Bible Korea II

Visit to Kwangjoo

May 4 

Moodeung Mountain Climb

Dr. Samuel Lee used to climb the mountain during the pioneering stage. There he prayed seeking His will. 

I took Young Revolution Lim with me for the hike. He is in his early 30's, a missionary candidate to the U.S. During the hike we had a discourse on Acts 1:8.

Kwangjoo History Museum

Many ask "How did the UBF ministry start?"

In Kwangjoo at Daein-dong where Missionary Sarah Barry and Dr Samuel Lee first started the ministry a history museum stands. 

Testimonial Message 

Kwangjoo UBF I serves Jeon-nam University students. Lately they opened a new chapter serving the University of Heath and the University of Science and technology. I attended two worship services one for Jeon-nam another for new chapter, and shared a testimonial message entitled "The Lord needs you" (Matthew 11:3).

Fellowship with Dr Paul and Grace of the Phillippines

At 2:30 pm I left Kwangjoo for Seoul by bus and arrived in Seoul around 8 pm. Missionary Paul Koh his wife Grace and Shepherd Caleb Kim were waiting for me. I took them to a dinner fellowship. Dr Paul Koh visited Korea with 5 UP students. He will return to Manila this week.

Then Caleb gave us a short tour to the Village of Wall Painting. (The village used to be a slumb area where law-school students attending the Seoul National University studied for bar exam at cheap boarding houses.)

May 5

Bidding Lord's comfort for Nehemiah Kim of Zambia. 

He visited Korea to pray for his ailing father (76) who is terminally ill for liver cancer. During his childhood his father left the children never to come back. He grew up under his grandmother. Now onhearing  the news that his father is terminally ill he visited the father to a hospital, forgave him and prayed for him.

At 7:00 am Shepherd Samuel Choi and other Chongno UBF coworkers came out and had a 'sending out' prayer meeting.

Bible Korea, World Campus Mission (Journey Report)

As of April 2014 the Board of Directors of Korean UBF re-elected Shepherd David Kim as the Korean General Director. On this occasion Dr. Abraham Kim called for a senior staff meeting to be held from April 28-May 5 in Seoul Korea. The following is the summary of the travel.

April 27

* From Redding to San Francisco - on learning of my plan to travel via Amtrak at 2:20 am from Redding station to SFS 10:50 am Dan gave me a ride.

* Flight from San Francisco to Incheon Seoul, Korea was uneventful.

April 28

* Fellowship with Dr. John Jun at the Chongno Center

At the Incheon airport Dr John Jun and Mark Yoon greeted me. Mark Yoon gave me a ride and checked me into the Chongno Center around 7 pm. 

April 29 Tue 

* Bible Cheonan UBF, world Campus Mission 

- Sunny's parents: they invited us to a lunch fellowship at their house. They maintain a home garden on a sunny side. Their cat Yangsoon gave birth to four kittens.  

- Bible study at the Chunan Center

After lunch we visited Cheonan UBF and had a Bible study on 2 Kings 13:19.

After the Bible study Shepherdess Lydia wrote me thanking for the visit requesting for continued support. (천안센터 임루디아입니다. 말로만 듣던 이삭선교사님 뵙고 기뻤고, 특히나 천안센터를 찾아와 주셔서 감사합니다. 다음에 꼭 오셔서, 병천순대를 대접할 은혜를 주십시오. 아들 임마가(Mark Lim) 가 창세기 1장 31절 말씀에 인생의 뿌리를 내릴수 있도록 기도해주세요.)

- Be faithful with a few things (Barber Dong-soo Kim)

After the visit to Cheonan I came back to Chongno UBF around 8:00 pm. Then I visited a barbershop located near Chongno UBF center and had a haircut. The barber has been working as a hair stylist for 53 years in one lication.The floor is worn out, due to his feet movements around the station for more than 50 years. He charges 5,000 Won ($5) for a haircut. He did receive a Korean presidential award for his faithfulness in his trade.

