lbc-echo-spring-2022 - 9

Then he encountered a missionary from South Korea
who introduced to him a relational God whose Word
communicated His will. Joseph borrowed a Bible so
he could learn firsthand about this God. Not only did
Joseph chase after God, but he invited community
members and fellow students at his college to do
the same. So began a " journey of hunger and thirst,
wanting and yearning. " This journey would be one
that would span Joseph's life as a Christian, a minister
and a student. His pursuit of biblical education began
by borrowing a Bible and devouring God's Word and
continues in his work as a pastor and LBC | Capital
graduate today.
Joseph came to the United States to pursue his
bachelor's degree at Beulah Heights University in
Atlanta. He was ordained there and eventually moved
to Lancaster where he completed his bachelor's
degree at LBC | Capital in 2017. He also started Streams
of Life Worship Center in Ephrata, Pa., a church
committed to " love [and] serve... people of all nations,
kindreds and tongues. " He earned his second degree
from LBC | Capital-a master's degree in Biblical
Studies-in 2019, then graduated with a bachelor's
degree in criminal justice this May. Joseph's multiple
degrees speak to his deep love of learning and his
conviction that an education rooted in the Bible not
only prepares him for his calling but equips him to live
out that calling in all dimensions of life and work, with
an " enlarged view of the world, " he says.
Joseph is passionate about using his growing
understanding of the U.S. justice system as an integral
part of his ministry. He has advised his congregants on
their legal rights and explained cases to them. Because
his congregation is made up primarily of refugees,
Joseph is a translator of sorts, interpreting the complex
and unfamiliar American legal system to members of
his church.
For instance, Joseph shared about a member of his
church who was stopped by police. The police officer
asked this church member to remain in his car, but
the man, misunderstanding the instructions, exited
the car. His limited understanding of both the English
language and the expectations of police in the U.S.
compromised his safety. Joseph was able to use this
opportunity to educate the man on how to interact
with law enforcement in the U.S. Joseph also worked
with a church member who had lost a significant sum
of money. She assumed it had been taken from her
by the bank, but Joseph explained the mechanisms
to safeguard her money that exist in this country. He
shepherded her through the process of determining
who had stolen from her and understanding what her
rights were.
Aware of his understanding of criminal justice, more
and more members of Joseph's church community
seek his help and advice. He is not only their minister
but also their counselor and their advocate. Joseph
sees his education as essential to his work in his
community, grounded in the very real needs of
his church members. In pursuing and applying his
education, Joseph fulfills God's mandate in Isaiah 1:17:
" Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's
cause. "
Not only have Joseph's criminal justice courses better
equipped him to serve members of his church, but
they have also deepened his insight into issues of
justice and God's commands and laws in the Bible.
In fact, Joseph believes that criminal justice courses
should be part of biblical education programs for all
ministers. Joseph also has a special passion for adult
education. He's firmly convinced that his learning is
deeper because he was an adult student and that
class discussions and experiences are enriched by
the learning that occurs in a community of adults.
For the Shilalos, an LBC education is a family affair.
Joseph's wife, Tabitha ('22), is currently pursuing an
undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies, and his son,
Jesse ('25), is a Sport Management major.
Joseph is a man of remarkable integrity. His work
in the virtual classroom is his work in his church
community. What he learns from his professors
becomes a gift to his congregants. In Joseph's life,
there is no distinction between biblical education and
his calling as a pastor and leader. Joseph represents
the very best that a sound biblical education in the
global context has to offer.
Learn more about the criminal justice program at LBC |
Capital at lbc.edu/criminal-justice.
In pursuing
and applying
his education,
Joseph fulfills
God's mandate
in Isaiah: " Learn
to do good; seek
justice, correct
oppression; bring
justice to the
fatherless, plead
the widow's
cause. "
- Isaiah 1:17
ECHO 51ECHO 9
http://www.lbc.edu/criminal-justice
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