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. In late 2015, God called Pastor YJ to return to Seekers as the International Director, which he continues to serve as. His passion for the ministry continues to grow as he works with his amazing staff and remarkable student leaders year after year. He has a special love for his family, particularly his nephews and niece; and the local church, with whom he spends his free time.
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. Abigail is married to her lovely husband Vincent Blackburn, as of 2020. Her favorite hobbies are listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and watching movies.
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.
Elaine initially participated in the Seekers club at Francis Lewis High School in the late 90’s. Over 2 decades later, she is proud to be a part of Seekers staff and support their student leaders. In addition to being a part of this blessed organization, she is a mother of 2 wonderful kids. When life gives her a moment to break away from her responsibilities, she loves to bake.
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. She got involved with Seekers when she began her first semester at Bronx Community College back in 2019. She became president of the club at BCC and led it for two and a half years. Now she is interning with Seekers, doing the wonderful mission of supporting and encouraging students to seek God. She loves writing, singing, music, and dance.
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. Currently, she serves as a missionary with Seekers New York.
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. She had the opportunity to serve the club as worship leader, treasurer and ultimately president. In 2018, she became a Seekers staff member and has happily remained ever since. She is married to her best friend and high school sweetheart, Angel.
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. He currently resides in Staten Island, NY. He loves to swim, ice skate, eat new foods, and write songs.
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.The Lord has blessed them with a beautiful baby named Zoe Amaris. He loves Jesus and His church, he loves his wife and baby, and he loves fishing even though he doesn’t catch anything.
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. He started as a Seekers club member in college and is now part of staff. He uses his media knowledge to create engaging content for the students.
Jonathan values fellowship, Q&A’s, and always desires to create an environment where students are comfortable asking questions regarding their walk with Christ.
He is married and serves alongside his wife as a Young Adults Minister at his local church.