After brunch the team split up to prepare for the BIG day.  We concluded our ministry here in South Korea with an awesome HOT HAWAIIAN NIGHT!! It was an encouragement seeing the key people we met with throughout the week on the different Universities come and join us on this momentous night.  The program was successfully emceed by our very own animated and bilingual Mike Chu, speaking in English and Korean for the audience.  It started off with two popular bands “Milk” and “Cookies” from Korea and the Philippines.  They set an exciting and exhilarating atmosphere that lasted the entire evening.  To end the night we performed the Hukilau for our guests and played the tacky tourist relay game, which was very entertaining. 

Amidst all the excitement and hype of an awesome night our main goal was to get those we met during the week connected to the church family.  It was a great time to build solid relationships with the contacts that came.  Throughout the trip we’ve come to find that the younger generation places a negative connotation on Christianity because they have fallen prey to religious rituals of attending church rather than having a personal relationship with God.  Christianity to them has become a burden rather than a blessing.  Thus, our main focus was to build genuine relationships with them to exemplify God’s love for them.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for the team.  We have definitely been stretched outside of our comfort zones in faith, believing that God’s plan will be accomplished in South Korea. 

Love,

Crystal & Kimi

However, during our prayer walking, we all discovered that there weren’t very many students at Hongik, so when we regrouped we decided that it would be better to focus our efforts on Yonsei and Ewha Universities.  Both of those campuses are much larger than Hongik University.  After lunch, we split up into two groups: one group headed to Ewha and the other, the group I was in, went to Yonsei.  Our group consisted of Kimi, Crystal, Teresa, Mike, Juno and myself. 

It was amazing because even before we made it on campus (as we were walking to Yonsei from the subway station), we ran into Nina, a girl we had met a couple of days earlier, and she introduced us to two of her friends, Markus and Frank.  And then, not even two blocks later, I happened to see Sungwook, a student that Sean and I had met on Wednesday, so we talked, and I invited him to our Hawaii Night event.  Then, about an hour or so later, as we were walking to the basketball courts, the girls spotted three of their contacts, so they stopped to chat with them as well.  But the most incredible thing that happened was that Kimi saw one of her friends from UC San Diego on the basketball court at Yonsei.  What are the odds???

So, instead of trying to focus on meeting new contacts, we ended up spending most of our time building our relationships with the ones we already met.  It was pretty refreshing… Frank and Nina took us to Red Mango to eat yogurt, (which was great, since it’s just as hot and humid as Hawaii here!) and later we got to play some basketball.

Looking back, I was originally a little disappointed because it felt like we didn’t get much work done today, but Mike reminded me that it’s better to go deep with one person than to spread yourself thin with many people (which ties into Grace Bible’s “each one, reach one” philosophy).  So I definitely drew encouragement from that, and also from the fact that God was there with us today, providing us with the perfect opportunities to water and nurture the seeds we planted.

-Jason Abe

After Ewha University we headed over to Myeong-dong for dinner and a little shopping in the area.  Although our feet were beat from all the walking we did today at Ewha and Myeong-dong we pushed through and ended our night with a beautiful stroll down Cheonggye Stream enjoying a Smoothie King…Mmmmm J  I think I speak for most on our team when I say that I can’t remember the last time I have used the foot-mobile as much as we have throughout this trip, especially today.

Today has been the hardest day yet as we were quickly labeled as the “flyer people” and received many strange looks as we repelled students.  During our time spent on the Ewha campus God definitely continued to stretch each of us as he taught us valuable lessons of rejection, resilience, and humility.  As I reflect on the time we had at Ewha, I am thankful for the hardships we endured both physically and spiritually.  In our day-to-day lives it is very easy to get caught up in worldly views and we loose sight of the simple things that are pleasing to God.  I am very grateful for the encouraging words and positive attitudes of my teammates.  All I can say is that I have a new found respect for “flyer passer outers” around the world!       

Kim Sakima

After lunch, campus ministry at Yonsei commenced as we broke up into small teams of 2-4 to explore the campus and meet some people whom we would be able to invite to our Hawaiian Luau on Saturday and also church service on Sunday.  Some of the guys from our team (Mike, James, Juno and I) continued on with our “basketball ministry” in which we would just hang out at the basketball courts and play some pickup games with some of the guys there.  We were even able to get a few 5-on-5 games going, which one of our friends, Ryan, said he had never seen before on the campus court.  God grace was definitely amongst us as he blessed us with such a successful campus outreach.  It was also a big stretch for each of us as the large amount of walking around the city has taken its toll on our whole team and James had strained his ankle the day before.  Nonetheless, we persevered and were able to establish some great relationships with those on the campus.  Three of our friends from the basketball even joined us for dinner that evening and the fellowship was great.  They didn’t want to stop hanging out and were bummed that whom we have been in contact with over the past couple days will all be present at our “Hot Hawaiian Night”.

