Oct/Nov Report 2006

Text Box: As I give final exams this week, I have a little time to spend with you and reflect on some of the things that have been going on here this fall.   First, for those who always ask the weather questions:  Korea has 4 definite seasons.   This week, winter seems to have unofficially arrived.  I have heard about the huge winter storms in the United States this week.   We have had nothing like that yet here, but the temperature has dropped significantly since a few weeks ago.  This past Sunday morning, the temperature was a balmy 16 degrees (Fahrenheit),  -8 (Centigrade).   My apartment’s ondol floor heating system continues to provide a warm environment.  Koreans developed the “ondol” floor centuries ago.  The idea is to send several pipes beneath the floor, and circulate hot water or steam through them, creating a great warm surface on which to place your feet first thing in the morning.   Now on to a few more significant matters: CLASSES AT KCU My classes here at the University continue to go well.  Somehow I managed to put some thoughts together for my surprise class, Understanding the Bible.   You may recall this was the course I was asked to teach just 5 days before it was to begin.   I felt especially humbled as well as apprehensive about this topic.  Not that I could find nothing to say, but that this was a required course for non-Bible majors, many of whom were not Christians and had no church background of any kind.   My friend, Yang Sang Yong, was especially helpful in letting me use the Korean translation of one of the basic Bible courses used in the Bible Correspondence Center as a major reading assignment in the class.  On Monday evenings, I have been teaching Revelation (I think this is the third time I have taught it here).   Even though I announced in class, as well as in the written syllabus, that the text for the course will be the Bible (NIV English translation), one female student has never brought a Bible to class.  Since I have an extra NIV, I have decided to give it to her.   Paul’s Letters (Romans and Galatians) was also a new course for me to teach.  Paul’s major problem in both letters seems to have been the disunity issue.   These first century recipients were involved in churches composed of at least two very different cultures (Jew and Gentile).   Paul’s methodology, asking both groups to concentrate fully on Jesus as the only way to secure salvation, is as timely for Americans or Koreans in any generation.   A VISITOR AT MY DOOR Last week, I answered my ringing doorbell.  I opened it to see a face that I had met a few days earlier.  I quickly searched my mind trying to reminder where I had seen this person.  Then the memory rushed back.   This was a lady I had met on the street a week or so earlier.  She had been passing out religious tracts to pedestrians.   She had given me an English tract about keeping the Passover to escape the future plagues that God would send on the world.  So, at the door, she was as surprised to see me as I was to see her.  Her first words were, “Oh, you live here?”   She spoke passable English, and we engaged in a biblical discussion for a moment or two.   She seemed in earnest that I understand her message, so I invited her inside to talk more.  My apartment mate was also home, so I felt it was okay to ask her inside.   I went to my room to get my Bible, so I could follow what she was saying, and point out to her some scriptural answers.    Apparently, she comes from a group calling themselves, “Church of God,” though not the traditional Church of God as they are in Korea or in America.   Their beliefs are more like Seventh Day Adventists, believing in a Sabbath worship for Christians.   A little different from 7th Day people is that they also espouse a strong belief in keeping the Passover, and a belief that the Holy Spirit is our mother, and even is named in Scripture.   She pointed to Galatians where Sarah is called “our mother.”    As we discussed the Bible more, it was becoming obvious that her strongly held belief system was not to be rattled by anything I said.   She finally left, asking me to please visit their service sometime.    After she left, I went to the group’s English website.  If you are curious, you can also view it at http://english.watv.org.   One of the items on this site is about a 3 page explanation of why they are not a cult.    Koreans are indeed, searching for truth.  It is too bad that groups such as these are becoming the depository for such seekers.   Pray for me that I can always have ready and biblical answers for anyone seeking the Lord.  HANMEE CHURCH OF CHRIST Our little group has made some significant gains this fall.  We have begun 3 new classes.  One is an adult Bible class in Korean.  The other is a Children’s Bible class in English.  Both of these classes meet at 10 am.   Following our worship time and fellowship meal, we also have a singing class, taught by Ronda Everson, to help our members learn new songs.    Being in a foreign country, it is easy to just use traditional American methods, without even considering the effect on those in the host country.   A few weeks ago, we discussed the passing of the collection plate during our worship service.   We Americans have done this since we were children, and maybe even assume that Christians in first century Antioch did it the same way.   Upon closer reflection, and discussion with some Koreans, I came to realize that this method is strange for Koreans.   Korean churches typically have a box located in the back of the assembly room where members place their contribution either before or after the service.  This way, the Koreans feel their giving can be in private (no one needs to see how much or how little they are able to give).    Sometimes different cultural procedures can confuse or even disturb local members.   A mission professor once said, “No one should have to cross a cultural barrier to get to Jesus.”   To conclude, we decided at our last business meeting to begin using the Korean box as our method of collecting the contribution for the Lord’s work here.   A box has now been ordered from a Christian company and should arrive this week sometime. We also look for better ways to let people know we are here.   Two months ago, several of us after a Sunday service passed out flyers in the neighborhood, announcing our free English Bible class on Sunday mornings.   We received not one visible response.   At our last business meeting, we decided to advertise ourselves through the modern media of CD/DVD.   We are now in the process of creating a CD/DVD which will explain to people who we are, as well as give some samples of a cappella singing and worship.   We can produce these for about 40 cents a copy.    People are less likely to throw a CD away, and we hope will spend a moment or two looking at it in the comfort of their own home.   We also intend to put a mirror in the elevator of our building.  Many things are advertised this way in Korea with just a few words in the corner of the mirror.   We are located on the seventh floor of an office building.  On other floors are a pharmacy, internet game area and other businesses.   We feel that throughout the week, hundreds use our elevator, and would notice our unobtrusive, yet important message, during every trip to the pharmacy, game room, etc. GOD PROVIDES God continues to provide.  You, of course, are one of the means of his provision.   Through your prayers and financial assistance, I receive the benefits of God’s grace.   I have also found provision on the streets and alleys of Seoul.    Last spring I mentioned the Korean custom of upgrading furniture whenever possibility.   When a new purchase is made, the old item (big or small) is left on the streets to be picked up (either by a refuse collection truck, or by another person in need).   So far, I have found almost 70 percent of my apartment’s furniture on the street.  This fall, I found a gorgeous lacquer finish tall chest of drawers.   This was the style back in the 1970s and 80s.  Koreans these days think it is old fashioned and outdated.   I think it is gorgeous.   Here is a picture of the one I found on the street.   It had been used a lot, and was not in perfect condition (even missing two door handles), but in great shape enough to take back to my place and use.    Then, just yesterday, I found two huge wardrobes on the street and with the help of brother Yang’s versatile van, was able to get it home.  Likewise, they have a few defects, but are still fully functional and beautiful.  Since I have been here, I have been putting my clothes on an open clothing rack.  It felt good last night to finally get them inside a wardrobe and out of sight.   FACULTY HIKE Since our school is small, and because every faculty is a Christian, we feel like we are working alongside family.  Last month, several of us faculty went on a Saturday hike up a small mountain about 90 minutes from Seoul.   The weather and the view that day were great.  Here you can see some of us posing at the top. HEADING BACK TO THE STATES In less than a week, Lord willing, I will be back on American soil.   Though the work here is rewarding as well as enjoyable, I have missed my family and many of you.   I am thankful for the needed breaks from teaching.  I will continue to work on some projects for KCU while in the States, such as seeking more cooperative agreements with other sister schools, travel to a few places, and enjoy Christmas with my family.   May God bless each of you during this wonderful holiday season. "I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, "  Philippians 1:3-5           Home