It is Sunday afternoon. I have just come back from a great service, preached by Mr. David Bustos, a super fun children's church that went well, and really great food for lunch. Also, this afternoon I had the chance, along with two other teachers, to sit down and listen to Pastor Sean. Sean is a dentist...curently he runs a successful, English hogwon about 20 minutes away from Yongpyeong.
He was sitting at the pre school table where we were eating lunch, sharing his vision for the country of Ghana in Africa. God gave him this vision fifteen years ago, but he has not been able to go to Africa and fulfil this calling. His vision is to start a middle school in a village 6.5 hours outside the capital city. There are no middle schools in the area for about 40 km. It is also 99% muslim, but he wants to start a school there to reach these families with the Gospel. He was telling us stories of how God has shown His favor on this project. It is incredible to hear! Sadly, several mission organizations are encouraging him not to go as an occupations minsitry, but use his M.Div degree and preach. He will preach some there too, but it is sad that these organizations are discouraging him from using his dentristry skills and other practical skills as a tool to reach people.
From listening to him talk and hearing about his life for the past fifteen years I was reminded that occupational missionaries, in my opinion, often times have more opportunities to share the gospel b/c it is through relationship building. This is something that goes through any culture...a thread throughout all humanity: trust must be built, a foundation must be laid for people to want to listen to you. Think of the ways people are ministered daily too by having basic needs met! Look at the many doors that is opening for people in not only Ghana, but many other African countries. Okay...I'll get off my soapbox now.. :)
The next thing I was impressed with was his vision. God gave him the vision fifteen years ago. Throughout these fifteen years, Sean did not lose his passion for Ghana or lose sight of what God called him to do. Throughout these fifteen years, God has been molding him and preparing him for the adventure which will start in 6 months for Sean and his family. Wow!
I was reminded of my calling...to do missions work. I often think about my school loans and other things that I see which are "holding me back". However, are they truly "holding me back" or is it the preparation time God wants me to experience... prior to me going full time into ministry. Now is my time to prepare. I think about these past 10.5 months. I have learned so much and grown a lot. The calling God has on my life currently is not any less important than what He has called me to do on the mission field. It is the same. It is God's will for my life right now.
So, as I leave you with these thoughts and ponderings of my own, I am saying all this to say that God will have His way in His timing. Travel one step at a time. God called you in the first place and He doesn't forget that long term vision or goal. What you are doing now may be preperation for the long term vision or goal. Continue on, persevere, and do not lose sight of the vision. Live your calling now, as it is just as important as the long term, seemingly unreachable dream that burns in your soul. However, you will reach that dream as you continue in yourpursuit of your Master.
God Bless,
Krissy
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Buddha's Birthday
About a month ago, as I opened the door of the van and stepped out, the sound of bells and chants greeted me. The occasion?It was Buddha's birthday and beside the orphanage, where I was, there was a temple. This was not my first encounter with a Buddhist temple, however, hearing the chants, and the sounds of people worshiping took me back...
Previously I had gone to Seoul with some other teachers and a friend from church. We were on a Korean tour excursion! It was exciting to see the palace, the "green house" (the President's home), and visit the famous restaurants we did! It was truly a fun experience! This fun time was suddenly put on halt, as we stopped at a Buddhist temple.
The burning smell of incense, and a musty building greeted me. I was stunned with what I saw. I took off my shoes and took about four steps further when I stopped. It was as if I was frozen. I could not speak. Before my eyes was a sight I had only heard about and seen pictures of. It was something I knew about, but it all seemed so foreign and shocking to me. Four people were performing a ritual. Bowing and chanting in a specific posture and rhythm towards a statue of a man sitting down. Buddha was embellished with gold and surrounded by food. The praises of his subjects were echoing through the room.
I stood there in disbelief, with only one response. This response to the environment in which I had presently found myself in sent chills through my body and an aching and pain in the deepest part of my soul. As I stood there lifeless with tears rolling down my cheeks, I was reminded of Christ's awesome grace and love. I was reminded of the brokenness and the need which surrounded me day in and day out. This need is one that surrounds every individual everyday. It's the need which each human being craves and struggles to find the answer too. This need is one of a savior, a healer, a restorer, and comforter.
