October 2, 2026
TALLADEGA, Ala. — More than 200 students, leaders and volunteers from Korean Southern Baptist churches gathered May 26-29 at Shocco Springs Baptist Retreat Center for a youth retreat focused on helping the next generation become rooted in Christ and grounded in Scripture.
The retreat by the Council of Korean Southern Baptist Churches in Georgia, held under the theme “Back to Basics: Rooted,” brought together 215 participants, including 156 students and more than 40 volunteers. The three-night, four-day retreat included worship services, small groups, seminars, fellowship activities, games, and times of personal reflection.
The schedule was designed to help students grow not only in biblical knowledge but also in their personal walk with Christ. By the end of the retreat, more than 30 students had either committed their lives to Christ or recommitted their lives to him.
Each evening, students gathered for worship and the preaching of God’s Word. Pastor Brian Parker preached during the first two evening sessions, and Pastor Jeremiah Hahn preached on the final night. Worship throughout the week was led by Sojourners.
Hahn said his message, titled “Even When You Cannot See,” was based on Colossians 2:6-7 and Hebrews 11:1-3. He said he wanted students to understand that a faith rooted in Christ must last beyond the emotion of a retreat setting.
“The overall retreat theme was ‘Back to Basics: Rooted,’ and on the final night I encouraged the students to develop a faith that is deeply rooted in Christ—not a faith sustained by emotion, but one that endures long after the retreat is over,” Hahn said.
Hahn said he emphasized two main truths: that the roots of faith are built by trusting the unseen God, and that deeply rooted faith endures even when believers cannot yet see the results.
“I reminded the students that what truly matters is not how emotional we become during worship, but whether we continue to follow Christ when we return to school, face temptation, experience disappointment, or walk through seasons when God seems silent,” he said.
Hahn said the response from students was encouraging, with many coming forward during the invitation for prayer and renewed commitment to Christ.
“I sensed a genuine desire among many of them to build a lasting relationship with Jesus rather than simply having another emotional camp experience,” he said.
The retreat also included seminars designed to help students think biblically about faith, culture, and the world around them. Sessions addressed cultural aspects of belief and challenged students to consider how their faith should shape the way they understand and live in today’s world.
Main seminar sessions were led by Dr. Joshua Kohath and Dr. Mari Kim, who addressed creation science and encouraged students to think carefully about the relationship between Scripture, science, and the origins of the world. Organizers said the sessions prompted meaningful conversations as students considered larger questions about truth, creation and the trustworthiness of Scripture.
Hahn said such gatherings are important because they allow students to step away from the distractions of daily life and focus intentionally on God’s Word, worship, prayer and Christian community.
“For many Korean-American students, life often feels divided between different cultures, expectations, and identities,” Hahn said. “Retreats remind them that their deepest identity is found in Jesus Christ. They also help students build friendships centered on faith and strengthen their connection to the local church.”
He said today’s students face spiritual, cultural and personal pressures that make discipleship especially important.
“Today’s students are surrounded by a culture that values what is immediate and visible—success, grades, popularity, social media, and achievement,” Hahn said. “It has become increasingly difficult to trust the God they cannot see when everything around them encourages them to live only by what they can see.”
Many students, he said, struggle with distraction, anxiety, loneliness, uncertainty about the future, and the pressure to perform. Korean-American students also often navigate expectations from both Korean and American cultures.
Churches can help, Hahn said, by focusing not only on programs but on discipleship.
“Students need faithful teaching of Scripture, authentic relationships, godly mentors, and opportunities to practice spiritual disciplines that deepen their roots in Christ over time,” he said.
Hahn said he left the retreat encouraged by the spiritual hunger he saw among students and by the pastors, counselors and volunteers who served them throughout the week.
“Despite living in a culture filled with distractions, many sincerely wanted to hear God’s Word, worship wholeheartedly, and respond to His calling,” he said.
He said the investment of leaders and volunteers demonstrated that discipling the next generation requires more than a single event.
“Their sacrificial service demonstrated that raising up young disciples is not simply an event but a long-term commitment,” Hahn said.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the support and partnership of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, saying the retreat helped strengthen students and churches across the Korean Southern Baptist community.
Hahn said he left the week with hope for what God will continue to do in the lives of the students who attended.
“If these students continue to deepen their roots in Christ, I believe God will use them to become faithful leaders who influence their churches, campuses, workplaces, and future generations for His glory,” he said.
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