Come and See: A Window into the Crosswalk Lock-In

Energetic music filled the main sanctuary of Metro Church on a late Friday night as college students from across the Greater Philadelphia region gathered for a two-day Crosswalk College Fellowship lock-in. When the double doors opened, groups danced into the room to the song of their choice, and screams and laughter echoed as everyone cheered them on. It was just a snapshot of the greater celebration they meditated on that weekend.

The theme, “Come and See,” was rooted in John 2:1-11, which tells of Jesus’ first miracle: turning water into wine. Both Pastor Donny Cho and Pastor Joshua Kim walked the group of nearly 50 students through the passage, revealing how Jesus is the true bridegroom, the true wine, and the true master of the banquet. They learned that Jesus not only saved the celebration through his miracle, giving all the credit to the bridegroom, but also ensured the feast would last, pointing to eternal life. Pastor Donny preached that as Jesus performed his first miracle, he was simultaneously looking ahead to his own wedding day, with the church as his bride.

“One thing I will always remember from the lock-in is Pastor Donny’s sermon about Jesus’ wedding day. I loved the new perspective on Jesus’ first miracle at Cana,” said fourth-year Drexel student Kobi Ojideh.

Crosswalk Fellowship Director Pastor Andrew Pae also hosted a Q&A with Pastor Josh, giving students an opportunity to submit anonymous questions about deep issues in the world, personal relationships, and the role of faith in daily life.

“Pastor Josh explained [what it means to live] gospel-centered lives and how, when it comes to things like politics and relationships, we should base all our decisions on what the Word says,” said first-year Jefferson student Adelaide Boaduwaa.

The students gathered in small groups throughout the church to discuss the takeaways and applications of the lessons they heard.

“The time I spent at the lock-in taught me about finding a home with new people. In my small group, I met new sisters who were so warm, and I grew more in God’s Word,” expressed third-year Jefferson student Anna Mwita.

What is a celebration without food? Freshly made waffles and tubs of ice cream were devoured as Friday night stretched on, and the banquet provided a boost of energy to play games and grow closer with others. Students taught each other how to play Mafia, Codenames, Nertz, Spoons, Settlers of Catan, and more, filling the atrium with shrieks of friendly competition.

Pastor Andrew reflected, “My favorite moment of the lock-in was our Friday evening feast after worship. Crosswalk Fellowship consists of a diverse group of people. Yet I saw how, through the teaching of the Word and the love demonstrated by both leaders and members, people of different backgrounds came together. It was beautiful.”

“I saw all of the students from different campuses and community groups really unifying for the first time at the lock-in.”

“I saw all of the students from different campuses and community groups really unifying for the first time at the lock-in. I hope that this fellowship can continue to grow in community dependence and a greater love for Christ,” said third-year Temple student Emily Shin.

Along with fun activities, the cozy setting of the night allowed for deeper conversations and lasting connections.

“From 2:30-5:00AM, a guy and I who are from completely different backgrounds and hadn’t spoken much before lay side-by-side on the floor of the Keller room and discussed our testimonies, our fears, our prayers, and our dreams,” said first-year Jefferson student Max Hickethier.

The Crosswalk Fellowship worship team, comprised of current college students and alumni, led the group in song, including “All I Have is Christ” and “I Want to Know You.” The set was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the lock-in’s core passage.

St. Joe’s sophomore Emily Cho reminisced about a song she sang at the lock-in. “My favorite lyric came from the song ‘Son of Suffering’: ‘Your cross, my freedom. Your stripes, my healing. All praise, King Jesus. Glory to God in heaven!’” She elaborated, “Jesus’ suffering became our greatest gift, and I think this song encompasses that so beautifully.”

Testimonies from past and present students of Crosswalk Fellowship provided a closer look into the intimate journeys of their faith. They reflected on how their undergraduate years were unlike any other season of life, especially in an urban setting like Philadelphia, noting that college campuses remain in deep need of God.

Drexel graduate Esther Lee shared her personal story on how she found a home at Crosswalk during college. “One thing that really stuck with me was the hearts of our pastors here at Metro, which one of our members had shared: they don’t love you because of what you do, how you look, what you’ve achieved, or what you can give. They love you because God first loved them.”

“[Jesus] accepts us as we are, but because he loves us, he doesn’t leave us as he finds us.”

She continued, “I realized home isn’t a place to remain passive and comfortable. A biblical home consists of a calling to be the Lord’s children, to be faithful to him, to obey, and to love others. Relationships go both ways, and Jesus never gives up on us. He accepts us as we are, but because he loves us, he doesn’t leave us as he finds us.”

It was bittersweet when the lock-in came to a close: although it was time for the weekend to wrap up, students left with renewed perspectives on their relationships with Jesus and the church. The next time they would see one another would be the following morning for Sunday worship.

“I’ll always remember feeling at home. As Pastor Andrew closed us in prayer before dismissal, I felt God nudging at my heart, reminding me that I am meant to be here at Metro. I felt very emotional in that moment, and I could feel tears of joy welling up in my eyes. The memories I’ve made at the lock-in will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful to call Metro home,” said second-year Drexel student Estelle Kim.

“The memories I’ve made at the lock-in will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful to call Metro home.”

Pastor Andrew concluded, “My hope [for Crosswalk Fellowship] is that as people continue their journeys, they will come to know the Father intimately, and Metro will be a home away from home for them. Jesus has given us full access to God so that we can find the peace and joy of being home wherever we are, for God is always near and always present. Yet we often live as if we have to earn our place with God or look for home somewhere else. My prayer is that students will not only experience the comfort and thrill of being at home in our church, but also the joy of taking on the responsibility of being a part of our community. Welcoming others to a home where they can find Christ is our mission and calling.”

If you’re a college student in the Philadelphia area looking for community or a place to explore faith, Crosswalk College Fellowship would love to meet you. Whether you’re new to church or simply searching for a place to belong, we invite you to come and see what God is doing among students at Metro.

Learn more about Crosswalk and how to get connected here:
https://www.metrophilly.org/crosswalk/