D.C. outreach part 2

The Circuit Riders outreach to Washington D.C. has been completed and the group has disbanded temporarily.  Many of the students have gone in separate ways in obedience to what the Lord has been asking of them.  In the last two weeks we have run hard after God and spreading the good news of Jesus.  We saw many people come to the Lord and also have seeds planted in their hearts.

Boldness came upon all of us as we shared the gospel and prayed for the sick.  During our time in D.C. we had a 40 hour straight prayer siege at the Supreme Court Justice building.  In the middle of the 40 hours the earthquake on the east coast hit.  It was also at the end of that week that Hurricane Irene had swept through.

It was an amazing time together in a group of 30 running hard after God and making His name great.

Here is a video on our time at Dupont Circle for worship and evangelism.

I am still paying off the outreach fees so  I am still in need of support.  You can donate here: http://goo.gl/9yldL.

Circuit Riders: Washington DC

Circuit Riders has taken a new turn and is now currently on outreach.  There are teams in Orange County, California, Washington D.C. and Alaska.  There has been so many testimonies about what God is doing

Here is a short video on our first life siege at the Supreme court.

You can help support the cause through prayer and donating here at:  http://goo.gl/9yldL.   Thanks again.

Funeral pictures.

These are the pictures of some of the times during the viewing and funeral service.  It feels kind of weird to post these but I think it will give a frame of reference to some of the things I described in my last post.

Explanations and favor

This is the first time I have experienced the formalities of a Korean funeral.  I don't think I was expecting to be this taken by it in this way. 



example picture, use one from

jjagun abpa



In my last post I uploaded a picture with captions saying I would be in a suit for 3 days.  Korean customs are very different than in America or the west.  Firstly, instead of having an open casket viewing for one day, we have two days from early morning to late night of people coming to pay their respects in a room with a memorial for the deceased.  A portrait is set in the middle with floral arrangements made around it.  The larger arrangements set around the room are from different churches and people.  People come into this room to pay their last respects to the deceased and the family.

The family of the deceased will dress in black.  The sons of the deceased wear a black and white ribbon on the left side signifying their sonship and later will add a white sleeve to the left arm with two black bands in the middle.  The grandsons wear a white sleeve on the left arm with a single black band in the middle.  The women wear a black hanbok (traditional clothing) with a small white ribbon in their hair on the left side.  Each symbolizing that they have lost a loved one and which gender and generation they belong to. 

The procession begins with honoring the dead and then being greeted by the family.  The family is then responsible to feed the guests.  Instead of people bringing food, the family caters to the people coming.  Usually the family would have to prepare all the food but thanks to the times we hired people for the catering.  The guests can stay as long as they like and they will sit, eat and talk for hours.  The family also stays fairly close to the body.  All of the things are happening in the lower level of a hospital.  We are also staying in the hospital in a seperate room.

The atmosphere during this time is actually very light.  For this viewing, it didn't feel like a death but more of a congratulations; a celebration that he made it into heaven.  Many people came and visited from church, distant relatives and friends of different members of the family.  As they visit, they sign in a guestbook and bring an envelope with money for the family that remains on earth.  In the sitting area, people catch up with one another, you can hear laughter and chatter as they reminicse about times in the past and new developments in life.

On the third day, we had a funeral service at church.  Anytime they moved the body, the first grandson, me, would carry the portrait in the arrangement leading the procession of people.  The picture, followed by the casket, and the rest of the people.  Traditionally and historically, they would bury the body near the house and the oldest son would build a tent around the grave and live their for three years.  But, we don't do that anymore.  We will be cremating the body, and since my grandfather was a Korean war veteran, his ashes will be stored at a memorial.

In all of this, one of the craziest parts was watching the hospital attendants dress the body.  It was a very solemn thing to watch but also very amazing.  The Lord's hand was really on it, giving us favor.  The head-dresser was an expert in his field.  He had dressed the body of two of the presidents of Korea who had passed away in recent years.  We didn't ask for a special dressing but they gave us special treatment.  I wish I could post the picture, but because of the family's request I will not upload it. 

As best as I can describe: The first layer of clothing was traditional clothing and then they would wrap the body tight in a layer.  The last layer was of royalty.  By the end he was mummified with a blue color with 12 crosses from the head to the middle signifying the 12 tribes of Israel.  There was a blue cloth folded over in ripples following the crosses down signifying crossing over the Jordan river into the promised land.  There is a crown at the head and feet woven into the cloth symbolizing the crown of life and three sets of cloth of 3 different colors under the crosses.  These 3 sets symbolize Father, Son and Spirit, and the colors represent faith, hope and love.  As they finished wrapping the body, the final knot was in the shape of a flower under the feet.  This symbolized the rose of sharon for the walking in eternity is better than what we have in this life.