April 30 Wed 

* Sleeping fellowship with Dr. Jose Ahn (Hoam Center, Dranche Unit Room 1315)

Jose Ahn grew up in a believing family in Taegu. He entered the Seoul National University of Law in 1965. While on campus he saw an advertisement (a flyer) saying "Come and See, Sarah Barry" and came to UBF and studied the Bible. Once at the law school he stood on campus in front of students gathered for demonstration against the government. He took the podium and said in a lound voice "I met the Savior! Come and see!" About ten students responded. Among them were Abraham Eunhwan Chung (Abe), Woo Ceol Lee (who later led me to UBF) and Woo-yeo Whang (who is now the House Representative of the Ruling Party of Korea.)

During the summer 1967 Abe left Seoul for Kwangjoo his hometown - a town which is about 600 kms away from Seoul. To invite Abe to a summer Bible conference Dr Jose Ahn visited from Seoul to Kwangjoo. At one of the watermelon fields in Kwangjoo he caught Abe eating watermelon. He said to Abe "The Lord wants to use you." Abe said "Let me ask my father." His father who was a buddhist was furious. Then Abe explained to him "My lawschool senior came all the way down from Seoul to here to invite me to an Academy." The father listened and said "Hmm, what kind of lawschool senior took the trouble of traveling such a long distance! The academy must be very important. Please go." 

* Fellowship with Dr. Paul Hong, Jacob Lee, Mark Yang, and Shepherd Mark Yoon

During morning hours I took several coworkers to a mountain climb. During the journey we had a good fellowship talking about the history of Korea.

* God's work at Kwanak III 

In the evening Kwanak III invited visitors to an open forum with Student leaders. The program consisted of dinner fellowship, special songs, slide shows, Q & A session and words of encouragement. Although it was during final exams most of student leaders attended.

May 1, 2014

* Fellowship among senior staff: 

Pastor Abraham K Lee shared program for the European Conference 2014

Characteristics:

- uniquely European prepared to fit for and appealing to the European college students

- for this matter discussions were made for the last four months from among representatives of each generation

- theme ought to be "Have faith in God" recognizing the increasingly secularized tend in the continent

- European leaders took initiatives to make the program

- Lectures: 1 Believe in the gospel (Mark 1:14-15); 2 "Fear not, only believe" (Mark 5:21-43) 3 Such great faith" (Luke 7:2-10) 4 "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:12-25)

-Location: winter resort (4 star hotel in the forest) 270 km away from Frankfurt airport

- Opening (Mother Barry will greet)

- Special Lecture by Professor Peter Beyerhause due in the afternoon of Friday

- Closing message (Ab T Kim on Acts 28:17-31)

- Conference fee (270 rooms were reserved with each room holding 3-4 persons; they project 870 guests; the fee - 270 Euro per person

- Expected no of attendants - 640-700 (Europe);100 (Korea); 100 (US)

Webpage:info@faithingodconference.org

Post conf program:

1) Berlin wittenburg halle berlin etc for 2 nights 3 days (300 euros)

2) Alps munchen vienna route taking 4-5 days (cost - 500 euros)

Webpage: travel@faithingodconference.org

The following week there will be CIS conference

Prayer topics

1. All for the glory of God 

2. Learn the faith that believes in God

3. Pray for the local conferences

4. Co-working among European nations

5. Walter Nett - European Co-ordinator

Heated discussion followed on: continuing missionary education; well being of retiring missionaries; organizational issues such as ordainment chapter directors etc.

Next Dr Abraham T Kim spoke.

- Korea UBF to be a missionary sending nation

- Shepherd David Kim is to serve as the Korean UBF General Director for 3 more years 

- Keep identity, core value and preserve heathiness in each chapter 

- election of Next Int'l UBF General Director 

- Europe (45 year anniversary); Middle East (20 year anniversary) with new challenges

- Generation/leadership change

- How to serve staff so they would better serve the mission fields 

- Mutual understanding of Korea and US Staff

The meeting was adjourned around 5 pm.

