JKM Student Workers of the Month

Jordan Miller and Hyuk Shim (H.T.)

Interview with Jordan

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Grand Island, NY—a suburb of Buffalo. And yes, it really is an island.

Where did you go to college?

I attended Grove City College in Grove City, PA. It is a small liberal arts school that is legendary for not allowing students to walk on the grass of the quad in the middle of campus. Because of that, I now enjoy walking on the grass whenever I have the chance.

What brought you to Chicago?

I wanted to have the adventure of going to seminary and living in an urban environment, and I haven’t been disappointed! Chicago is a fantastic city.

What are your thoughts about the Seminary experience?

I have loved my time at LSTC. My foundational beliefs have been challenged, reshaped, and strengthened here. I have a whole new appreciation for God’s work in my life and the world because of the community that I have been a part of, and am so very thankful for that.

What do you like about libraries?

For one, I love books—always have. I also love that libraries offer a wealth of information, ideas, and inspiration to anyone who is interested. Libraries provide people with sacred space in which to dream, process, and connect one’s own thoughts with an almost infinite number of past and present thinkers.

Have you traveled much—domestically or abroad?

I have visited a good chunk of the continental U.S., and have been fortunate to have traveled to St. Lucia, Costa Rica, Spain, France, England, Israel/Palestine, and Egypt.

Have there been any defining trips for you?

Last summer, I went to the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas with the youth group from my internship congregation. That trip reaffirmed in a huge way for me the incredible work that Heifer International does domestically and around the world to empower communities to become viable and self-sustaining. They provide hope and healing for people on both a local and global scale. I look forward to sharing this message with the people I will meet and the congregations that I will serve in the future.

What are your passions?

I am passionate about cultivating relationships, reading, running, travel, photography, and watching for the ways that God’s work is evident in the world.

How do you see libraries and seminaries working together in the future? OR, what role do each play in the formation of students, if any?

Libraries and seminaries both give students a strong foundation with which to do ministry, and provide resources for research and growth in the future. Their work together is necessary and benefits all involved.

Other thoughts?

JKM is fabulous!

Interview with H.T.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Seoul which is a beautiful city in Korea. I lived there until I came to the U.S. 4 years ago.

Where did you go to college?

I graduated from Chunan University which is located in Seoul. I remember It was a very conservative Christian school.

What brought you to Chicago?

My wife and I worked in G.E.M. (Global Educational Ministry) in California in 2003. When my wife became pregnant we quit G.E.M. and move to Chicago where my parent's and sister’s family live. Then, I decided to continue my study.

What are your thoughts about the Seminary experience?

The LSTC community is very special to me. Here I have been challenged and all of my thoughts about ministry have expanded.

What do you like about libraries?

Have you seen the movie “Night at the Museum?” In the movie, every night all the exhibitions come alive. Sometimes, I feel like this at JKM. When I walk through the book stacks and see the authors and histories, I feel like I communicate with the authors and am transported to another world. The BOOKS AT JKM SEND ME ON THIS ADVENTURE.

Have you traveled much—domestically or abroad?

I traveled many cities in Korea. Je-Ju Island was especially awesome. In the U.S. I traveled with my wife to California, the Western Cost, Grand Canyon, Seattle, Atlanta, and etc. And I’m still traveling over the U.S..

Have there been any defining trips for you?

A Trip is a trip…

What are your passions?

Living with second generation Koreans, making church with second generation Koreans, and sharing the gospel withsecond generation Korean.

How do you see libraries and seminaries working together in the future? OR, what role do each play in the formation of students, if any?

There is a wonderful proverb to express the relationship of libraries, seminaries, and students in Korea:
“A thread follows everywhere a needle goes” A thread and a needle cannot be separated. It shows well the mutual relationship.

Other Thoughts?

STAY IN JKM