Each day that goes by on this trip I realize how much I have fallen in love with this country.  Not only the students on the campuses and the people all throughout the city, but especially our Every Nation church family here in Seoul.  They have taken such great care of us and I am amazed with all the great things they do.  I am surprised how well we have all adapted to city living here in Seoul, from catching the subway, to communicating with locals, and especially THE FOOD!!!  We have reached the halfway point of our trip and as it says in the title, we have reached “moving” day.  We are shaking things up here in Seoul and will continue to do so until that final packing day comes.  Please be in prayer with us for good health and continued perseverance in accomplishing God’s work.  Thank your support!

Matt Hara

Being here in Korea, I’m realizing that it is not only for us to bring people to know God, but it is growing our faith as well.  Hearing some of the testimonies out here makes us realize how fortunate we are to live in the U.S. with the freedom that comes with it.  Being in another culture makes you see things in other perspectives and we are learning so much from our family church out here.  In Hawaii, we might complain about how life may be so hard such as finances, traffic, or even how tired we might be but compared to here and North Korea, the struggles are so different and so real.  It really put my life and struggles into perspective.  Most may think that this is a Christian nation but pressures of being successful in finances and careers are being more and more emphasized in the younger generations. 

Thank you to everyone who made it possible for all of us to be here.  We are truly blessed and we are so excited for everything yet to come.

Taryn Lee

What exactly is a prayer mountain?  When Korea split after the Korean War, Korean families were also split; children from parents, brother from brother.  The prayer mountain is a serene worship destination where believers pray and cry out to God for unification so that they may be once again reunited with their long lost family members.  Services are held around the clock in a large chapel.  We sat in for worship during a service and felt Jesus’ presence there.  There were at least 400 people singing, dancing, and praising!

The DMZ is a 4 km stretch of land and sea that is neither owned by the North or South Korea.  At the observation center, we watched a movie about the state of North Korea, then viewed the country side for ourselves through telescopes on the observation deck.  As we peered across the Im Jin River, we could only spot a few dilapidated houses and acres of rice fields tended by bent-back farmers.  With our own eyes we saw the people of a nation starved physically and spiritually.  I turned my neck to look back at the skyline of Seoul in the distance filled with high rises and people.  Although only 4 km away from each other in distance, North and South Korea are light years apart in development, technology, and spirituality.  We prayed that God’s grace would fall upon this lost nation and for a unification within the near future.  Furthermore, we prayed that churches would be ready to infiltrate North Korea at the appointed time.

God Bless!

-Roxy

Many trees. Many people. Sorry it's so big I had trouble formatting.

Seoul is a concretely idyllic alien planet, where trees invade streets, and palaces rest comfortably adjacent 7-11′s.

Not completely ancient, nor completely modern, it’s the state of a city in transition, an incomplete culture-canvas.

Anyway, enough of the pseudo-brooding writer style…haha!

Our 2nd day in South Korean began with prayer and devotions, and then an international church service with our Korean church family.  Approximately a third of the members are actually non-Korean foreigners, and with the church located smack dab in the middle of a bunch of embassies, it truly is a living testimony to the global vision of our Every Nation family.

Worship was awesome, and God’s prescence was so real, and near.  Our prayers and minds and spirits united under one song we sang, by Passion/Chris Tomlin, called “God of This City.”  We declared,

Greater things have yet to come

Greater things are still to be done in this city

The sermon, “Do Not Be Anxious,” really hit home for me, since I’ve been feeling awkward and out of place, not just in Korea, but also at home, and even with myself.  I was quick to realize that I must rely on God for my confidence, and not myself.  And even though I was not prepared for this trip as much as I could have been, I found peace in the face I have something unique to give, along with my mission members.  For me, it’s my music gift, and so I’m going to be playing with the worship team next Sunday!  Huzzah!

AND it’s a WORSHIP SERVICE!  ^_^ I also get to stretch my faith and my legs as I get my dance-praising on for our outreach.  It’s holy hip-hop!  Hallelujah!

After service, our Korean family graciously taught us how to use the local transportation system.  It’s really fun, really cheap, and really clean…seriously.  And that led to…cheap food! Mmmm…I can still taste the bi bim bap!  Hehe.

At night, some of the team went out and went wandering around the local night “scene,” where food vendors, karaoke bars and random fun abounds…including a giant statue of Gandalf.

I’m having fun learning about others and myself at the same time on the mission field.  What better place to deal with my self-reliance/lone wolf tendencies than here in Korea?  Praise the Lord!

Thanks for stopping by and checking our blog out.  We miss you guys back at home, please continue to keep us in prayer!

PEACE

Sean Choo.

It is our first day here in Korea, and we are very excited to be here! I am really excited to see God work through each and every one of us as we finally embark on our mission together after all these months of preparation. Even before we stepped off the plane in Incheon, it has really been an experience for our team! We arrived last night after our flight was delayed from our layover in Japan. We were greeted with big smiles and warm welcomes at the airport by Pastor Andy and Pastor David. It was about 9PM when we loaded the bus and just as we got onto the highway, the bus began to slow down;  it was breaking down! “Let’s start praying!” said Pastor David. Our prayers were answered as the bus started up again two stops and fourteen prayers later. Although everyone was a little tired after a day of traveling, spirits were kept high. The streets of Seoul were very much awake as we drove to our dorms. I noticed one particular bus stop full of younger people, and Pastor Andy told us they were high school students who had just finished college exam prep classes. At that moment I felt a strong burden in my spirit and I couldn’t wait for us to get onto the campuses – to be used by God to touch individual lives and be amazed for what God will do.

