About
About
Seekers began in 1970 with the vision of one New York University student, Ben Alicéa-Lugo. He had a vision of a cross-denominational, cross-cultural campus ministry sensitive to the needs of urban students. He shared this vision with the late David Wilkerson who directed him to his brother, Don Wilkerson, the Director of Teen Challenge. Don was impressed by Ben’s tenacity, and sent him Director Rev. Faith Brown of their Fox Street incarnational work CURE Corps.
Under Rev. Faith and Ben, Seekers grew like wildfire through the high schools and colleges of New York City. Over the years, the Seekers fellowships have ebbed and flowed with the flavor of the metro New York Church, yet one thing remains; Seekers is committed to student-run, cross-cultural campus ministry, centered on the Lordship of Jesus Christ. What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of one’s life? What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of a school? What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of the City?
Rev. Faith Lavon Brown
Rev. Faith Lavon Brown, the eighth of eleven children, was born in Richlands, Virginia, to Rev. Robert and Eunice Brown. She came to New York City in 1967 in response to a call for action from Rev. David Wilkerson. Rev. Faith led CURE Corps, a community outreach on Fox Street in the Bronx where drug addiction was rampant. It was through CURE Corps that she met Dr. Ben and Irma Alicea-Lugo, and joined them in the Seekers ministry which flourished under their leadership. Faith’s passionate love for the youth of this city was evident in her commitment to the Seekers fellowships on high school and college campuses. She was known for her radical call to cross-cultural ministry and the lordship of Jesus Christ. Faith went to be with the Lord in 1988, but left behind a strong legacy and foundation for Seekers to continue to grow and prosper to this day.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
We affirm the authority and inspiration of Scripture in all areas of the Christian faith and practice.
We affirm the Apostle’s Creed as a faithful confession of the Christian faith:
I believe in God Almighty and in Christ Jesus, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. Who was crucified under Pontius Pilate and was buried and on the third day rose from the dead. Who ascended into heaven and who sits on the right hand of the Father, whence he comes to judge the living and the dead. The remission of sins. The resurrection of the flesh. The life everlasting.
Our vision is:
Every School a Seekers Site, and every Student a Seeker!
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…” Matthew 6:33
TEAM
YeiJong Ahn
Pastor YJ’s family immigrated to the US when he was 2 years old and he has called NYC his home since. He first became involved with Seekers as a freshman at Bronx High School of Science, including serving as an intern for the Executive Director, Rev. Wendy Calderon Payne, and continued to be involved with Seekers in various capacities.
For more on YeiJong’s story, please click here.
Abigail Blackburn
Abigail grew up in Brooklyn, NY before moving to Far Rockaway, NY. She is a College of Mount Saint Vincent alumna and has a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Abigail was introduced to Seekers on her college campus and after graduating, went to work with Seekers in 2019.
For more on Abigail’s story, please click here.
Elaine Polsky
Elaine is a native New Yorker and grew up in Queens, NY. She loves the diversity of her hometown. She is currently enrolled as a student at CUNY Queens College; she is a firm believer that it is never too late to walk in the path that the Lord has set for you.
For more on Elaine’s story, please click here.
Nathalie Cuello Delancer
Nathalie was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She moved to the Bronx, NY at the age of ten. She is currently a junior at Lehman College, studying psychology.
For more on Nathalie’s story, please click here.
Rachael Kobusingye
Rachael was born and raised in Uganda. She came to believe in Christ at a very young age. She joined Seekers Uganda in 2009 and has been privileged to serve the youth in universities and high schools over the years.
For more on Rachael’s story, please click here.
Robine Jackson
Robine is a Brooklyn native with a passion for music, creativity, and positive impact. She studied Entertainment Technology at City Tech, where she initially became involved with Seekers.
For more on Robine’s story, please click here.
Emmanuel Mulinde
Emmanuel is a worship leader from Uganda with a passion for the youth, music and adventure. He was introduced to Seekers when Pastor YeiJong met him in Uganda, and he joined as staff in 2017.
For more on Emmanuel’s story, please click here.
Timothy Widjaja
Tim is the Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Church on Whitney Ave and Judge Street in Queens, NY. He is currently attending Alliance Theological Seminary. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Amanda, for the past four years.
For more on Timothy’s story, please click here.
Jonathan Ciriaco
Jonathan was born and raised in the Bronx, and is proud of his humble Dominican upbringing. He studied Operational Management at Baruch College and now has a media startup company called Beyond You.
For more on Jonathan’s story, please click here.