Fellowship with Board Members:

After dinner from 7-8 pm the senior staff members and Korean UBF Board members met for conversation and prayer.

Discussion on current concerns issues and prayer topics (European Bible Conf; CIS conference; missionaries with health concerns; wedding between Wonil Lee and Yvonne; CME; child education) followed by a joint prayer.

May 2

During the morning hours, along with Shepherd Joshua Kim of Kwanak III I visited one shepherdess to a hospital. 

Shepherd Joshua Kim is a staff shepherd serving Kwanak III. He is from Kimcheon High School, 20 years junior to Missionary Isaac H Kim (who also graduated from the same high school). In 1988 he entered the Korea University. In spring 1989 he attended a club for the Kimcheon High School graduates in Korea University. There he met Missionary Young David Cho who in turn invited him to Bible studies in Anam UBF.
Deacon Hyojin Park is the elder brother of the husband of Elder sister of Joshua Kim.

There was a wedding between Yevonne Timlin and Wonil Lee. It took place at the wedding hall located near the Chongno UBF Center. 

May 3, Saturday

After breakfast at the Hoam Center in Seoul National University, I paid a visit to my elder brother. Three decades ago I shared the gospel with him. To this date he and his wife keep faith. They have two children "Grace" and "Sungjon". Grace married a fellow grade school teacher named Jung Hoon Ahn. At their apartment I led a prayer meeting and shared with them one word: "Love is patient." (1Co 13:13). They invited us to a house-warming lunch at an eating place nearby. Before parting the company I gave a Bible study on Deuteronomy 6:4-6. 

Travel to Kwangjoo:

Next in order to visit a UBF museum in Kwangjoo UBF, Kwangjoo, I visited Kwangjoo by bus. 

A new baby (Elisa)

On April 23, 2014 at 1:25 am, at the Mercy Hospital, Redding California, Was born a healthy girl weighing 7 pounds.

Her name: Elisa Kim

Bible Zimbabwe, World Campus Mission (Spring Conference Report, 2014)

2014 Easter Conf-Zimbabwe

We held an Easter conference from 11-13 April. When we prayed for 70 attendants, with the majority being Korean language course students and students that did bible study with us, there were more than 70 students who attended the conference. This time, most of attendants are doing one to one Bible study.  

The first day, Shepherd Last delivered, “It is finished”, based on John 19. His message moved many attendant’s hearts when he testified that he repented his cultural Christian life-style and deeply accepted Jesus’ death on the cross.

Shepherd Obet delivered Jesus’ resurrection based on Jn 20. We could hear Jesus’ voice say, “Why are you crying?” Through resurrection of Jesus, we have the peace of God and the Holy Spirit, forgiveness of sins and mission from risen Jesus.

Shepherd Lovemore delivered “Feed my sheep” based on Jn 21. He experienced a shepherd’s love and became fellowship leader. Through visiting Korea last year, he has learned to become a responsible shepherd for the sheep, even though he was very busy for his last year medical course. He prays to serve 2 medical students faithfully.

We had a book symposium; “Not a Fan,” written by Kyle Idleman. Sister Faith, Sandra, More-blessing and Patrcia divided this book into four parts. It taught us to grow from fans to a full time follower of Christ. This book helps a lot to re-look at our relationship with Christ.  

After the message, attendants shared their bible testimonies. Brother Simba’s testimony was deeply touching. “I have turned from chasing after girls to focusing on my spiritual growth now. I have decided to always look at Jesus and not girls as I used to, I have decided to be devoted in teaching the bible to university students. Focusing and understanding the scripture is now my main goal. Saying goodbye to the girl was indeed a blessing. I have now committed most of my time to bible study and my academic studies, focusing on being a future leader.” We pray to raise true disciples of Jesus in our generation. 

