I am writing my thoughts for this past month as I sit in my recliner back in Memphis .  I returned to the States just three days ago.  Jetlag is still doing its work on me, but I still remember clearly the events of November in the "Land of Morning Calm." 

DEATH OF MY LANDLORD

SPECIAL DINNERS TO ADVERTISE K.C.U.

Since Korea Christian University is one of the smallest colleges in Korea, the administration and staff of the school are always looking for the best means to help advertise the school.  In November, the school hosted 4 promotional dinners across the city.  At each dinner, 50 influential high school teachers from various high schools in Seoul and neighboring cities were treated to not only a wonderful buffet meal, but were presented with information about the school, and its benefits to future students.  The different heads of the departments of Bible, Social Welfare, Music, and Information Management each gave a 3-5 minutes presentation of their programs.  The school also asked me to say something about my role as the new Director of the International Exchange program.   I was glad to do this, but became nervous when they told me I needed to say everything in Korean.   To help me over this hurdle, Professor Byung Ha Moon wrote a little script for me.  After spending multiple hours rehearsing it, I presented it at 3 of the 4 dinners (I had to teach an evening class during one of them).   Despite a few mistakes at pronunciation, everyone assured me that they understand what I said.  Whew!!!

K.C.U. reaches out to brotherhood schools

My new role as the International Director is to attempt to bring new talent to Korea to help in the work of training better leaders for the Korean churches.   In November, I made the initial contact with Church of Christ colleges, universities and preacher training schools in America.   Below is a copy of my first e-mail:

11-24-03

Hi from Korea Christian University . This is the first of what I hope can be a productive conversation between our two schools.  Korea Christian University has been blessed in recent years with growth and the addition of new departments.  The original Bible school (begun in 1958) has now expanded into a multi-disciplinary university that includes departments in Biblical Studies (Bible/Mission), Social Welfare (Child Welfare/Social Work), Music (Vocal, Composition, Piano), Information and Technology Management and the Liberal Arts.  We also have a graduate program in Biblical Studies, Social Welfare and Education.  Yet, there is still so much more we can do.

Korea is strategically positioned as the gateway to all of Asia , more than half the population of the earth.  We are humbled at the opportunities and challenges that are before us.  Our motto since the school’s inception has been Paul words to Timothy, “The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2).   We are therefore committed to training our students to be effective Christian witnesses in whatever field they choose as their career.   

My position with KCU is that of the Director of International Exchange.  In that regard, I want to work with our brotherhood schools in America to not only let them know that KCU is still here, and ask for your prayers, but also to help initiate mutual programs of exchange.  In the near future, I envision the sharing of talented faculty, students, as well as ideas. 

Korea is small.  Compared to other universities and schools, KCU is very undersized for the task at hand.   Yet, we believe the words of scripture that remind us to share each other’s burdens, and a cord with more than one strand is not easily broken   I am convinced that working together, we will see some amazing results, and the Lord will be glorified.  What do you think?   Let’s keep in touch about this.  I will write you again soon.  Next month, I will be in the States, and may have a chance to stop by your school.

Until then,

God bless you and your work,

Don

Already many schools have responded.   In December, during my time back in the States, I will attend a conference in Dallas , Texas for other directors of International programs in our brotherhood schools.  Hopefully, we can learn a lot from each other, and find ways to mutually bless each other’s work.  Pray for this direction.

FINAL CLASSES AT K.C.U.

If October disappeared in two blinks of an eye, November vanished after only one blink.  It was perhaps the busiest month since I have been in Korea.  Not only did I begin my new work as the Director of International Exchange, I also continued to teach my four classes at KCU:  Gospel of John, Revelation, Paul’s Letters (part two), and the Acts of the Apostles.   The book of Acts was a special challenge in getting Paul through all of his mission journeys and then on to Rome before the end of the semester.  I prayed often for God’s guidance in communicating this special message to many young lives in Korea.   So far, the response has been better than I have expected.

"DON AND VICKI" dialogues remain alive.

Although the last Bible English broadcast on CBS radio was aired November 10, too many people have seen the value of not only the bi-lingual "Power for Today" publication, but also the Don and Vicki dialogues which accompany the thought for each day.   When I first heard this news, I was surprised that so many had found value in this.  I was even more surprised to discover that BCC has decided to continue to run the daily Don and Vicki dialogues on its internet site.   If you can maneuver through the foreign text, you will find our daily dialogues at www.bible.or.kr

B.C.C. AND A NEW CHURCH PLANT

The Bible Correspondence Center is entering a new phase in its history.   Recently, through the generous donations of many Christians here in this country and in America , it was able to purchase some valuable land in Seoul .   Presently, this property contains two small houses, both in need of repair.   The current plan is to repair these two houses and rent them until more donations come which can allow the construction of BCC’s own building on the same property.  Now, BCC rents its own office space in the southern part of Seoul .  With the new building, not only will there be adequate space for offices, but also classroom and worship facilities and even an apartment for visiting teachers.   Please pray that construction of this facility can begin soon.

  We are still contemplating the start of a new congregation of the Lord’s people in Seoul in the first of next year.   I have reflected about this a lot, and what it will mean to begin another church in the city.   A church is so much more than just a group that meets together for worship on Sunday.   In the New Testament, Paul says only a little about the Sunday experience.  He says a lot more about what the church is and does for the rest of the week.   With this in mind, our aim for this new congregation will to provide a biblical setting for worship and instruction of the Word of God, but also provide a place of connection, where many lives can support each other and help each other to grow spiritually in a fallen world.  If we have any degree of success at this at all, it will only be because the Lord will be behind it.   This is our prayer.

  On December 7, I flew home again.   I hope to see many of you soon.  God bless you, your families and all of your plans.  May God keep you in His care.