Living by God: A junior’s devotion to his religion

On a Sunday morning in October, like every other Sunday, junior Alvin Huang wakes up at 6:30, eats breakfast, brushes his teeth, grabs his guitar and heads out the door.

Forty-five minutes later, Huang boards his mom’s SUV and dons earphones for the otherwise dull 30-minute car ride. 

He arrives at the River of Life Christian Church in Santa Clara and heads to the worship room, where the services are held. Here, Huang meets the rest of his Worship Team, a band that plays hymns before sermons. Huang, who plays guitar and is the lead singer of the group, joins them in their morning practice.

Huang is an outstanding student who recently received a perfect 2400 on his SAT. But he attributes his academic success to his religious faith as he prays for success before every test. Huang also spends many hours every week at church, keeping his faith even during the academically trying junior year.

On the October Sunday when a Falcon reporter followed him, Huang enters the church a little late, but he quickly sets up his instrument as he warmly greets the other members. 

“I always have to arrive earlier than everyone else to practice and that's sometimes a hassle, but it's great to be a part of the group," Huang said.

The first service begins at 9 a.m. and the Worship Team performs as part of the service. The hymns are rhythmic and, with the lyrics being projected, easy to sing along to. Much of the audience of 50 individuals gets caught in the moment, singing and dancing along, expressing their love of God. 

After their hymns, the pastor delivers a sermon about the Pharisees and how, one day, God had entered the house of a few Pharisees and dined with them.

Huang carefully takes notes in his journal and asks a few clarifying questions. He is enthralled by the pastor’s words.

“We aren’t really required to take notes, but I do it anyway,” Huang said. “It helps me remember what I learned and lets me reflect on the lesson of the day.”

After this first service, Huang joins some other high school students in a Sunday school class at 10:30 a.m. The chairs are organized in a circle, with a whiteboard and television at the front. The lesson revolves around Holy Fear and its actual meaning.

"Holy Fear is not necessarily being scared of God, but more like respecting him,” Huang said. “Holy Fear pretty much means to obey God because people fear disobeying and offending those they love.”

After a short film, the group assembles into a circle, resembling a Socratic seminar, and shares what they have learned.

"Holy Fear was a really interesting lesson because I was a little confused at the extra meaning," Huang said. "I always found it confusing because we were always taught to love God but Holy Fear sounded like being afraid of Him."

The hour-long lesson concludes, and then lunch is served in the recreation room.

"Lunch and having fellowship with my peers is my favorite part of the day," Huang said. "After a long morning, the food just tastes so much better."

After everyone eats, the noon service is set to commence. As more and more people enter the room of worship, Huang and his group start to perform.

"I love singing with the Worship Team. It gives me a sense of fulfillment singing [for God] in front of everyone there," Huang said.

The pastor enters and preaches the lesson of the Pharisees once again. His message resonates throughout the whole audience, with a loud chorus of “amens.” 

Soon, it’s 2 p.m., and the services have already ended; it's time to go home. Huang gathers his belongings and, guitar in hand, walks out into the bright Sunday afternoon.

 

 

Moment of Revelation

Huang’s religious commitment increased three years ago during an altar call at his church.

He remembers curtains draping the sides of the altar and lights above. Numerous individuals lined up to get prayed for. 

When Huang waited patiently for his turn, he was nervous, but excited. Then, he slowly scaled the altar and was joined by many others.

"I was like, 'Oh nice, everyone else is doing it, so I'll do it too,’" said Huang. 

As soon as the speaker started praying, however, Huang's outlook changed.

"I was just hit by a wave of something, as cheesy as it sounds," Huang said. 

While he was devoted to his faith before, this was the first time Huang had actually experienced and really felt God.

"I almost felt like God  was giving me a hug," said Huang. "And I thought, 'This is actually real.'"

During the altar calls, the Worship Team usually stays on state to play a sort of “response song,” according to Huang. 

“I guess it was loud [on the altar], but for me it was really quiet,” Huang said. “It was like a one-on-one moment with God.”

Huang began to focus more on God and his religion after the experience. He then started serving in more areas of the church, including the Worship Team. 

In the future, Huang hopes to continue his relationship with God. 

“I hope to retain all the passion I have right now,” he said. “I intend to continue serving in the church and to continue to know God better.”

But in getting to that future, Huang is thankful that he can expect guidance from God. 

“First and foremost He’s a friend,” Huang said. “But He also guides me and helps me discern right and wrong.”