Bible South Africa (WITS), World Campus Mission

(Wits Univ is a public school with student enrollment close to 30,000. The late President Nelson Mandela graduated from this university. Missionary Jacob is from Namsan UBF Korea. He is the director of Wits UBF working full time at one of the local companies as a computer engineer.)

Jacob - second from left

2014 Easter Conference Report – Wits UBF, South Africa

Jacob Kim

Wits UBF (Johannesburg, South Africa) had an Easter Bible Conference from 11-13 April 2014 with the title “Neither do I condemn you!” The total number of attendees was 23 including 4 missionaries. In preparation, every Saturday we went to Wits campus to meet and invite students. We did it for months until the day of the conference, but we couldn’t invite a single person to a Sunday service. It a bit discouraged us, but God encouraged each of us to keep trying with prayer to invite students to the conference. At the conference, we were introduced to meet 3 beautiful sisters for the first time, and it’s indeed the work of God who answered our prayers.

During the conference, we had group Bible studies by each fellowship and learned life-giving words of God based on John 3:1-16 (God so loved the world), John 8:1-11 (Neitherdo I condemn you) and John 1:1-14 (The word became flesh). Sister Lebo shared her life testimony based on John 8:1-11, and it’s indeed heart-moving, revealing how Christ Jesus saved her from a sense of shame and condemnation. The highlight of the conference was writing a testimony on the evening of the second day. We all gathered and wrote a testimony until the mid night. We could see how Jesus’ words“Neither do I condemn you” touched many wounded soulsand gave them God’s grace and hope. On Sunday, shepherd Khomo delivered a message based on John 12:24 (A kernel of wheat), and we learned the secret of producing fruits in Jesus.

We praise and thank God who preciously used fellowship leaders and local shepherds for this conference, and revealed His life-giving words to all. We hope and pray that God maycontinue to bless Mark Gospel study each week and many wounded and broken souls at Wits campus are welcomed and cared by three fellowships.

Bible Belize, World Campus Mission (II)

On April 14, Monday Moses, Sarah and I left Belize City for Belmopan, the Capital   City.

Belize City is a commercial center; Belmopan is the nation's political center like Washington DC. It is about one and half hours away to the west from Belize City. Gas price is higher than in the US ($6 per gallon). To save money they take bus. 

Near the city is a Mayan site so after dropping by the site we visited the campus, took pictures and had a joint prayer meeting.

Since last January every Wednesday Sarah and Moses go to Belmopan by bus. She averages one to two Bible studies in front of library building. 

Bible Belize, World Campus Mission

I left home at 9:00 am, April 10, Thursday, 55 minutes earlier than the greyhound Bus schedule.

The bus fare from Redding to Sacramento after a senior discount was $59.76 times two for round trip.

The bus left Redding at 9:55 am.

The bus arrived in Sacramento on time. I took a taxi from Greyhound Bus Station to Sacramento Airport. The meter registered the fare to be $38.05, but as I chose to pay with credit card, the charge went up to $47.56. (Additional charge for $2, tax and tip for $9.51)

At the Houston Texas Int'l Airport I ran into another glitch: the flight was so cheap so I grabbed it not knowing there is an overnight layover at Houston. The flight arrived there at 1:30 am and departure for Belize was 8:15 am boarding time. At the boarding area I looked for the place to sleep but all chair set ups were not friendly for a night's sleep.

When I came out I could see no hotel shuttles coming in and out. After a few minutes one Hispanic man approached wearing Marriott hotel uniform. He said he had a shuttle bus parked around the corner. I hopped in and in the bus I asked  the hotel rate. He said Marriott charges $200 per night but La Quinta $70. I tipped him and he took me to La Quinta.

