Prayer Requests for Korea from a Korean Sister

The following prayer requests come to us from a Sister in Christ in South Korea. 

 

South Korea is now experiencing very difficult situations in many areas like politics, society and the issue of nuclear weapons in North Korea. In recent years suicide has been spreading like an epidemic throughout South Korea. The suicides of of well-known figures such as TV stars and even the former president has negative impact on those who are suffering from the same temptation. North Korea is still threating the world as well as Korea and other neighboring countries with deadly weapons. We surely need many prayers.

 

Thank you for your prayers. God will listen as He promised.

 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”  (Matthew 18:18~20)

 

Please pray for

- President Lee and South Korean politicians that they may have right understanding on this issue of nuclear weapons in North Korea and God’s wisdom to deal with this wisely.

- The spirit of suicide to leave from this land.

- Those who are suffering from temptation of suicide that they may overcome it and live life with strength and courage.

- The human rights of North Koreans that they may be free from unjust oppression and severe poverty.

- The food and freedom that North Koreans desperately need that they may live with the dignity of man God gave.

- The kids in North Korea to be provided enough food that they may grow soundly with balanced nutrituion.

- For President Kim Jong Il, leader of North Korea, and North Korean politicians that they may make right decisions for world peace and for people in Korea and those around it.

 

WorldCrafts News

WorldCrafts™  is offering free shipping on orders of $30 or more between now and June 27. This is a great opportunity to give special gifts and make a difference in the lives of people around the world.  Use code W01424 when placing your order to receive free shipping.

National WMU’s WorldCrafts ministry enables artisan groups throughout the world to receive a viable wage through handmade crafts. Individuals earn income by making and selling items, while a local contact works with the artisans. This close relationship provides a bridge for the Truth.

To learn more about WorldCrafts, go to www.WorldCraftsVillage.com.  Take advantage of the free shipping to order gifts for friends and family, and something for yourself!

 

Korea Prayer Requests – June 2009

1. Last month you were asked to pray against a new rise in “internet suicides” in South Korea. The unthinkable happened when Former President Roh Moo-hyun, who had been embroiled in a penetrating corruption investigation, leaped to his death on May 23. He was 62. Pray for Koreans who mourn his death and the circumstances relating to how he chose to end his life in a country where the number of suicides has become a national crisis. Roh’s is the most recent high-profile suicide in a country with the highest suicide rate among the 30 nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

 

2. During the recent Korean Summit meeting in Dallas over 114 decisions for missions were made. Where is the most strategic place? How will they proceed with His call upon their lives? Pray for God’s direction and wisdom for these who have responded in obedience. Ask God to reveal exactly what is next as they step out in faith. 

 

3. Hands On is a new way to encourage students to spend a few months on the field.  Some students take a “gap year” before or during college to seek God’s direction for the future. Recent college graduates often look for a place to plug in before paying off college debts or starting their careers.  Many schools are offering semester internship programs. Pray for Becca and other college students coming to work for three to six months overseas. Ask God to open doors for good relationships and positive ministry experiences in their new cultures.

 

4. Cecil will give birth to her second child in June. She will not be able to work for a few months. The present economy is creating pressure for her husband and adding stress to their marriage. Pray for a safe delivery and good recovery. Ask God to meet their needs and to grow them in oneness in their marriage. Pray that they will turn to the Lord in these times and not trust in their own understanding.

 

5. Time to pack that bag, get on the plane and bus and head for the fun at Asian Centrifuge Camp. Pray that travel will be safe, youth participants from middle school through high school will be ready to grow and experience all God has planned for them. Some attend for social reasons, but quickly discover God’s love and learn how they can know Him personally. For those who are believers, this is a great week to grow and be changed. Pray for the U.S. Centrifuge staff as they prepare for this year’s camp and travel to Korea. Ask God to prepare the hearts of each youth to know Him in a deep, personal way and to experience life changes during this week.

