#CoCMidAtlantic, Day 5

Waking up early is usually difficult for me, but today was different—it was our last day with our hospitality in Nutley. After enjoying breakfast with our host family and bidding them a hopeful “see you again,” we gave them a gift as a token of appreciation. Their love and warmth truly reflected the Lord’s prominent presence in their lives.

My group then headed to the meeting hall, where we were welcomed by the joyous singing of the saints—a wonderful way to prepare our spirits for the day!

We toured Princeton University, learning about its rich history and cultural significance. As someone who had never been to the East Coast, visiting such a beautiful campus was an unexpected delight.

For lunch, my group enjoyed ramen at a local noodle shop near campus. There, we were able to grow closer together through a wonderful bonding time, filled with laughter, jokes, and the enjoyment of our shared experience. I was even able to share what I enjoyed from the ministry book called “Enjoying Christ as the Word and the Spirit through Prayer”, where I read how it’s not good to read the Word academically, and instead of striving to understand, we should simply enjoy and take the Word as life through prayer. The Bible is such a rich feast! We should not be picking at bones when there is so much more on the table to be had.

After lunch, we toured Temple University and later joined the hospitality saints in Philly for a wonderful and enjoyable dinner!

This week so far has deepened my experience of the Lord. Through the saints, I’ve seen how He can dispense more of Himself through His vessels. Praise the Lord—we can be vessels unto Him.

— Joshua C.

Today is yet another fun and exciting day, but also a sad day. It was our last day with the Wang family who took such wonderful care for me and Nathan. After our separation began our three hour car ride, which was only supposed to be an hour and half. During our drive to Philadelphia, we visited two campuses: Princeton and Temple. Both had very pretty architectural buildings, wonderful/ chill vibes, and unique history. While listening to our tour guides, I imagined to myself: would I have been happier if I had gone to these campuses instead? Eating actual edible food, studying in aesthetic yet modern libraries, and studying in historically important places, many thoughts like this passed through my head. While looking at beautiful campuses, I started to unconsciously regret choosing Berkeley as my college. Then I looked to my right. There was Thomas, one of my closest friends and companions, who is always willing to play ping pong with me. Then I looked to my left. There was Tunggal, whom I know will always come to help me, whenever and wherever I am. I love Berkeley, especially my fellow brothers and sisters in Berkeley.

— David L.

“One of the most useful qualifications of a good minister is that he have a lively sense of religion upon his own heart”

Today we had the precious opportunity to tour the Princeton University campus with a brother in Princeton and this quote on the John Witherspoon’s statue (Princeton’s 6th President) left a huge impression on me. How sweet that we can pursue a direct relationship with God rather than merely follow religious rituals!

During the tour, we learned about the rich history and the lore of Princeton. I enjoyed hearing the fight between Princeton and Rutgers for the “Big Cannon”, the distinctive honor code where no proctors are allowed in exams, and the world’s largest open-stack library with one of the 26 original copies of the Declaration of Independence. It was also a sweet time learning about the divine history of the university! We toured the Princeton University Chapel, the third largest university chapel in the world, and learned about the world’s first four printed Bibles housed within the library. (Also shoutout to our tour guide brother Austin for his engaging and informative tour that is also full of life!)

After the campus tour, we split into groups and enjoyed delicious lunch and desserts around campus. One of my favorite spots was Bent Spoon, an ice cream shop with cozy and historic ambiance. Highly recommend when you visit Princeton next time!! 

— Emlin L.