Pastor Hur has been serving the Temecula community at Calvary Love Church for the past four years. Recently, KAYO Littles had the privilege of sitting down with him to discuss his journey growing up as a pastor’s son abroad, his experiences with identity, and his vision for the Korean-American community.

Q: Could you briefly introduce Calvary Love Church? What makes it unique?

A: Calvary Love Church is a Korean-American church formed by the successful merger of two congregations: Jesus Love Church and Temecula Calvary Church. We have both English and Korean ministries, and we place a very strong emphasis on unity. Our ability to bring two different communities together as one is what truly defines us.

Q: Why did you choose Temecula as your place of ministry?

A: It was entirely about God’s calling. Before the call came, I didn’t even know Temecula or Murrieta existed. I received the call from the church during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and I followed that path here.

Q: What are the benefits of being a bilingual pastor?

A: Being bilingual allows me to reach a much broader audience. It enables me to communicate effectively with different generations and cultural backgrounds within the church.

Q: What is the one thing you hope never changes at Calvary Love Church?

A: I hope we never let go of our Korean identity and our core religious values. It is vital that we cherish and maintain our heritage even as we grow.

Q: How does the church support the local community and Korean-American families?

A: We act as a hub for the Korean community. We provide space for people to host meetings, conferences, and various temporary events. We want our church to be a welcoming center for everyone.

Q: Do you notice a difference between the youth in Temecula and those in your previous ministries?

A: Yes. The children here are more innocent, and there are fewer major distractions, allowing them to focus more on their education. However, they are also less exposed to Korean culture compared to youth in larger metropolitan areas.

Q: How does Temecula differ from other places where you’ve served?

A: I previously served in large cities with heavy traffic and massive churches. Temecula is different—it is smaller, but the community is very tight-knit. People know each other well and look out for one another. I also appreciate how safe the area is and I personally enjoy the dry weather here.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of the Temecula community?

A: I hope for the community to build a solid foundation while remaining the safe and welcoming place it is today.

Q: How do you see your role as a leader in the community?

A: I don’t necessarily see myself as a “role model.” Instead, I view my role as a “bridge” between the younger and older generations within the Korean community.

Q: What values should the younger generation cherish, and how can they practice them?

A: The older generation often stays rooted in their original ways, while the young adapt quickly to new trends. We must keep communicating. I want the younger generation to remain adaptive and willing to learn, while firmly holding onto their Korean identity.

Q:Many young Korean-Americans experience a sense of confusion regarding their identity between two cultures. Since you also spent your childhood abroad, you might have had similar experiences. Could you recommend a book that might inspire young people to discover their roots and their mission in life?

A: I spent my teenage years in India, where I also faced my own identity crisis. I recommend the Bible and The Joy Luck Club. The Bible addresses many of life’s dilemmas, and The Joy Luck Club is an excellent exploration of identity crises and how to overcome them.

Through this interview, we felt Pastor Hur’s deep love for the community and his desire for true connection. He shared a special hope that KAYO would take the lead in hosting events that bring the entire Korean community together—much like the passionate joint cheering rallies held during the World Cup. He believes such events are essential for building a unified spirit among us. Most importantly, Pastor Hur promised that he would be more than happy to help and support KAYO whenever we decide to organize such meaningful events for the community. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Pastor Hur for taking the time to speak with us and for his warm encouragement. His dedication to being a bridge for our community gives us great hope for the future.