On checking in at La Quinta an African American lady named Esse came out to the front desk. She said the hotel is full except one suite which is $160. I asked for a discount for a short stay like 4 hours of sleep. She said no way. "Do you have a Triple A or AARP card?" I said "I do have a Triple A membership but I left the card at home." She smiled and gave me $10 off. So I slept at #324. 6:00 am wake up call, 6:30 am shuttle bus to the airport 

April 11, Friday

Arrived at the Belize City around noon. At the airport Sarah and Moses greeted me. Moses surprised me saying "Missionary Isaac, do you remember that I belonged to your Fellowship called "'Sae-hwa-yo-hoe' (meaning new Tuesday fellowship)? David Cho was the leader of 'Hwa-yo-hoe' and you pioneered a new fellowship!" In the car Moses said it's been 7 years since he first came to Belize. Two years later his wife joined him.

They are renting the first story of the two story apt. unit as a residence and bible house paying rent for $370 a month. The Chinese owner lately put it out for sale asking $180k in US$.

Sarah served lunch.

A cat named Vision greeted me.

Soon a brother Dianell arrived and ate lunch.

They checked me in a hotel next door.

At 5:00 pm Sarah asked me to give Kent Young message training on 1 Co 15:1-11. He is freshman majoring in physics and math. At first it was hard to hear what he says. After a few sessions of pronunciation training he improved a great deal.

Soon students arrived: Dillon, a sister, Michelle (pianist), another sister and Anna. 

Anna lives 15 miles away from the city. She arrived around 7:00 pm riding bus. She showed me a study question on John gospel where she wrote down Sarah Chang's phone no saying one of her friends who is now in the states gave her infor on Sarah. A year ago she was desperate so she called her and started the bible study.

Dinner started.

After dinner we studied 1 Co 25:1-11 in two groups - college students group and non student group. I was asked to serve the students group. The following students attended: 

- Michelle Andrews (accounting)

- Dianell Brackett (education)

- Kahlife Gray (nursing)

- Ramilo Reguerie (modern science)

- Dillon Leal (accounting)

During group study Dianell asked a question on how Old Testament people get saved. I explained him that like us Old Testament saints are saved by the same gospel. Then I gave him the gospel Abraham and David believed in based on Genesis 22 and Psalm 22.

The evening program began:

- Dillon presiding

- National anthem

- hymn "because he lives"

- special song by Kalife

- message by Kent Young Jr

- hymn "amazing grace"

- Moses Chang announcement

- introducing Kent's family (parents two sisters)

- two by two prayer

Then Along with Dillon and Dianell I came back and had a sleeping fellowship together in room 203.

Saturday April 12, 2014

At 8:00 am program started with breakfast. New students Tylor and Austin Canton, and Dillon's brother Darren came. Sister Kalife brought Claudia a next door neighbor who is also a student studying pharmacy.

New comers also were Sallena the sister of Charles, and Josie whom Catrina brought her high-school friend.

Before group study I put Charles through a message practice. His pronunciation was a little better. I gave him C minus on his presentation. I also encouraged him to focus more on the Key Verse 22 and add a personal application.

After group bible study brother Charles served a second message "the power of resurrection" 1 Co 15:12-34 Charles is from a broken family. His mother left her husband, met another man and produced children. His father left his mother, met another woman, and produced children. Charles suffered moving from one place to another. 

Sister Kalife served another song called Jesus the Center. 

Charles teaches grade school children (11-13 age group) modern science. He is still a single. 

After that we had a lunch then recreation followed by testimony writing and sharing.

After dinner From 7:00 - 8:00 pm I gave a special lecture entitled "Resurrection here and now" based in John 11:24-25.  Outline of the lecture is in blue below.

Resurrection here and now

John 11:25-26 NIV

[25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” …

•       The way God created man

•   Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, representation of God to rule for God and on God's behalf (crown of creation) (John 10:25-30; Psalm 82:6; 1jn 3:2)

•       The fall of man due to sin

•   See the discussion below "for those who do not repent and believe)

•       The effect of life saving work of Jesus (what good news)

•     For those who repent and believe

A.    Your person

1.     Spirit

•   God who dwells within as Adam walked with the Lord un the garden)

•   He gives new birth (Jesus talked to Nicodemus on this)

2.     Soul (self)

•   He gives you new self created to be like God in righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:20-24). This is the area in which growth takes place.

