Report from Chungju, South Korea

Blessings from Chungju Baptist Church in Chungju, South Korea.
Pastor Bae Jung Sik and his wife, Kim Hong Soon.
I am sitting at their computer at the church office. Their love for Jesus is infectious.
They really do pray without ceasing.
We just came in from going to homes and businesses all over their city. Many people made professions for Christ as tears flowed and broken lives healed before our eyes.
There are so many stories to tell you, but let me just say for now, God is in control and the fields are ripe here.

Our team really does feel your prayers.
We are getting the royal treatment here as well. The Korean people are FAR MORE gracious and giving than Americans in general, even compared to southern hospitality. We have been shown kindness beyond what we could have imagined. We are humbled by it. We have been told it is their custom to show this love, respect, and kindness to all their guests. That is really hard to fathom. We could learn a lot from them.
Bro. Tommy preached a wonderful and encouraging sermon yesterday on Hebrews 12:1-3. It was well received.
I was asked to teach and talk about learning English last night here at the church.
The team looked at me and said that God had a plan for me to be here all along since that was my emphasis of study in the master's program at the U of M.
Pastor Bae has prayed for his vision of someone coming to serve here that knows English and could teach his congregation. He believes it is part of the empowerment of his people, and that they value God, family, learning, education, and honor above all things. Those are not just words. It is very evident in all they do and say.
We have fallen in love with them.
We had traditional Korean food yesterday and today for lunch (I can't wait to share some pictures and those stories too), but last night we were taken to Dunkin Doughnuts (owned by a church member) and tonight we have requested Pizza Hut. So, we are eager to get some American food, although we have heard that octopus and squid pizza are popular here. (Pray for our stomachs :))
I will check back in with you all tomorrow. Please keep us and this church in your prayers as we serve Jesus Christ.

Wink