A foundation sponsored by four local churches will be offering scholarships once again for Korean American pastors and seminarians.
Called the Christian Scholarship Foundation of Greater Washington, the foundation began in 1981 in hopes to invest in Korean American leaders who will carry on a faithful ministry in the midst of "a dark and corrupted world," according to the foundation, and is sponsored by four local churches including Virginia Presbyterian Church, First Virginia Baptist Church, and The Church for All Nations. Since its establishment, over 350 individuals have received scholarships, and scholarships have been given on an annual basis.
"Since 2009, we realized that the reality of the Korean church is that there is a lack of ministers who can speak English fluently, and decided that we should form a scholarship so that we can help invest in the education of our Korean American pastors," the foundation said.
"The history of Korean immigrants in the U.S. is growing longer, yet it is becoming increasingly difficult to find English-speaking ministers who can build up the younger generation in faith," said Inchon Lee, one of the chairmen of the board of directors for the foundation. "We want to focus on Korean American, English-speaking seminary students, and by giving them these scholarships, we hope to give our best in nurturing and building up Korean American leaders."
About 10 to 12 individuals will be selected to receive scholarships of $1,000 to $1,500 each. Applicants must be baptized Christians and "living a Christ-like life"; must have completed college and are either enrolled or currently attending a state-approved seminary; must have a purpose to serve second and third generation Korean Americans; and must be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen. Individuals from all over the country are eligible to apply.
Applicants must also submit an application letter, two recommendation letters (one from a senior pastor) which may be written in either English or Korean, and a testimony of faith, along with other documents.
"This scholarship is ... an encouragement to me to study harder, to minister with more care and more love," shared Daniel Bang, a previous scholarship recipient and a student at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology. "I believe you are making an impact on eternity."