And that about covers it for the funeral.  Its not the full explanation and there are some variations.  I'll post more pictures later.

A change in plans

As for Circuit riders....hold that thought.



Picture and floral arrangement
for the viewing



Last night, around 10:30 PM Korea time, my grandfather passed away.  Although it was the primary reason for me being here it came as a shock.  The wave of grief and mourning that came over my family shouldn't have been unanticipated.  When I first arrived I learned that my grandfather had been in a coma for a week and that he was slowly declining.  It was strange to have arrived in Seoul for a funeral when he had not yet passed away.  But if I had not come early, I would not have been able to see him before he died.  Korean tradition doesn't allow open caskets for the viewing so I won't be seeing his physical body again. 



My uniform for the next
3 days


My family was on 24 hour watch at the nursing home with him, so that someone would be with him when he would pass.  My dad's younger brother was at the home keeping watch when his heart rate slowly declined until there was no more pulse.  The rest of the family arrived about 5 minutes after he had passed.  His body was still warm but slowly losing heat.  To me it felt like he was still there, sleeping,  the reality of it still hasn't settled in me yet.  He was in a deep sleep before he passed and now it seems like a continuation of it.  In some ways it is but also its so very different.

On Saturday, we decided that we would all stay a little longer so that we could be here for the funeral, not knowing he was going to pass away when he did.  My original flight day was July 25 but I have extended my stay in Korea until the 31st of July.  The doctors said that my grandpa would have up to a week left but he passed 4 days after we had arrived. 

Now, for circuit riders:  I will be missing 2 weeks of a 5 week seminar.  I'm not fully sure if I should finish it out or if I should just return and be along side the school.  Either way as of now my flight still returns to Kona so I will have some time to decide.  I will also be missing the birthday celebration of my grandfather on my mother's side.  But in it all I know that the Lord has me here for a purpose beyond the funeral that I am not aware of yet.

Death and Life

After a week of being in Circuit Riders I have been pulled out and sent to Seoul, Korea for a family emergency.  It was expected but the timing was abrupt.  My grandfather on my father's side is in decline with his health and will be passing away soon.  When I first was told about his condition I was told he wasn't doing well but was stable.  Upon arrival I learned that he is in a coma and slowly slipping towards death. 

I didn't really know him before and its been about 3-4 years since I last saw him.  So I'm not sure how I feel or what to feel.  It is strange to see an old man lying in bed in a sleep-like state and slowly withering away.  Since the last time I've seen him, his muscles have atrophied and he is literally skin and bones.  He isn't gone yet so it seems very strange that I am here for his funeral.  But even in this, the Lord is good.  I'm not sure whether to pray for healing or for him to go and be with God.  So that is a strange feeling as well.

Next week, my grandfather on my mother's side will be celebrating his 90th birthday.  He's a methodist pastor and has an incredible story of life with the Lord.  I am closer to him and would like to be there for his birthday.  The family on my mother's side will all be there from his six daughters, a son, several grand childern and great grand children from all over the country.  At this point I'm not sure if I'll be able to go because of timing and money.  Hopefully I'll have a chance to see him as well.  I know that his time is short and I do not know how much longer he will be with us.

As for the school of the circuit riders.......

(I still need support for the school and other fees and living expenses.  You can donate through the U of N or through this link: Paypal. Thanks)

Meanwhile in Kona...

I want to write an update, I really do.  There is so much to tell but I don't know where to begin.

Firstly, it feels good to be back in community with people that I know.  Being surrounded in a community where the center of all that we do is Jesus has been refreshing and very life giving.  

Being back in Kona I have been plugging back in as Prayer room staff, leading worship and helping lead worship.  Since I arrived near the end of the quarter there has been less to do for responsibilities.  The quarter is winding down and students are leaving for outreach locations.  Staff are preparing for outreach and also for the next quarter.  

Starting July 7, the new quarter will begin and many students will arrive.  I will be a part of a seminar called Circuit riders.  The seminar is about returning to the simplicity of the gospel and going forth and sharing it.  Circuit riders in history were Methodist preachers that went on a circuit preaching the gospel all around the United States.  A very early example in Bible times is Paul the Apostle.  When Paul went on his missionary journeys he would travel on a circuit to towns and cities he had visited previously.

For more information on the school you can visit this link: School of the Circuit riders.