In America, this need is often sought after through money, work, success, material possessions, friends, popularity, significant others, and the list goes on....and on...In Korea, although quite culturally different from America, the thread of all humanity which surpasses cultural differences was strongly displayed. It is the same need as that in America, but shown in a way that appeals to those on the Eastern side of the world. Still, the same craving to have an anchor for life and stability was present and thriving in that room.
My heart began to break as I realized that these individuals were worshiping one they could see, but not experience, talk too but who could not talk back, and touch but could not return affection. In that moment, I wanted to tell them of Christ. No, you can not touch him, but you can feel his presence, no, you can not see him, but you can see His power displayed through out all creation. His affection towards every individual is more than one can fathom. It is a love story which can never be repealed. It's stamp on history, and in an individual's life when accepted, is an indescribable and powerful, life-changing event. It is not one of question. Yes, you can talk to Him and He will talk back. This Jesus I am speaking of offers life and renewal for every individual. In every circumstance. In every land of the whole world.
If you are reading this, may you be reminded of your brokenness, your need for the everlasting arms of a Savior, and the perseverance to find the Truth and your fulfillment in Him. That you might conquer your need and want of fulfillment in material possessions, money, fame, friends, etc. and become complete, fulfilled and satisfied as you rest in the arms of the One who died for you. The One who holds your brokenness in His hands, and who is asking you if He can take your pain, heal your heart, and allow Him to substitute your human desire of a "money- savior" with Him, the eternal Savior. May He be your Rock, Fortress, and Anchor for your soul as you march through the torrents of life.
Peace,
Krissy
"May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you!" -Jude 1:2
Previously I had gone to Seoul with some other teachers and a friend from church. We were on a Korean tour excursion! It was exciting to see the palace, the "green house" (the President's home), and visit the famous restaurants we did! It was truly a fun experience! This fun time was suddenly put on halt, as we stopped at a Buddhist temple.
The burning smell of incense, and a musty building greeted me. I was stunned with what I saw. I took off my shoes and took about four steps further when I stopped. It was as if I was frozen. I could not speak. Before my eyes was a sight I had only heard about and seen pictures of. It was something I knew about, but it all seemed so foreign and shocking to me. Four people were performing a ritual. Bowing and chanting in a specific posture and rhythm towards a statue of a man sitting down. Buddha was embellished with gold and surrounded by food. The praises of his subjects were echoing through the room.
I stood there in disbelief, with only one response. This response to the environment in which I had presently found myself in sent chills through my body and an aching and pain in the deepest part of my soul. As I stood there lifeless with tears rolling down my cheeks, I was reminded of Christ's awesome grace and love. I was reminded of the brokenness and the need which surrounded me day in and day out. This need is one that surrounds every individual everyday. It's the need which each human being craves and struggles to find the answer too. This need is one of a savior, a healer, a restorer, and comforter.
In America, this need is often sought after through money, work, success, material possessions, friends, popularity, significant others, and the list goes on....and on...In Korea, although quite culturally different from America, the thread of all humanity which surpasses cultural differences was strongly displayed. It is the same need as that in America, but shown in a way that appeals to those on the Eastern side of the world. Still, the same craving to have an anchor for life and stability was present and thriving in that room.
My heart began to break as I realized that these individuals were worshiping one they could see, but not experience, talk too but who could not talk back, and touch but could not return affection. In that moment, I wanted to tell them of Christ. No, you can not touch him, but you can feel his presence, no, you can not see him, but you can see His power displayed through out all creation. His affection towards every individual is more than one can fathom. It is a love story which can never be repealed. It's stamp on history, and in an individual's life when accepted, is an indescribable and powerful, life-changing event. It is not one of question. Yes, you can talk to Him and He will talk back. This Jesus I am speaking of offers life and renewal for every individual. In every circumstance. In every land of the whole world.
If you are reading this, may you be reminded of your brokenness, your need for the everlasting arms of a Savior, and the perseverance to find the Truth and your fulfillment in Him. That you might conquer your need and want of fulfillment in material possessions, money, fame, friends, etc. and become complete, fulfilled and satisfied as you rest in the arms of the One who died for you. The One who holds your brokenness in His hands, and who is asking you if He can take your pain, heal your heart, and allow Him to substitute your human desire of a "money- savior" with Him, the eternal Savior. May He be your Rock, Fortress, and Anchor for your soul as you march through the torrents of life.
Peace,
Krissy
"May mercy, peace, and love be lavished on you!" -Jude 1:2
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