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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.
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 was inaugurated in New York City with students from Columbia University who began gathering for small-group Bible studies and witnessing Jesus Christ to fellow students.
During the same year, 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 participated in the Tokyo 2010 Global Mission Consultation.
New editions of Bible study materials, including a Romans study series, were published.
YEF also held a World Mission Workshop, Summer Gathering 2010, and Pentecost Gathering 2010.
2011
Strengthening Mission Partnerships
YEF Korea became an official member organization of the Korea World Missions Association (KWMA).
Throughout the year, YEF held the Easter Gathering, Pentecost Gathering, Summer Gathering, and Winter Christmas Gathering.
2012
Research, Publications, and Gatherings
The Korea Evangelical Institute was established as a research and publishing organization.
YEF held the Easter Gathering 2012, Pentecost Gathering 2012, Summer Gathering 2012, and Winter Christmas Gathering 2012.
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.
Throughout the year, YEF organized the Easter Gathering, Pentecost Gathering, Summer Gathering, and Winter Christmas Gathering.
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 held the Easter Gathering 2014 and Pentecost Gathering 2014.
The ministry developed and published structured Bible education and member-training programs, including MTC, DTC, and LTC courses 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.
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.
YEF held the Easter Gathering, Pentecost Gathering, and Christmas Retreat and participated in the 25th General Assembly of KWMA.
2016
Developing Discipleship and Bible Education
YEF held the Easter Gathering 2014 and Pentecost Gathering 2014.
The ministry developed and published structured Bible education and member-training programs, including MTC, DTC, and LTC courses 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.
2017
Strengthening the Asia Mission Network
YEF continued its Leadership Conference series in Korea, strengthening relationships among leaders and developing a broader vision for the growing international mission.
The ministry also held the Easter Retreat, Summer Retreat, and Christmas Retreat.
YEF participated in the 2017 General Assembly of the Asia Evangelical Alliance and the 27th General Assembly of the Korea World Missions Association.
2018
Building the Asia Pacific Mission Network
YEF launched the 2018 YEF Asia Pacific Mission Network, further strengthening cooperation between fellowships throughout the region.
The Easter Retreat, Summer Retreat, and Christmas Retreat were also held.
YEF participated in the 28th General Assembly of KWMA.
2019
International Mission Conferences and Global Partnerships
YEF held the 2019 YEF International Mission Conference in the United Kingdom.
Representatives participated in the 2019 World Olivet Assembly General Assembly in Dover, New York, as well as the World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia.
YEF also held the Easter Retreat, Summer Retreat, and Christmas Retreat. The ministry participated in the 18th Korea Mission Leaders Forum and the 29th General Assembly of KWMA.
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.
During the same year, YEF Korea established a mission center serving Kyungpook National University in Daegu and another center in Busan serving Pukyong National University and Kyungsung University.
As ministry increasingly moved online, YEF held the Online Easter Retreat 2020, Online Summer Retreat 2020, and Online Christmas Retreat 2020. YEF also participated in the 30th General Assembly of KWMA.
2021
New Mission Centers and Continued Online Discipleship
YEF established centers serving KAIST in Daejeon and Kyungpook National University.
A YEF Mission Center was also established in Macau, strengthening the ministry's presence in Asia.
YEF hosted the Online Easter Retreat 2021, Online Summer Retreat 2021, and Christmas Retreat 2021. The ministry participated as a member organization in the 31st General Assembly of the Korea World Missions Association.
2022
Continued Leadership and Ministry Development
YEF held its 2022 Summer Retreat.
Rev. Myunghyuk Kim, senior pastor emeritus of Riverside Church, was appointed as an advising professor for YEF Korea.
2023
Strengthening Mission Partnerships
YEF held its 2023 Summer Retreat.
Representatives participated in the 33rd General Assembly of the Korea World Missions Association.
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
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.