I am in the process of raising school fees and staff fees for this coming quarter.  If you feel led to partner with me you can through this link http://goo.gl/9yldL.  Thanks for your prayer and consideration.

In the mean time you can enjoy my little time at the beach:

Post-Sydney

I have made it to Kona, HI safely and by the grace of the Lord.  I honestly wasn't sure how long I would be in Sydney for.  I came with a one way ticket to Sydney just like I went to Israel and I didn't have enough money for my next plane ticket.

When I was in Sydney I stayed with a DTS student from the last school I staffed.  His family opened up their home to me generously.  Almost every morning we would go to early morning prayer.  A group of young Korean-Australians that graduated from DTS wanted to continue to pursue the Lord together in community.  After talking with their pastor, they were given time from 6am-8am every morning.  The group started small at about four people and it grew in weeks to forty to fifty people each morning.  These are the ones that will change the nation and history forever.  People came dressed for work and school so that after morning prayer they would leave to their respective places.

The most interesting part in all of this was the unity in congregation and leadership.  Of course people have their differences but they were able to look beyond their differences to unite around the name of Jesus.  Something I have observed is that the leadership in this particular church has released the young people to run after the heart of God by giving them room to practically do it.  The English-ministry pastor gave the keys to a separate building so that they could meet every morning for prayer.  The other component to this is that the fiery young men and women have submitted to the local church in service and leadership.  Without one of these parts, it would be very hard to function as a corporate body.

I was very blessed to be a part of the movement of God in Sydney.  It is very much still in its beginning phases but I believe will grow to be established as a core part of the city.  I was very privileged to be a witness and participant with this family.  As I was leaving it felt like I was leaving home and a piece of me was being left behind.  I think I'll becoming back again.

Sydney

I made it to Australia without any problems from the border control.  I really think that the one encounter I had in the UK has made me seriously paranoid about getting into another country.  It's been a week in the country and this is the first time that I have been able to really devote time to blogging.

My day has been packed with meeting different people and witnessing a new season for many people in Sydney.  I don't know what I was fully expecting with coming to this nation.  I feel like I felt that the majority of my time was going to be with Mathew and then some with the Korean people living in Australia but instead it was reverse.  I have been spending so much of my time with Korean-diaspora in Australia.  Witnessing the change in seasons and also the rising up of a generation.

God is doing something very special here.  I hope to elaborate very soon on some of the initiatives that have begun by young Korea-Australians.

Last day in Israel, really.

Inside nativity church in Bethlehem

I was wondering why the Lord would have me wait a couple extra days in Israel instead of taking off when I thought I would.  Maybe there is a big spiritual purpose and importance of me being in the land.  Or maybe God wants to do something even more out of the ordinary while I'm here.

Olive tree at or near the garden of
Gethsemane

But sometimes Yeshua likes to do the smallest things for his people because he loves them.  The first time I was in Jerusalem, which was about a week ago, I wasn't able to visit the Temple Mount or go to the garden of Gethsemane or to the top of the Mount of Olives.  It didn't bother me at all that I couldn't go but it was a shame for me to be so close and not have gone.

From the top of Mt. of Olives

Yesterday, I was able to go to Bethlehem and the church that is built around the supposed manger site.  Later that day I went to the Mount of Olives to another church built around the supposed garden where Yeshua came to pray with his disciples before he was betrayed by Judas. I say "supposed" because there are multiple sites where different groups claim Yeshua was.  Then I walked to the top of the mount where He ascended into heaven and will return one day.

Today I had a chance to go to the Temple mount where now a Mosque is built.  It's usually closed off to the public after 10 am for their prayer time so I started off early.  This is where the Temple of the Lord was built and destroyed and has not yet been restored.

All in all, thank you Yeshua for even orchestrating this small part so that I could see the Temple mount and Bethlehem.  It really has been a faith journey and you have been so faithful to me.

Back in Jerusalem for now.

Tonight I watched as my friends from this team left for Kona, HI.  For me this was it, all or nothing.  I felt like the Lord told me to go to the airport and try to get on a plane.  So I got in line to check-in but it's not like in the states and other nations where you can get in line and just check in, there is pre-security security.  They screen you so that people that aren't passengers can't get in.

First, they stopped me and then I went around to try and buy a ticket.  But a one way ticket just to Bangkok was $1500 and a round trip $1400.  Neither of which I could purchase.  So I got back in line and told them I was on my way to Bangkok, hoping that God would miraculously provide the ticket as I got to the check-in counter.

