and North America to support new mission fields and advance the Gospel among university students worldwide. In Korea, YEFK participated in the 33rd General Assembly of the Korea World Missions Association, welcomed Pastor Kim Myung-hyuk for a special Sunday service.
2024
International HQ Expansion Advances Global Campus Mission
YEF International and HQ continued strengthening regional missions through leadership training, Bible study, campus evangelism, and international coordination. Chapters expanded their outreach among university students, while mission trips, including YEF Korea’s outreach to Mongolia, established new relationships and opened opportunities for future mission growth. The International HQ team also expanded as the headquarters continued to develop its facilities and capacity to support the global mission.
2025
Equipping a New Generation at YEF Headquarters
In 2025, YEF Headquarters in Orlando held a large internship program and Summer Retreat for college students and young missionaries. Through Bible study, worship, prayer, evangelism, ministry training, fellowship, and practical mission experiences, participants were given opportunities to deepen their faith while experiencing the daily life of Christian mission. These programs reflected YEF's continued commitment to raising and equipping a new generation of students and young missionaries who can carry the gospel to university campuses, cities, and nations.
2026
Expanding the Mission to More Than 60 Nations
In 2026, YEF enters a new season of international expansion with plans to establish and strengthen chapters across more than 60 nations. Building upon more than two decades of campus evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and international mission, YEF is working to develop stronger national fellowships, digital mission platforms, local leadership, and partnerships with churches around the world. The vision is not simply to establish a presence in more countries, but to build sustainable mission fields where young people can encounter the gospel, study the Word of God, grow as disciples, and eventually become missionaries and leaders themselves.
Continuing the Mission
From its early roots in campus ministry to an international fellowship reaching across continents, YEF’s history is a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness.
What began as a small seed has continued to grow through Bible studies, campus evangelism, retreats, mission centers, leadership conferences, international partnerships, missionary training, and the dedication of young believers who have answered God’s call.
Today, YEF continues looking toward the future with a vision for more campuses, cities, mission centers, and nations. As chapters are established and strengthened across more than 60 nations, YEF desires to raise young people who will not only receive the gospel but also become disciples, leaders, and missionaries who carry it to others.
Our History Is Still Being Written
Every student reached, every Bible study opened, every leader raised, every missionary sent, every campus pioneered, and every nation reached becomes another chapter in the story of God’s work through YEF.
From a small mustard seed to a growing international mission, YEF continues forward in faith—raising the next generation to love Christ, serve His Church, and carry the gospel to the nations.