We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abigail Ryu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Abigail, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I had made the bold decision to study abroad, knowing no English, no family, no friends—just me and God. All I wanted was to explore what America had to offer. Yet, in that classroom, all I could think was, *“Wow… I’m completely lost.”* I’ve always loved participating—asking questions, listening to others’ perspectives, and sharing my own thoughts. But the language barrier felt like a massive wall blocking me from everything I loved. I couldn’t understand a single word. So, I focused on asking questions—lots of them.
Every day, I drew five small circles at the top of my textbook, promising myself I’d check them off by the end of the day. And I did, with all broken English. I didn’t even know what I was asking, but I still did. I asked something everyday! The confidence that I had was very interesting, because it was not from myself. I still felt scared, worried, and terrified to say something wrong. But the confidence that I had, looking back from now, had to be God, who loved me so much. Even when I felt so low and bad about myself.
Fast forward to now: telling people I didn’t speak any English just four or five years ago—and that my only study abroad experience before college was a year and a half—has become one of my favorite fun facts.
Taking the risk to come to America by myself, knowing nothing, was huge. But it was really the faith that made this huge risk worth it. Knowing who God said I am, and taking the little steps in front of me, in love.
Abigail, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Abigail Ryu, born and raised in South Korea, and currently studying Drama and Food Studies at New York University. I am also a certified storytelling coach, teaching both storytelling and languages—Korean and English. With countless blessings, I find myself part of many industries. My main focus lies in performing arts, commercial modeling, teaching, and college ministry. All of these passions are rooted in my identity, shaped by who God says I am according to the Bible.
One example of living out this calling is Home of Miracles (HOM), a global Christian youth community I founded at the beginning of this year. HOM highlights loyalty in God’s Kingdom, creativity, and the unique gifts each of us carries. Its mission is soul-winning and soul-development, inspired by Jesus’ call to make disciples and spread His love.
My purpose in life is to lead others to recognize their identity in Christ. I was once broken, greedy, selfish, and lost—but Jesus found me. When I accepted Him as my Lord, Savior, and Father, I discovered my true identity: I am a princess in His Kingdom! That’s a bold truth I live by. Whether it’s in the performing arts, the food industry, teaching, or any other field, the mission remains the same: bringing His divine nature and true identity in Christ to all who live.
What sets me apart is my drive to be a solution for the people I encounter. With Christ in me, failure is not an option—only victory and growth.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..” Romans 1:16. My drive is to be a solution for the people I encounter. With Christ in me, failure is not an option—only victory and growth. My creative journey of walking in this knowledge of God leads my creative journey Whether it’s in the performing arts, the food industry, teaching, or any other field, the mission remains the same: bringing His divine nature and true identity in Christ to all who live. Every creative choice I make—big or small, bold or subtle—aims to lead people to Christ and foster growth together in faith and purpose.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
When you understand that you are a princess or prince of the Most High, you gain the ability to love others in ways you couldn’t on your own. I take every audience seriously and sincerely pray for my followers, asking that they come to recognize their royal identity in the Kingdom of God.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailryu_/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/abigail-ryu-108079288
Image Credits
Ari Elgharsi, Ranen Chang, MJ, Shalom Kapadeh