The airport authority was really nice to me.  They allowed me to be screened first and then they escorted me to a separate counter to check in because the flight was only an hour from departing.  Even when they couldn't find my name on the list they were very polite.  They told me they would watch my bags as I tried to call someone to figure out if it was the right airline, day, and time.  At this point I realized that it probably wasn't going to happen.  So I quietly prayed as I walked around the terminal and then grabbed my bags.

All day I was feeling weak from worry about how I would get to Australia, but now there was a strange peace that started to flood my spirit.  I knew that I did all that I could in obedience to what I felt the Lord was saying.  The team and I said our goodbyes and they went through security to get to their gate while I headed for the exit to get back to Jerusalem.

Now, so late in the night or early in the morning, I write with the encouraging words that I have a plane ticket to Sydney, Australia.  My friend Julie McManus saw my status on Facebook and bought my ticket with frequent flyer miles.  Praise the Lord.

I am still in need of a plane ticket to Kona.  Please continue to pray for me as I continue this journey.

If you would like to donate online you can do so here:  http://goo.gl/hPWTB.

Stuck in Israel

Night shot of Jerusalem

We have about 2 days left in the country of Israel.  In this last week we traveled around the country.  We walked around the Old city many times.  I had a chance to lead a worship time with a friend I met in the UK at a prayer house that looks out to Mt. Zion.  Before we left Jerusalem we were invited to another prayer house that is located in the City of David.  It was a really refreshing time as the people prayed for us and spoke life over us.

Kristi, me, Chantal, Shawna

Currently we are in a town called Carmi'el with some of Shawna's family and we are about to travel to Haifa.  We traveled to Haifa yesterday and visited one of the applicants to an upcoming school.  It was nice to meet a potential student before they even arrived in Kona.  The girls on the team have a flight out Sunday morning at 1 am back to Honolulu.  So we are glad to be together for the next 2 days.

As for me, I will be stuck in Israel.  Whenever I tell people I entered Israel with a one way ticket, they ask me how?  I guess I needed a round trip or exit ticket to get into the country but thanks be to God that I was able to come with a one way ticket.  The plane ticket I am looking to purchase is from Tel Aviv to Sydney.  I am trying to get to Sydney, Australia for a conference that my Rabbi friend Mathew will be speaking at.  Please continue to pray for me and the Journey God has put me on.  I am thankful for the prayer and support I have received so far and the help I will continue to receive.

So my time in Israel is coming to an end...or is it?

Yad Vashem

Israeli soldiers in front of the
museum's entrance

Today we went to the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.  I haven't really thought about it but I've visited a lot of memorials and museums that have to do with the holocaust.  When I lived in Germany I visited some concentration camps turned exhibits. One I remember that we went to was Dachau.  Last fall I went to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.  But this visit was very different from the other times.

Being in the country where the Jewish people came to after WWII was all too real and it hit home.  The re-population of Israel and the people in this country is a testimony of God's faithfulness to the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  The amount of suffering and persecution the Jewish people endured was unimaginable.  The pictures and stories of survivors were so heartbreaking.

The fire burns in memory of all who
perished in the Holocaust

One of the things I remember was that the Jews living in Germany had assimilated to German culture and then the people in the country turned on them leaving the people with an identity crisis.  I wonder what would happen if America one day just turned on Korean-Americans or Asian-Americans.  What kind of position would the second generation be put in?  Where would we place our identity?  If we say we are Americans, our own country is persecuting us and if we say Korea or Asian, we are labeled to be persecuted.  But this was a reality for Jewish-Germans and as time went on for the Jews in the surrounding nations.

The stone structure quotes
Ezekiel 37:14

The museum was very intense with Israeli students and soldiers also going through the exhibit to learn about their history and learning again about where the world fell short.  It was hard to swallow the fact that the church had started antisemitic behavior because they wouldn't convert to "Christianity".  Hitler would later use this as not just a religious position but a racial one.  The surrounding nations failed to let the Jewish people in their nations as refugees for many, many years.  Then following the refusal, certain groups joined in the persecution.  Even the USA refused refugees at the beginning of the Holocaust.

But there was redemption for the nations.  Finally, starting with Denmark I believe, the nations started turning to aide the Jews to hide them and protect them from being taken to concentration camps.  And there will be redemption for the church as we walk together as one new man.

At the end of the exhibit they have a room of names.  It is a circular room with volumes of books.  These books are filled with the names of the people who died in the Holocaust.  This is not a small room and the books are not thin, its purpose is to not forget what happened so that it will not happen again.

Say cheese.

These are just a few pictures we took in Tel Aviv.  

