ARISE began over three decades ago from humble beginnings: a small group of college students with a shared heart to serve the youth from Korean churches across New England organized a joint summer retreat. What started as a desire to walk in faith together has grown into a ministry that now spans multiple generations, connects churches, equips leaders, and creates a safe space for the next generation to encounter God and grow in community.

Year after year, ARISE has witnessed students who encounter Christ at summer retreats return—not just to attend again, but to serve as counselors, praise leaders, and mentors to the next generation. In 2024, more than half of our young adult participants came back since the previous year in 2023, and the number of emerging adults who attended our Summer Retreat doubled in that same timeframe. We’re seeing a pattern of return and renewal that speaks to the reality of a generation that yearns for real relationship with God and with each other.

This renewal is also evident among today’s youth as well. In 2024, 35% of youth attendees returned from the previous year—the highest youth retention rate ARISE has seen since 2019. With many Korean churches of the New England area not always having the resources to host their own youth retreats, ARISE is committed to making summer retreats as accessible as possible for every student who desires to attend, regardless of their financial situation. However, we cannot do it alone.

As we prepare for this summer’s retreat, ARISE is facing the realities of rising costs. Since 2019, the per-student cost of attendance has increased by 18%. Yet, we remain committed to keeping registration fees stable so that finances never become a barrier for anyone—whether youth or young adults. We hope to continue to ignite the yearning that is rising in the next generation and sustain this renewal this summer and for many years to come. With this in mind, would you prayerfully consider supporting us so that ARISE can continue to serve, invest, and love the next generation?

Voices of Faith: Hear how ARISE has impacted members of our community!

Ep. 1: Ernest Kim

Ep. 2: Seongmin Nam

Ep. 3: Joseph Pang

Ep. 4: Rachel Mun

Thank you for your partnership with us.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration to donate to ARISE. We are so honored to be a part of this community with you. Your partnership and support makes all the difference for the next generation and sustaining faith in the Korean church. Follow updates on what we are doing here and be a part of our journey!

Partner with ARISE for Summer Retreat 2025: SEEN!

By ARISE Ministries

Partner with ARISE for Summer Retreat 2025: SEEN!

ARISE is a second-generation ministry for the Korean American second generation in the Korean churches of New England. We seek to love and serve the next generation of the Korean Church and create space to worship and grow together.