Love from Libertas Moves Hong ’20 to Become Intern
by rachel mari, contributing writer
Jane Hong, a recent alumna of Brown University, is evidence that the light of the Gospel shines brightest in the darkest of times. Hong, a leader with Christian Union Libertas as an undergraduate, was blessed by its community of believers during COVID-19 restrictions and will serve as the ministry’s newest intern in the fall.
Originally intending to work at a dermatology clinic after graduation and before attending medical school, Hong felt called to intern with Christian Union. In March, when Brown closed due to the pandemic, she was unable to go home, but found comfort and encouragement in her Christian Union Libertas community. It was during this time that she felt led to consider becoming an intern.
“The upheaval of COVID-19 completely shifted my perspective and gave me a heart to serve the ministry,” said Hong, who spent most of her childhood in Claremont, California before her family relocated to South Korea.
“In this [time] of crisis, my Christian Union community warmly supported and prayed for me. God made it clear that so many students will need this kind of love and care during this time of great uncertainty. God helped me realize that I wanted to devote my first year after graduation to serve students at Brown as an intern. I am extremely grateful for how God opened up the right path for me.”
According to Brown Ministry Fellow Laurel Copp, “Jane believes Brown will need a lot of Jesus in the fall and she wants to be here as an ambassador of His love.” Copp describes her as “a thoughtful, creative, strong, and articulate Christian who loves God and serves others and creates space where people feel comfortable and welcome.” Copp also credits Hong’s years spent in Los Angeles and Korea for giving her the ability to identify with a wide range of students and experiences.
As part of her internship, Hong plans to create a support system for Brown students going through upheaval and heartbreak in their lives. Additionally, she is seeking to start a book club with studentscentered on race issues “to explore how God wants Christians to spread justice and peace in our society during such a historical time.”
Hong intends to mentor and support female students through monthly brunches, workshops, and prayer, and be involved in digital communication and branding for Christian Union. She describes her involvement with Christian Union as an integral part of her undergraduate experience. During her four years, she was a member of a women’s Bible course and served on the ministry’s executive team.
“Christian Union is where I found my support system as a college student,” she said. “As a freshman, I was grateful to meet upperclassmen who genuinely cared about my well-being, not only as a student, but as a person. They poured their time and mentorship into my life, which gave me the Christian community I had always longed for. I have been able to learn so much about my faith and grow as a Christian leader by serving on the executive team.”
As for her future pursuits beyond Brown, Hong will continue to serve wherever she goes, Copp envisions. “She [Hong] is going to be a doctor who integrates her faith in her work,” said Copp. “She will be a beautiful picture of God’s grace in the world as she fights for justice, brings healing, and transforms the world with the Gospel.”