Ocean front

From left to right: Kristi, Shawna, Chantal, and me

The building with the tower is St. Peters church

Kite surfers at the beach

Sunset

Yerushalayim

Just arrived in Jerusalem about an hour ago from Tel Aviv.  It was an hour drive in a schrute.  A schrute is like a shuttle system that seats about 13 passengers.  I already feel a connection with the land here and it seems that there are different people that say maybe we'll meet in Jerusalem. 

Earlier today we went to Netanya.  We met up with a congregation that also does work as a distribution center for holocaust survivors.  From about 9am to 9pm we set up tables and things we would give away.  Things from coffee to soup mix to hand towels.  It was really nice to be able to serve those that have endured so much hardship and suffering.  Serving the holocaust survivors was also rewarding in itself because of the joy it brought to them in a practical way.

One road block that I have ran into is that some of the money exchange places won't except Scottish pounds which are the same is British pounds.  So hopefully I'll be able to take care of that in the morning.  One of the girls on this trip has family in Israel and we are staying with them for the time in Jerusalem. 

I'm writing this from their little netbook because we don't have the internet password yet.  So hopefully soon I will have pictures up on the blog.  Please keep praying for our finances.  We are still short on ground fees and I am still in need of plane tickets to Australia and Kona.

Tel Aviv, pictures coming soon.

I'm here in Tel Aviv, Israel with Chantal, Kristi, and Shawna from Kona, HI.  I arrived early Sunday morning, really early.  Today was my second full day in Israel and it is amazing.  On the first day, even though I was jet-lagged out of my mind due to my flight plan, we toured around Tel Aviv and old Joppa.  These 2 cities are right along the Mediterranean sea.  If we walk five minutes out we are at the shoreline of Tel Aviv.  Today we had a chance to visit a ministry and talk to the Executive Assistant about planning a future trip with a larger team.

My brain is starting to shut down because of jetlag.  There is more that I am discovering and seeing in the land.  It is exciting times that we live in.

One thing that I am praying for still is the plane ticket.  It was much easier getting into Israel than into England.  In  England, they wouldn't have let me in with a one way ticket but in Israel it was fine.  I need to purchase plane tickets from Israel to Australia and then from Australia to Kona.  Please continue to keep me in your prayers for safety and provision.

Support letter: it is what it is

Dear friends and family,

The Lord has been leading me around the world on a trip to what he is doing in the earth.  The past trip that I was on led me to the UK and Turkey.  I visited the Korean Church in the UK and also some other groups that were in missions.  The next phase of this journey is to Israel and Australia. 

In Israel, I will be scouting with a DTS team, scouting the land and getting the Lord’s heart for the Jews and Arabs in the land.  I believe that God still has purpose for his people and that he has not forsaken nor forgotten about them. There a number of ministries that we will be working with and getting a feel for what the trip will be like later.

In Australia, I will be attending a Torah conference and connecting with the believers in the land.  On the last trip, I saw the group of Korean-diaspora in the UK and I believe this is a continuation of that.  After Australia, I will go back on staff in Kona for about 2 months before returning back to Maryland for school.  There is also a possibility for me to do a 5 week school in Kona during that time.

So, there are many needs, I need anywhere from $2,500-$3,000 for the next 3 weeks for flights and ground fees.  Later on I’ll need ground fees for Kona and possibly for the school.  I’m currently writing you because I am in need of some money for the next journey.  Let’s be honest, this is a support letter and these always seem so unappealing no matter how it is written. 

I know there will always be needs and there are many places to donate and support.  But I am one of those people you know and as you support you reap the blessings of this journey.  I already have the ticket for Israel and most of the ground fees.  This has been a faith journey so I believe with each step, more will be revealed.

Your consideration is greatly appreciated,

Sam

Back for 8 days

I just returned from my trip to the UK on Tuesday.  It's hard to believe that five weeks have already passed and gone, for the whole month of April I was traveling throughout the UK and even to Turkey for 4 days.  Already, it has been less than 2 days and I've already booked a ticket for my next trip.

Traveling around with Mathew was an amazing experience.  We spent much time with the Korean community, with different groups focused on missions, and people that just wanted to partner with the local church in their neighborhood.  It is fascinating to see what God is doing in the nations; the similarities, differences, and expression of the spirit of God through a different culture.

So now I'm getting ready to head out in about a week.  I'm in the process of raising funds for the trip and planning out my time.  As of now I'll be in Israel from May 13-28 and then fly to Australia from May 28-June 4/5  and then flying to Kona to staff for a little while before I start school.