 

6. Transition is a normal part of life. Several families are experiencing a move, change in job assignments, kids entering college or changing schools, or going on stateside. With all of these transitions come opportunities and challenges. Pray for safe travel, good friends, fast learning of new responsibilities and skills, good connections with prayer partners, peace and grace during the months ahead.

 

7. English teachers continue to arrive in South Korea. The government is intentional in helping students learn English beginning in elementary school. Many of these teachers are believers and desire to testify of His love and saving grace. Pray for good relationships and opportunities to share the good news with students and families. Pray that English teachers will adjust to the new culture and language and will be effective in investing in lives for eternity.

 8. Volunteers from a church in Memphis, Tennessee will be ministering in South Korea and a last frontier country in August and September.  Pray for wisdom and discernment as plans are being made for strategies in reaching out to the lost in these areas. Ask God to prepare each volunteer for the opportunities to share the good news with hundreds of people and that many will receive Christ. Ask that doors may open for future, on-going ministry after the team leaves.

9. In February this year, over 1,000 patients in Bangladesh received medical treatment from Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital’s short-term volunteer team from Busan, Korea. Give praise that some of the patients received the Good News as well.  Pray that these people will be reminded of His unfailing love and mercy on them.  Pray also that they be bold witnesses to tell the message of truth to others.

June Birthday and Anniversary Calendar

20        Noah H*

27        Phil and Helaine H Anniversary

*TCK

 

Korea Prayer Requests – May 2009

Pray against a new rise in “internet suicides” in South Korea. Police said they will step up efforts to clamp down on on-line cafes used to plan group suicides, following a spate of such deaths in recent weeks raising fears of a social epidemic. Police recently interrupted a suicide attempt at a local hotel room in downtown Seoul involving five people who gathered after meeting through an Internet cafe. The group had devised their plan through e-mails and instant messenger services. The Web site’s manager was booked on suspicion of abetting in the suicide attempt. In the past three weeks, 14 people have been found dead in apparent group suicides, mostly in hotel rooms and in cars parked in secluded areas. The latest incidents follow earlier high profile celebrity suicides stoking fears of copy-cat suicides. Pray against this evil trend and pray for the local churches and believers to know how to reach out to these desperate Koreans who have lost all hope.

Volunteers from a church in Memphis, Tennessee will be ministering in South Korea and a last frontier country in August and September.  Pray for wisdom and discernment as plans are being made for strategies in reaching out to the lost in these areas. Ask God to prepare each volunteer for the opportunities to share the good news with hundreds of people and that many will receive Christ. Ask that doors may open for future, on-going ministry after the team leaves.

 Pray for South Korean authorities as they develop safety inspection procedures to protect SK from swine flu.  Health authorities said they would implement precautionary measures for domestic pork, as people who traveled to the affected regions could possibly have carried the virus home and infected local livestock. The Agriculture Ministry said relevant government ministries were prepared to implement stronger measures in case of an outbreak in Korea. Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza, which regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs and is transmittable to humans.

Continue to lift up networking plans for two Baptist workers who are mobilizing a key partner church to adopt an unreached people group in a closed country. Two Korean couples are already on the field in a third country preparing to enter their target country by this summer. Other personnel from the partnering church will soon follow them. Pray that this UPG team will be able to secure visas and find appropriate housing and schooling for their children as they begin to minister in this very restrictive nation. Pray that they will quickly establish meaningful contacts with their new people group.

Pray for South Korean churches and believers as they try to reach out and minister to “international couples,” Koreans married to non-Koreans. The divorce rate among these international couples has been growing in recent years.  The number of divorces between international couples surged 30 percent to 11,255 last year, accounting for nearly 10 percent of marriage breakups in Korea. Nearly 83 percent of those couples divorced less than five years after their marriage – a sharp increase from 15.9 percent in 2002. Marriages between Korean husbands and foreign wives had a higher divorce rate than those where the husband was foreign, indicating that marriages between Korean men in rural areas and women from other Asian countries are difficult to sustain. The most common reason for divorce was personality differences, followed by economic problems. Adultery, family feuds, and physical or mental abuse were also cited. Pray that this social issue will become an open door of ministry for believers in South Korea.