It was after midnight when we arrived at the dorms. We unloaded the bus to find out that the doors were already locked and we weren’t able to get in! An hour passed as we waited outside with undampered spirits. Thankfully we were able to get in contact with students also staying at the dorms to come down to help us. Everyone kept a great attitude and we were all in agreement that it was all a part of the mission experience!

It is now Sunday morning. We just had our team debriefing and we are about to leave for the international service where we will be able to meet all the members of the church. Everyone is up, ready and excited for our first day of ministry here in Seoul. Thank you everyone back home for your continued prayers for our team, the pastor and what God is doing through the church here.

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” – Luke 11:9-10

Just as we had waited last night for the doors to be opened, I believe that in the spiritual God has already opened doors for us on the campuses, and doors to the hearts of students here to be opened to His transforming love and power.

Korea here we come!

- Lee Anne Unciano

So encouraged after watching this…WHO HAS A HEART FOR ASIA UP IN HERE?

Yes!  I enjoy blogging…it’s almost therapeutic, you know?

I have to say that I’m very excited about our upcoming trip.  For one, we have an amazing team, in which all of our personalities blend well and the dynamics make everything exciting!

I just want to share a little bit of how God blessed Taryn and I with the opportunity to go on this missions trip.

Prior to hearing about the announcement that GBC was sponsoring a short-term missions trip to Korea, Taryn and I were not really thinking about going on a trip at all.  For one, we were barely making ends meet financially as mortgage payments and bills were mounting.  Secondly, Taryn and I, through much prayer and good counsel, made a decision that I should quit my position as a teacher at the end of the school year to pursue a newly kindled passion as a federal Customs agent.   We were stepping into a big unknown as we didn’t know for sure I would get the Customs position.  Bascially, I was leaving my teaching career behind without getting any solid acknowledgement from Homeland Security that I would even have the position by the time I quit.  So… the summer of 2009 would be a very interesting one as we put ourselves in a position of “greater faith.”  I officially ended my position as a teacher on June 10th and I still don’t have the Customs position as of yet.  The risk factor is that if Customs doesn’t call by the end of the July then we will be short some money for our payments.  Both of us never experienced an “unknown” like this before.  But even through all of this, we were at peace and settled in our hearts as God was at the center of every decision we were making.  He was always faithful in providing for our necessities, always in the nick of time.  And we have absolutely no concern about our situation!

Maybe a week before GBC made the announcement about South Korea, I remember reading chapter 38 of Rick Warren’s PDL about becoming a world-class Christian.  At the end of the chapter, he writes, “If you want to be like Jesus, you must have a heart for the whole world.  You can’t be satisfied with just your family and friends coming to Christ.  There are over 6 billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all of his children found.”  He finishes the chapter by asking the question, “What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short-term missions experience in the next year?”  At this point, I vividly recall myself praying right then and there, asking God to send Taryn and I on a missions trip together.  But in the back of my mind, I thought, “How are we able to afford this trip?  Will Taryn be able to get some time off of work?”

During the initial meetings at the church office, I was sitting down listening to Pastor Parris speaking about finances, time, and etc.  I was deliberating in my mind whether or not I should make the commitment then since I didn’t know whether Customs would call during the allotted dates.  From that week on, I remember praying to God asking Him to provide me with clarity in what I should do.  Should I go on the trip and hopefully Customs would call after I come back?  Or should I stay home in case Customs calls?  Well, again through much prayer and guidance from God and my wife, we both made the decision to commit.  In my heart, I knew that God had a divine plan in which He would “make my path straight.”  My wife was even able to get the necessary time off to go on the trip!  Through support checks and fundraising, we were able to amass enough monies for our trip.  When our funds for the plane ticket was due, God provided with support money from our families.  When the rest of the balance was due, God provided through fundraising.  Praise God for that!  Customs has yet to call, but I know in God’s plan, He knows exactly the right time for them to call and when I’m ready to go.  Most importantly, He is calling me on the Great Commission, and He’s sending me back to the motherland.

What was the lesson learned?

Whatever decision I made, God tugged at my heart to always seek His guidance.  I realized that I would have always made the wrong choice if I didn’t keep Him at the center of everything.  If I followed my selfish ambitions and followed my own path, who knows where I would’ve ended up? or who I would have hurt along the way.  My brother told me some real good advice, and he said something along these lines.  We can’t read God’s mind nor can we accurately predict His will for us.  But what we can do is to continually make faith-based decisions knowing that God will always make our paths straight in the end.  In Proverbs, God states that we should “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”  Sometimes God will decide for us with such clarity that decisions won’t be so hard.  But often in my life I find that choices are not that easy, but when I make a choice in faith, seeking in prayer and counsel from others, I know that God slaps on a good ending to the story.

-James