Nov., Dec., 2007

Text Box: YEAR ENDS AT HANMEE CHURCH OF CHRIST We have inaugurated a new tradition at our church in Seoul.    This past year, the Lord led more people our way, and 7 of these put on the Lord in baptism.   So, on December 9, during our worship time, we brought these 7 people to the front, one by one, and gave them each a new Korean-English Bible.   It was good for all of us to think about their new beginnings and remember our own initial commitment to the Lord.   We also committed ourselves to helping these new Christians to keep growing, and be a real family to them.    Following our fellowship meal time (by the way, it was my turn to help with a side dish, so I brought some delicious Clam Chowder, made by Campbells), we had a congregational meeting to plan for the new year.   It was encouraging to see almost everyone stay and participate.   It was even more encouraging to see people volunteer to help in such areas as: producing a church directory, organizing participants for Sunday worship, teaching new Bible classes, and promoting meetings across the city during the week to encourage each other.   BUSY SEMESTER AT KCU Whew!  The fall semester flew by faster than any of my falls so far.  Maybe it was because I taught 5 different courses, instead of my usual four.   Maybe because at my age, people always say that time moves faster.  Anyway,  it felt good to wrap up the semester and give the final exams to my students in “Early Church: History and Thought,” “New Testament Church,”  “General Letters,” “Bible Geography,” and “Acts of the Apostles.”   Of course, one of the thrills of teaching is the communication of knowledge to real people, and to know that once in awhile what is taught may actually be sticking.   A year or so ago, I told you the story of one student that visited the American professors often in the International Zone.   In case you have forgotten, this is an area on the fourth floor of our main building where students can find a native English speaker waiting to help them with any English question, tutor them and help them refine their English skills, or even be available to answer questions about life.    A student came several times last year, always feeling depressed, and spoke more than once about killing himself.   I tried to encourage him the best I could, but I also referred him to some Bible faculty and to our school chaplain who might best know how to help him.   Now this semester, this young man is in 3 of my Bible classes, and became the best of all my students, usually scoring the top score in the class in both the mid-term and final exams.   PASSING OF NAH WOO KIL It was during my days as a young students at Abilene Christian University when my attention first turned to Korea and their spiritual needs.   I first met Nah Woo Kil, a graduate student from Korea, in 1974, and we became quick friends.   He shared with me many times his hopes and dreams for his nation, and encouraged me to consider coming to Korea as a missionary or teacher in the future.   Later, Woo Kil would serve as best man in my wedding in 1980.  Finally, in 1982, Vicki and I accompanied him to Korea for a one month gospel campaign in 3 major cities in South Korea.   It was a joy to continue to work with him on many occasions during short trips to Korea to teach at the 2 week Bible Winter School in Seoul.   Several years later, Woo Kil asked me to perform the marriage ceremony of his son and future daughter-in-law.  I was very honored to do this.   For the past several years, Woo Kil had been living in Alexandria, Virginia, in a secular job, but also continuing his work with a Korean congregation in the area.    I had the pleasure of visiting his congregation when he invited me to speak at a 3 day gospel meeting there.   Thus, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my Korean friend and brother this fall.   He was only 64 years old, and leaves behind his wife and 3 children.   He also leaves behind an enduring legacy of his own labors among Korean people for the cause of Christ, whether in his own country, or his newly adopted one, the United States.  He  was a deep influence on my life.   All of us miss him, and are praying for his family.     BACK IN THE STATES I am now sitting in the comfort of my recliner in my home in Memphis, typing these words on my laptop, about to finalize the report and post it on the web.  I returned here on December 11, after the usual long flight across the ocean, over Alaska, Canada and finally re-entering U.S. air space over North Dakota and landing in Chicago.   Vicki and I look ahead to our travels during the holidays and a chance to visit with many of you.   We are hoping that you can find time to stop by Memphis and enjoy a meal or two with us.  We know some great Korean restaurants in our area.   God bless you where you are, especially during the holiday season.           Home