                                    May Birthday and Anniversary Calendar

 17         Joe and Ann L Anniversary

 

Over the Counter Medications Needed for Eastern Kentucky Clinic

Eastern Kentucky SONrise and Touched Twice Ministries/Touched Twice United have partnered with local ministries, churches and community resources in Cumberland, Benham and Lynch to host a massive FREE health clinic June 12 and 13, 2009, in Cumberland, KY, deep in the heart of the Appalachians.  Missions groups, Sunday School Classes, and Churches are invited to college over the counter medications for use in the medical clinic.

Medications needed
Allergy: Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, etec.
Topical Creams: Hydrocortisone, Lamisil, any antifungal cream, Neosporin
Arthritis and pain: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aleve
Cough and cold: all types for adults and children
Antacids: Prilosec, Zantac, Pepcid, etc.
Allergy eye meds: Naphon-A, Visine for Allergies, etc.
Vitamins: all types for adults and children

Contact Mike Ware, President, Touched Twice Ministries, for more information and how to deliver the medications.  Email Mike at maware@insightbb.com

 

Korea Prayer Requests – April 2009

With the recent rise in the number of Buddhist adherents in Korea, spiritual awakening among the churches is a great need. Pray that Korean churches and believers will catch a fresh vision to reach out to their Buddhist friends and neighbors with the Good News. Pray that they will be faithful and effective in sharing their faith and that many Buddhists will come to Christ.

Centrifuge 2009 is coming this June and about 160 teenagers are expected to board a plane or bus to head for a week of fun, adventure, and spiritual growth with kids their own age. Many are not yet believers.  Pray for safe travel, for kids to grow and commit to God’s will for their lives, for souls to be saved, and for leaders to be anointed and equipped for this ministry.  Ask God to do a new work and miracles in each participant from the youngest kid to the oldest adult.

The 500,000 blue-collar workers on the island of Jeju are ethnically Korean but possess their own distinct understanding of the spirit world, folk religion, social culture, and linguistic dialect. The farmers, fishermen and especially the haenyo women divers prefer to be left alone. Spiritually, Jeju remains a resistant stronghold. Shamanism mixed with cultural Buddhism holds at least 98% of the population in utter darkness. The exclusive call of Jesus Christ is seen as a complete betrayal of what it means to be from Jeju. Pray that the Spirit will burden believers with compassion to share the gospel with every islander in a way that removes their fear of losing either personal or cultural identity. Pray that rapidly reproducing churches can be started and sustained among these islanders. Pray that workers can victoriously face the spiritual battles encountered among the many strongholds.  A  person of peace is a critical need to reach the blue-collar workers of Jeju Island. Pray that a Jeju believer, who speaks the dialect fluently, will become burdened to return home and help reach his people for Christ. The IMB workers on the island ask you to pray for this partner to come quickly and to assist in conducting basic evangelism, discipleship and implementing a church planting movement strategy.

Sue met an elderly woman at the traditional farmer’s market on Jeju. Her heart is gradually opening to the witness of Christ.  Sue gave the lady a ride home, met her sick husband, and gave him a Bible to read. Sue has also met four other ladies and one man at the market. Pray that each one will be saved.

Volunteers from a church in Memphis, Tennessee will be ministering in South Korea and a last frontier country in August and September.  Pray for wisdom and discernment as plans are being made for strategies in reaching out to the lost in these areas. Ask God to prepare each volunteer for the opportunities to share the good news with hundreds of people. Pray that many will receive Christ. Ask that doors may open for future, on-going ministry after the team leaves.

Two IMB workers are mobilizing a key partner church in adopting an unreached people group in a closed country. Two Korean couples are already on the field in a third country preparing to enter their target country by this summer. Other personnel from the partnering church will soon follow them. Pray that this UPG team will be able to secure visas and find appropriate housing and schooling for their children as they begin to minister in this very restrictive nation. Pray that they will quickly establish meaningful contacts with their new people group.

 

Follow Christ to Camp!