It would have been nice to be able to meet up with more people but it seems that my time is really short here.  Maybe next time as the Lord allows.

W[h]ales, Turkey[s], and Scotch

I cannot even begin to describe what the last month has been like.  In even the last two weeks I've been to Llanelli, Wales, Istanbul, Turkey, and near Paisly, Scotland. Time moves so quickly, it feels like a blur.  I've lost track of the days and being so far north makes it hard to really feel what time it is.  I really understand why different outreaches and missionaries do not update as frequently.  With so much happening in a day it's hard to share everything that has progressed since the beginning.

Wales:

Carningli, Hill of angels

Mathew and I stayed with at a friends house while she stayed with some friends down the road. Her name is Penny.  She drove us around to different ministries where Mathew shared some stories and the word of the Lord.  We had wonderful time meeting different people ranging from a group of catholic women and nuns to youth groups.

Turkey:

Ministering to missionary kids

In Turkey, we attended an intercession conference for Turkey held by Koreans, English-speakers and Turkish people.  In four days we managed to share and impact every group of people that attended the conference.  Most of the people at the conference were missionaries in Turkey or were people planning to be long-term there.  We even had the chance to minister to the youth that came because of their parents.

Scotland:

Glasgow city centre

I'm currently in Scotland with Mathew and our time is coming to an end.  I can't believe that five weeks have already passed by.  We stayed with some friends of Mathew's near Glasgow.  We spent a lot of time visiting different areas of Scotland.  We went to Dunadd, Edinburgh, and even the Isle of Arran.  We went around to different historic sites and also we spent time resting.

This very, very brief account does not do the time we spent in the UK and Turkey any justice but for now it will have to do.  Hopefully, I'll be able to share more in-depth the things that took place over the last five weeks.

Don't forget Haiti Episode 1

It's been awhile since my trip to Haiti but here's a short 10 minute video on my visit.

Produced by Royale Agency.

Korean diaspora

Diaspora- n. any group migration or flight from a country or region; dispersion.

Mathew and I

In the last 10 days, I've been traveling around with my friend Mathew to different churches and groups in the Greater London area. Specifically, we have been visiting the Korean churches in the area.  For me, this seems pretty normal.  I'm a Korean-American and I do feel called to the Korean people, although I'm not sure 100% in which way.  But for my friend, it might seem a bit odd.  Mathew is Jewish and is very passionate for the people of Korea; for Koreans in the north, south, and in diaspora.  Mathew has a unique story in how God brought him to be used in Korea but that will be for another time.

Mathew at Happy Church

A commonality between Jews and Koreans is that we are all dispersed through out the world.  Mathew has been sharing many stories and testimonies of what the Lord is doing through Koreans for the nation of Israel.  It has been interesting to see how God is planning on using the Korean people throughout the world for the Kingdom of Heaven.  It has been a very eye-opening time to be shown the different ways God wants to use his people and also the different culture of Koreans the UK has to bring.

Being Korean-American, I never thought of the possibility of Koreans in other countries besides Korea and America.  It just goes to show that we only know what we know, but it is very interesting and amazing to see the Korean Christian community in the UK.  The community has many similarities but also some differences in some of the issues and also the anointing and blessings being released over them comparatively to the Korean-American Christian community.  

So far, my time has been wonderful with meeting new brothers and sisters in Christ and also hearing the good words of my friend releasing the blessings over the Korea community.  Next stop, Wales.

 

Border Patrol

Touch down at Heathrow airport in London.  I made it safely to my destination.  It was a good flight, there was hardly anyone on the flight so I had a row of seats all to myself.  My guitar, which should have been checked at the gate, was stored in the first class cabin.  I think I prefer the overnights too.

But when I got to the border, it all changed.  I was detained for about 3 hours being questioned, finger-printed, and had all my bags searched.  Even though I did nothing wrong, you can't help but feel like a criminal.  Through it all, God gave me grace not to freak out or get angry.  But instead, being filled with peace and patience I was able to endure without losing my cool. 

Thank you Jesus.

we have lift off

I'm one day away from taking off to England.  Today I have, and will be, spending my day packing and finishing up last minute things.  Less than 2 days left and I feel ready to go but at the same time not ready in other ways.  There is a well in my heart filling with anticipation of the things and events to come in the next season of my life.

Yesterday at church,  the pastor was preaching about the Bible; what it's about and key episodes in it.  The episode he talked about was Abram as he started his journey.  

