Old Dogs I’ve heard it said, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” I’m not sure about that; however, I can totally affirm that an old dog finds it very difficult to learn a new bark. Helaine and I are immersed in a one-year Korean language training program that is interesting but extremely challenging for a couple of old hound dogs such as us. We desperately covet your prayers as we seek the Father’s blessing on our new scholastic adventure. The pressure to “master” the Korean language is appropriate for the job we are called to accomplish, but nonetheless, I have very little hair left to lose because of stress! Our company has done everything possible to assist us and make life less complicated while we focus on learning this “foreign” way to think and communicate. Helaine and I are committed to provide our best effort and so we now rely on the Father to bless the process through which He has called us to minister to the people of Jeju Island. Please remain faithful to intercede on behalf of the farmers, fishermen and haenyo of the villages in which we last worked: Hado-ri, SoGil-ri, and Changcheon-ri. During our absence from Jeju it is your prayers and the work of the Holy Spirit that will accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God.
During our stay in Seoul, we worship at Central Baptist Church which is within walking distance of our home. Pastor Ko and his congregation have been very gracious to welcome us and allow us the freedom to practice our limited Korean during fellowship meals each Sunday. Also, one member of this church has volunteered to assist me in developing and translating the “Bible Story Set” which I plan to use for evangelism upon our return to Jeju-do. Please pray that Ms. Jo and I will be granted a double measure of wisdom to finish this task before the end of this year. Another prayer request is for Pastor Jang, a retired Baptist minister that has agreed to tutor me in my language development. This poor soul must suffer the torture of my poor pronunciation in order to exercise my Korean speaking skills. I ask that you plead with the Holy Spirit for long-suffering patience and gentleness in correction as I’m certain Pastor Jang will require much of both.
Finally, I direct your attention to our blog page in order to read my attached article (English Only). During this past January, I was able to complete a time of prayer and fasting in order to gain insight concerning my call. I composed a short essay entitled “Why Me, Lord?” which consists of my reflections from this retreat. As always you are welcome to respond with questions or comments concerning this newsletter, any of my writings, or our ministry to the blue-collar workers of Jeju Island.
Hamline Happenings
We are all adjusting to our new classroom settings. Some have made the transition quickly and some are still struggling to figure out how to do all that is expected. Andrew’s recent report card states that he has fully assimilated into his new classes. The other boys had grade updates about a month ago. Those updates showed that they had some adjusting to do. This week we received updates for two and report cards for the other two. Praise the Lord there is progress in the right direction for all of the boys.
Phil and I get a chance to adjust to a new class every month. We get a new teacher and many times new fellow students. The Lord has blessed us with improvements every day. We have been the older ones in class most times. There is comfort in studying and practicing with others as we all seek to learn this language.
In February we gave out a goodbye gift bag to our February class since all of them would be leaving Korea at the end of February. We had some treats, an English/Korean Bible and Gospel tracts inside the bags. Our prayer is that as they remember their time in Korea and their desire to learn Korean that they will be drawn to read this Korean book. Most of the students were Japanese. We pray for them as they go through a difficult time in their country since their return.
Please pray that we will learn Korean so we can effectively share His Word with the lost of Jeju Island. Please pray that we will be salt and light as we interact with other foreigners in our classes. Please pray for our sons to continue to adjust to their new school situations. Please pray that they too will be salt and light in their daily lives.
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