Summer camp can be one of the most memorable experiences of a child’s life!  Kentucky WMU has a variety of camping opportunities this summer. (Check out our camp page:  www.kywmu.org/camp.)  We not only seek to create memorable experiences for campers, but significant, life-changing experiences.  Our camp goals are to lead campers to a closer relationship with Christ and teach them how they can spread Christ’s love throughout the world.  In order to meet the goals, WE NEED CAMP STAFF!  We’re looking for committed, young adult Christian females with a heart for missions.  If you or someone you know feels called to serve God at Mission Adventure Camp, please contact our Camp Director, Stacy Nall for more information.  Help make Mission Adventure Camp a significant, life-changing experience for a child.

 These positions are currently available:  Technology Leader, Lifeguard, Kitchen Coordinator, Crafts Leader and Nature Leader.

For more information about serving on our camp staff, contact Stacy Nall (Stacy.Nall@kybaptist.org or 866-489-3534).

 

Korea Prayer Requests – March 2009

1. Thank you for praying last month for the team of medical personnel from Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital in Busan, Korea who ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of children and families in Bangladesh the end of February. Give thanks for safe travel and good health. Pray that this ministry trip will result in much spiritual fruit.

 

2.      Melissa, a Filipina, is married to a Korean man. On an elevator in Seoul with her five-month old daughter, Melissa met a Baptist worker and another Filipina, Cecil, who is also married to a Korean man. Melissa’s face brightened when the two women spoke her dialect and shared how close they had lived to her home city in the Philippines. Information was shared with a desire for future contacts. Melissa is not a believer, but attends a church with her husband. Her mother-in-law lives with them and Melissa is limited in her Korean language. Both Filipinas share similar adjustments and struggles. It was a God-ordained moment of encouragement for both young mothers. Pray that these two women can become good friends and Melissa will become a believer as Cecil shares the Good News with her.

 

3.      The Korean job market has been greatly affected with the global economy decline. International and Korean workers are being laid off. Those who keep a job often experience a decrease in wages. Tough decisions face many families and yet opportunities arise to discover what really matters in life. Pray for believers to demonstrate a life of faith and trust among their lost family members.  Ask God to use the present trials and crisis to awaken Koreans to their spiritual need for a relationship with Christ.

 

4.      During Spring break TCKs will be traveling home from boarding school, back to their former countries where they lived growing up and to countries where they are moving next. Pray that each TCK will make new, special memories and grow in faith to see how God is working in their lives according to His plans. Pray that they will finish this school year well and be diligent and responsible young people. Pray also that they can discern God’s will for their lives and be willing to follow it no matter what comes their way.

 

5.      Three families will be going on stateside this summer. As they finish medicals, travel plans, and responsibilities on the field, ask God for good health, discernment, and wisdom. Pray for them as they speak and share what God is doing and make decisions about colleges. Pray for one family making a move to a new assignment that adjustments will go well.

 

6.      On March 12 a group of leaders will meet to pray and brainstorm concerning plans for reaching the lost of Korea. What needs to be done to complete the task and what needs to be stopped or adjusted to be more effective in our efforts? Pray for minds and hearts to discern and know God’s plans.

 

7.      Over 500 Korean students graduated from seminary last month. Ask God to provide the right place for each to serve and minister and to prepare them to be humble servants who can impact their communities with Christ’s love. A few of the students are committed to overseas mission work. Pray for their preparation and plans as they discern which people group and location to choose.

 

1. Thank you for praying for the homeschoolers retreat held last month.  Forty-six homeschooling families came together for standardized testing and specialized classes for parents and  students. Give thanks for safe travel to the conference for the 19 US volunteers and 150 school-age children and teaching parents. Give praise for the encouragement and equipping each one received to be able to return home with joy and confidence to press on in the task of homeschooling.