Genesis 12:1-3

      Now Adonai said to Avram, "Get yourself out of your country, away from your kinsmen and away from your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you.  I will make of you a great nation, I will bless you, and I will make your name great;  and you are to be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone you curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed."(CJB)

                                                                                                                         

When the Lord came to Abram and spoke to him about leaving this was a pivotal time in history.  It started the rising of the nation of Israel though this man.  Many of us know the story of this man of faith, who is even included in the "hall of faith" in the book of Hebrews.  

As I listened to the sermon I felt the Lord speaking to me about this next journey.  The main point that I felt the Lord say was about me "leaving my fathers house and going to the land that He will show me."  For some reason I feel this could mean that I won't be returning for a while but I'm not sure of the full implications of what God was saying.  One thing is certain though, I don't believe this trip will be like any of the other trips that I've taken, but I'll continue to live in obedience. 

a new journey

After waiting for the next step for the last 5 months, it is a relief to know what I'll be doing next even if it is only 5 weeks.  To sum it up, this last season was a time of restoration.  I didn't realize how much I had poured out in the last two and a half years.  I was running on empty and struggling to stay afloat and I hadn't realized until I came into a new environment with much less responsibility.  Being at home while my friends were on the mission field was difficult to adjust to.  Knowing that they were making a difference in the nations was hard to accept as I was relaxing at home.  It felt like I was being benched from the team.

But the Lord had me where I needed to be.  He started restoring my confidence and giving me new visions and dreams.  During one of my visits to Harrisburg, I had a chance to spend some time with one of my leader's from Kona, Andy Byrd.  Andy sat with me and started reminding me of basic principles that I learned during my time staffing.  He also started recasting vision for my walk with the Lord.  I returned home with my mind and spirit refreshed, more focused and with more of a purpose on my time at home.

From there, the Lord started revealing more of what my task was.  Through the months I felt that the Lord was whispering bits and pieces of it, almost like giving me pieces of a puzzle to complete.  I couldn't tell at first what it was but now I have a better idea than before.  The pieces form a picture, a map for the direction I will be following Him in.  A new journey filled with adventures with Yeshua but it's not new, my eyes have just been opened more to the things that He has prepared for me.

In less than two weeks I'll be back on the field.  First, I'll be flying into London.  I'll be attending a Torah Conference and meeting with Korean pastors in the local region.  I don't have specific dates on where I'll be traveling to but the trip will take me to Scotland and also to Wales.

I updated my blog-site with a Prayer Partnership page.  I'll be posting prayer requests or even topics related and unrelated to my direct travels.

a funny little story

Today was an interesting day.  My mom and dad have been in Korea for the last week and a half and my mom came back today.  So for the last 10 days I inherited of watching my eleven year old sister.  Taking her to school, packing her lunch, making dinner, and also walking the dog.

This morning's forecast was rainy and walking the dog in the rain is probably my least favorite thing to do.  Since I had to go pick my mom up from the airport it had to be done.  Thankfully the walk went fairly quickly and came back and washed up, made breakfast for my sister and Me and packed her lunch.  So far, so good.

I looked at the time; 8:30 am.  I packed up everything and made my way out to the car, locked the door to the house and reached for the keys to the car to unlock it, but where are the keys?  They should be in my pocket.  As I feel around my pockets, I realize that I left the keys on the counter with the door locked.  I think quickly and pull out a plastic card from my wallet and try to jimmy the lock.  I give it a try and it works the first time.  I grab the keys and now we're on our way to school.

Everything seemed to be moving smoothly now.  My sister's at school and I'm on the highway.  About 10 minutes down the highway the car shuts off and I start to lose speed.  I filled up the other day, so that can't be the reason the car shut off.  Then I realize that my dad's car has been doing this for a while now.  The electrical work just turns off immobilizing the car.  I can't start it again and even the emergency lights won't turn on.  I called the insurance company and they sent someone out to tow the car.  My mom get's in at 9:50AM and the tow truck won't get to me until 10:17AM.

The truck got to me a little earlier than expected but still passed the time for my mom's arrival.  The driver gave me a lift to the dealer and from there I rushed home to get to our second car to pick my mom up from the airport.  I was already late so I wanted to hurry up and get there.  When I got home, I realized I didn't have the house keys, but it's ok, I'll just break back in to my house.  I tried again and remembered I dead bolted the lock.  So I had to drive back to the dealership to pick the house keys up and then go back home.  Now, I can actually go pick my mom up and its 11:00AM.  I didn't get to the airport until noon.  But all in all, it could've been worst.

Sorry mom, glad to have you back though.