3.     Body

•   Body enjoys resurrected life subject to dynamics (Romans 8:10-12; because of sin vs because of righteousness) in operation until Jesus comes (John 5:58-59; 1 Co 15:23)

B.    Your environment

•   Relationship with neighbor, animal, plants, land goes from that is cursed to blessed

•     For those who do not repent and believe

•   Will go from bad to worse (Eph 4:24; 2 Ti 3:13; Romans 3:23; Heb 9:27; 2:6-9; Rev 20:11-15; 21:8)

Conclusion: I am the resurrection and the life! (Notice the word "am" in present tense.)

Next Dianell (21) shared a life testimony.  He grew up under his grandma. During childhood he was sexually abused. His father is without a job. His mother went to the States. Though undocumented, she still saves some money and sends it to him. During high school days he ditched school. By God's grace he made it to college where he studies education major. Dillon led him to UBF Bible studies in UBF.

Amna shared life testimony. She grew up under a single mother. She was bitter due to her father relating with another woman. Once upon a time a missionary gave her a study question sheet on John 2 where she wrote down the phone no of Sarah Chang. For a time she set it aside and forgot. Then in desperateness she called the number and started Bible study with Sarah. Immediately she felt the presence of God and joy was there.

Next program was memory presentation on 1 Co 15. When Msn Moses asked anyone to volunteer no one responded. So Missionary Sarah came out took the podium and memorized the whole chapter with Moses assisting. Amazing!

The program ended close to 11 pm. 

Dillon, the Sunday morning messenger, asked me to go over his message. His message was largely scattered, and without a point. I gave him a brief bible study on 1 Co 15:35-58 and encouraged to rewrite the message according to the point, that is, the resurrection body is glorious because it is:

- imperishable

- honorable

- spiritual

- life-giving

- heavenly

- bearing the image of Jesus 

- suitable for the life in the kingdom of God.

April 13, 2014

Sunday

Sunday worship service started at 11:30 am. Six brothers and one sister attended the conference. 

Brother Lyndy presided. Msn Sarah prayed thanking for raising up 3 main Bible Messengers 2 Life testimony speakers and blessing last Saturday more sisters than brothers attending Bible Academy, for Belize to be a shepherd and Missionary sending nation. 

Shepherd Dillon served the main message entitled "the glory of resurrection".

He studies accounting at the Univ of Belize. From high school days he befriended with Dianell and now brought him to Bible studies. 

Resurrection body will be beautiful like flower coming out of a seed. He digested the seven characteristics I had pointed out last night and presented a message that is persuasive. Moses says Dillon is the Abraham of faith in Belize UBF.

After offering four brothers offered a special song "Stand Up For Jesus"!

Then Moses Chang announced saying "He is joyful for the hope of receiving glorious body, most handsome!" 

He thanked God that 22 new comers attended the conference. He presented the prayer topics: 30 weekly 1:1; 20 Sunday worship attendants.

We took group pictures. 

The Meaning of True Professionalism

In Daniel 2, King Nebu demonstrated his faith in professionalism, for according to a dictionary, professionalism means:

The competence or skill expected of a professional. as is said,

"the key to quality and efficiency is professionalism."

Unlike other employees, his boss's challenge did not surprise Daniel. He rather believed in the king, for like the king, he had faith in God who believes in professionalism. Along with his friends he prayed and the Lord equipped him. The Lord established him as a true professional.

According to King Nebu anyone who maintains a professional title on his business card, enjoys status, and perhaps the pay compatible with the profession, and lacks the job skills, there is only one penalty and one only -execution. Daniel 2:8.12

So have faith in God who believes in professionalism.