                                     March Birthday and Anniversary Calendar

 18        David and Hannah W Anniversary

29        David W

 

 

 

Korea Prayer Requests – February

1. Being the caregiver to his 15-year old adopted brother leaves one US 27-year old man searching for advice on parenting. Their father was killed in a plane crash during 9-11. Their mother became extremely depressed and took her life the day before this past Christmas. The older brother is teaching English at a university in Seoul and studying Korean. The younger brother is attending a small international school, but is quite withdrawn and reluctant to talk with his older brother. The brothers will be in Korea for one or two years. Pray for a second contact with these brothers to be arranged and that believers can encourage and assist them during their adjustments to a new culture. Pray that both young men will be saved and begin a journey of faith that can shared with their lost friends and family. Pray for comfort for them in the loss of both parents and feelings of despair and hopelessness.

 

2. Tests! Every student needs them, but homeschoolers get to travel to a different country to take some of their achievement tests. This month, 46 homeschooling families will come together for standardized testing and specialized classes for parents and students. Pray for safe travel to the conference for the 19 US volunteers and 150 school-age children and teaching parents. Pray that all will come healthy and stay free of sickness during this conference. Pray for encouragement and equipping for each one so they can return home with joy and confidence to press on in the task of homeschooling.

 

3. During February a team of medical personnel from Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital in Busan, Korea will minister to the physical and spiritual needs of children and families in Bangladesh.  A Baptist worker will accompany the team to serve as an interpreter.  Pray for safe travel and good health, loving, servant’s hearts, grace to deal with culture shock and much spiritual fruit.

 

4. Korean workers are going. Recently in one last frontier country a visiting worker was there doing a media project and ministering. He arrived very sick from food poisoning traveling through a neighboring country. A Korean nurse came and installed an IV in his hotel room and one Korean man laid hands on him. Others joined in praying for his healing. The next morning he woke up healed and ready to go to work. Wherever Koreans go, God has work for them to do. Pray that Koreans will continue to go to dark places and be used wherever and however God chooses. Ask God to open doors for many more workers to go and serve short-term and long-term in projects and work among unreached people groups.

 

5. Workers from neighboring countries often come to Korea for medical needs. Recently, one worker had a tumor and kidney removed. Another worker had surgery for a detached retina. As expected, each one hopes for a quick recovery so they can return to their ministry. Pray for healing, good diagnosis and medical care to be received. Pray for those living in the city as they reach out with encouragement to meet their needs.

 

6. Companies in the 13th largest economy, Korea, dismissed more workers than they hired in December for the first time in five years. More layoffs are expected in the coming months. In the past, many have sought better jobs and opportunities outside their country. However, as one pastor recently commented, “Where can you go that is better? This is a global economic crisis. It is time to embrace the changes and take the opportunities the Lord is opening up for ministering among your own people?” Pray that believers will be bold and faithful to share the hope that is in Christ alone and testify of His sufficiency in trials.

 

7. A new church is born! Just a few weeks ago, International Christian Fellowship held its first worship service with 32 people in attendance. Pray for Dr. Dan Armistead, of Seoul International Baptist Church, who is leading this new fellowship on a school campus. Currently, Seoul has only two truly international congregations and none in the area of town where the school is located. Please pray that this new service will reach out to the expatriates living in the surrounding community.

 

                                    February Birthday and Anniversary Calendar

 

16        Deborah S*

23        Bob H

 *TCKs

 

Korea Prayer Requests – January 2009

 

1.     Slowly walking along the sidewalk, the Korean man using a cane found it hard to communicate in English. Yet he desired to ask the American woman for help. He shared that he was living on the street, although his clothes and cleanliness did not indicate this to be true. He was about 35 years old, if you were to guess his age. Then just about 20 feet further down the same street, a dirty elderly woman beggar with knotted hair, wrinkles and torn and tattered clothes was sitting on the sidewalk with her hand held out for food or money. One young Korean woman gave her a large piece of sweet pastry. She smiled and thanked her. As winter comes, beggars face difficult days and come in all sizes, conditions and needs. No matter what the circumstances that has brought them to this place of need and begging condition, God sees and understands. Pray that people will reach out in God’s love to the beggars on the streets of Korea and churches will begin ministries for these people. Ask God to save them from the cold and hunger but most of all from their sinful condition with new life that comes only through Him.