The boy who cried wolf

I think many of us know the story of, "The Boy who cried Wolf".  It's the story of a shepherd boy and a village.  When the shepherd boy cried wolf the village would come and protect the shepherd and his sheep from the wolf, but the shepherd started calling, "Wolf! Wolf!" when there was no wolf as a prank.  Finally a wolf did come and the shepherd boy shouted for help but the people from the village didn't come because they thought it was like all the other times, a prank.

I feel like I've been "crying wolf" lately about when I'm going to leave for the mission field.  First, I have been saying that I was going to be leaving for the nations from mid-February to beginning of March but that isn't happening.  Then I thought there was a possibility for me to leave with a group that is touring around the US which would have left Tuesday but that fell through as well.  In all of this I know I made sure that whoever I shared my plans with that I also let them know that there was a chance that I would not be able to go.  Even so, I do feel a sense of responsibility of being misleading.  My intentions are not to do so but it is hard to share my plans when they are very, very flexible.  Flexible to the point where they might be postponed for a while or indefinitely.

As of now, what I do know is that I'm going to visit the Fire and Fragrance school in Harrisburg, PA on Feb. 15-16.  I am planning on going to California at the end of March to meet with a friend of mine.  He'll be at a conference in LA and then we will be going to the UK for the month of April.  First there's a Torah conference in London, and then continuing down through Scotland and Wales and building relationship with Korean Pastors in Diaspora.

Please keep me in your prayers for this journey.

Find the center

I wish I would write more on my blog but lately, I don't feel like there isn't anything worth writing about. Maybe it's so easy to down play the favor of God and his faithfulness in my daily life or maybe I don't feel like it worthy of merit for me to write about, I don't know exactly why but it is hard to try to put my daily life into words.

I don't want to turn this into a never ending stream of twitter/tumblr posts that are pointless and centered around what I am doing next.  During the last outreach I was on a had the honor of meeting a Pastor Sam Song.  He is a Korean-American pastoring in Hong Kong at a church by the name of Solomon's Porch.  I asked him if he had a website or blog page that I could follow and he responded by saying something along the lines of :

"The more and more I think on being a Christian the more and more I see that Facebook, blog sites, and twitter-like websites are the opposite of what I need to be. Being a Christian means that I need to be more Jesus-centered and having these applications make me more me-centered."

When I heard this it resonated with me in a way that it makes me wonder about our lives with these kinds of computer programs and applications.  I know that some people might think that this is pretty extreme, but its true.  As a Christian, I need to make Jesus the center of everything I do and I feel like its a fine line between reporting back in what the Lord has me doing and me feeling like I'm just bragging about my life.  I just want Jesus and more of Him; to know Him to the fullness that I am allowed to and to be like Him.  I want to, no, I need to make Him the center of everything I do because I know that without Him I can do nothing.  

By the end of this post I would have written over 27 "i's" and Jesus only about 4 times including this sentence. I guess it's a bit over-dramatic but still I can't help but feel that I'm making me the center instead of giving the glory to God.

and a Happy New Year.

I can't believe that it's 2011 already. I feel like it crept up on me and it doesn't feel like a new year. It just feels like one giant blur. It doesn't feel like I've been home for 4 months either but all of it has come. It is 2011, I have been home for 4 months and there are new things to look forward too.

As I think back on 2010, I feel like it was a long and crazy journey with the Lord. From staffing a DTS in January and taking a team to India and China in April, and then staffing a second DTS in July and coming home, it was a journey of obedience to the Lord with emotional, spiritual, and physical turbulence along the way but in the end it all pans out. India and China were such exciting times. There is something about being with the poor in spirit and material wealth, and in places where the gospel is not as welcome or freely being preached. It definitely had hard points. Well, most of it was hard and it had harder moments but in those moments I found that His grace is sufficient for me. Then the school I staffed in July was just a breath of fresh air. Recovering from the highs and lows of the previous outreach as well as being a part of a group of people that were in one accord in hearts and minds for the Lord.

But all of this is done and there are new things to look forward to. A new journey, new adventures, new struggles, new victories and new beginnings. As we start this new year I ask you to pray, not only for me, but also for yourselves. Ask the Lord about the things he wants to do through you, what he is asking of you, and what he has in store for you. Also pray about what he is going to do in the earth this year and partner with him in intercession.

For me, I will continue working at Target for the next month maybe 2. But in February I plan on traveling with a friend of mine interning under him. I'll start sometime in February and go for the next 2-3 years. Pray for me as I continue on this journey with the Lord.

I'll be giving more details on the trip in the weeks to come.

Happy new year.