GA JAM

Our next GA JAM is Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Campbellsville Baptist Church in Campbellsville, KY.  Girls in Action members, guests, and leaders are invited to meet international and North American missionaries, participate in a Live Action project, explore other cultures during Christmas Around the World, and enjoy music and missions activities. 

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Eastern time) and the cost is $10 per person.  Pre-registration is required.  (So we can have lunch and materials for you!)   Register by Monday, November 9.  

Learn more and download a registration form on the GA JAM page.  To register by phone, contact Kentucky WMU at 866-489-3534.  Credit card required for phone registrations.

 

House of Love Update from Korea WMU

House of Love is a retirement home for pastors and their wives and female missionaries being built by Korea WMU.  We received the following update and request for prayer from KBWMU:

Praise God that He has helped KBWMU to keep building the House of Love without any accidents.

Thank God that KBWMU was able to introduce the House of Love project and to promote it at the Korea Baptist convention meeting on September 22.

KBWMU asks that you pray that God would inspire many pastors and their wives and church members to help accomplish this project.

Building construction is expected to be finished at the end of October.

KBWMU writes: Pray that God will provide what is needed. We trust His timing and His way. Please be with us in prayer.

 

Korea Prayer Requests – September 2009

KBWMU had their 55^th  Annual Meeting August 17-18, 2009. New officers were elected and have started to work. Pray that they would be filled with God’s Spirit and His wisdom and power to accomplish well the task God has given for the coming year.

Missions Education: The Christian education department at DaeJeon Baptist Theological Seminary will open a class for missions education this semester. The Missions education class is elective, has been taught irregularly, and the last one was in 2005. KBWMU has encouraged the Seminary to offer this class again and wants to let students know what missions education is and how much it is needed. Through the class, KBWMU also wants to find good personnel resources for their missions camp which is held every January. Soonsil Back, who attended Southern Seminary in Louisville and interned with Kentucky WMU, will be teaching the class this semester.

Please pray for missions education in Korea:

• For students to clearly understand why missions education is needed
• That students would be committed to missional lifestyle through this course
• That many students would be involved in KBWMU missions camp as volunteer teachers the next January
• That God will give Soonsil His wisdom and ability to teach with His heart.

House of Love: We are dreaming that retired pastors, pastors’ wives, and retired female missionaries can spend the rest of their life in this House of Love filled with God’s love and grace. Construction commenced on May 11 with putting our trust in God. The building is going up day by day but we are still in great financial need.

Please pray for the House of Love:

• For the completion of the building of the House of Love within planned period of time, by Sept. 2009.
• For the workers’ safety, their diligence, and doing their best when they work.
  That fund raising would go well according to God’s grace. Pray that the financial needs will be filled for completing the work.
• That many people who have heard of this construction project will gladly open their hearts and join in giving for the House of Love.
• That contributors and those who have made pledges would be blessed abundantly, that they may be able to give more during the rest of their life for God’s glory, and that all their needs would be filled by God’s provision.

North Korea: Please keep praying for North Korea.

• Pray for the human rights of North Koreans, that they may be free from oppression and poverty.
• Pray for the food and freedom needed in N. Korea.
• Pray that the children in N. Korea may grow healthy with enough food.
• Pray for President Kim Jung Il and other political leaders to make right decisions for world peace and for the sake of people in Korea.

 

Korea WMU Prayer Requests

For about 20 years Korea Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union (KBWMU) has planned and prepared for a special house called “House of Love” for retired Baptist ministers who worked in remote area throughout their entire life for the gospel. Even though we had planned this earlier, we could not afford it. When the Lord said to us recently, “Now is the time to set it up,” we obeyed.  Construction finally commenced on May 11 with putting our trust in God. We are dreaming that retired pastors, pastors’ wives, and retired female missionaries can spend the rest of their life in this House of Love filled with God’s love and grace.

 Please pray:
- For the completion of the building of the House of Love within planned period of time, by Sept. 2009.
- That our builder, Hee-Won Engineering, will construct the building beautifully, and that the workers will be filled with Spirit and have wisdom like Bezalel and Oholiab when they constructed  the sanctuary (Exodus 35:30 – 39:31).
- For the workers’ safety, their diligence, and doing their best when they work.
- That fund raising would go well according to God’s grace. Pray that the financial needs will be filled for completing the work.
- That many people who have heard of this constrution project will gladly open their hearts and join in giving for the House of Love.
- That contributors and those who have made pledges would be blessed abundantly, that they may be able to give more during the rest of their life for God’s glory, and that all their needs would be filled by God’s provision.
- That more contributors would get involved with this beautiful project.

 Please keep praying for North Korea.
▪ Pray for the human rights of North Koreans, that they may be free from  oppression and poverty.
▪ Pray for the food and freedom needed in N. Korea.
▪ Pray that the children in N. Korea may grow healthy with enough food.
▪ Pray for President Kim Jung Il and other political leaders that they will make right decisions  for world peace and for the sake of people around Korea.

 

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.