 

2.     Taking classes to get a higher degree so that she can secure a better paying job is not easy for a young mother in Korea. She rises early to get her five-year old daughter ready for class, prepares herself to leave and begins her busy schedule. She is pregnant again and struggles with tiredness and nausea. Her marriage is weak and she worries about the future and hopes the Lord will answer her prayers. Often lonely and insecure, this young mother and wife meets with the mother of a childhood friend and shares her burdens and concerns. Pray for this woman to have a good pregnancy and that her marriage will be strengthened. Pray that the Lord will meet her deepest needs for intimacy with Him and for renewed hope and faith. Ask God to give wisdom to the older woman as she listens and counsels this young woman.

 

3.     Sarah is a graduate of California Baptist University and has been teaching in an English institute in Seoul. She loves her kids and has seen much progress in their English skills. She just returned to the States and will be job hunting. Pray that she will find a good job quickly and that she will know where to live. Pray for wisdom in finding a good church, discipleship group and accountability options.

 

4.     Mr. Kim, age 32, drives a tour bus and is the father of a lovely daughter. Recently, a tumor was discovered on his lower leg muscle. The doctors are hoping to remove the cancer that seems to be contained in this one area. Pray for his surgery to go well and a good recovery. Pray that he will not be crippled but have full use of his muscles and leg after the surgery. Pray for God’s healing and grace and that he will be a testimony to his lost friends of God’s amazing power and love through this physical crisis.

 

5.     A Vietnamese couple is ministering to Vietnamese who are working in Korea and those married to Koreans.  Cultural differences and stress can create challenges that often bring a heavy load. Pray for this couple to find good friends who will counsel and encourage them in their family life and ministry. The winter months are often depressing and sickness like colds and flu are common. Pray for protection, spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally over this couple and their children. Ask God to give much fruit to their diligent labors and open the hearts of Vietnamese workers to believe in Christ.

 

6.     A team of medical personnel from Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital (WMBH) in Busan, Korea will soon be going to Bangladesh to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of children and families there.  The WMBH has been making volunteer medical trips to developing countries since the 1980’s.  A Baptist worker will accompany the team to serve as an interpreter.  Please pray: (1) that team members show a loving servant’s heart, (2) for God to be glorified through this volunteer medical trip, (3) members experience a sense of humor and lots of grace to deal with culture shock, (4) for a safe journey to/from Korea; and (5) for team members’ physical health. 

 

7.    The big exam for high school students was in November. Your score can determine what educational privileges and opportunities await you in the future. Many families in Korea place great value on this test and their child’s score. What would you do if your score were not acceptable? Can you settle for being average or normal? Will your parents treat you differently if you do not perform well on this test? What about kids who are brilliant but not good test takers? Pray that teenagers in Korea will surrender to the Lord and trust Him for their future. Pray that they will be content to be all God has designed them to be and pursue careers that He leads them to do and honor Him in all things.

 

8.    2009 – will it be a year of hope or despair? Koreans face severe challenges with the economy, government internal conflict, declining church growth and relationships with neighboring countries. Yet the crosses that light up the sky throughout the country each night remind them that God has answers and is in control. Pray that Christians in Korea will be people of hope and grow in their boldness to take that everlasting hope to their neighbors, friends and co-workers who have no hope nor know the Prince of Peace in their lives.

 

9.  TCKs (Third Culture Kids) enjoy many great experiences living overseas. When it is time to enter college, the decision is harder for some because they have become more comfortable in their new culture than in America, their home culture.  Being near relatives you haven’t seen very much during your growing up years, finding a school with the course you are most interested, choosing a large university or small, tuition concerns, and many others can be factors they need to consider. Pray for TCKs to discern His will for a college choice and to grow in skills needed to live away from their families. Pray for a good senior year and meaningful closure when it is time to leave.

 

 

                                    January Birthday and Anniversary Calendar

 

2          Natalie S*

4          Ann L

8          Bill and Shelley F Anniversary

11        Shelley F

 

*TCKs