May 7, 2008
*Pastor J and his wife of YS Church are prayerfully considering starting an English music class every other Saturday when the Korean neighborhood kids are off from school. Phala, a Baptist worker, has acquired several different English music options for students to help in facilitating the Saturday music class. Please pray for Pastor J, his wife, and Phala as they seek to broaden the impact of the church in the neighborhood.
*Stateside assignment is a time of connecting with churches and intercessors and sharing what God is doing in our part of the world. Often it is a needed time for renewing, encouraging, equipping and evaluating for workers. Pray for Phil and Helaine and their four sons as they leave this month for a short stateside assignment. Ask God to meet their needs and to bless them with many new intercessors.
*The Korean government is hiring English-speaking teachers to teach in local schools. English is a much sought after skill and opens many doors. Pray for Sam and Lucy from Tennessee and Mississippi, as they have arrived and jumped immediately into a busy schedule. Pray that they will find time to explore their communities, know where to purchase necessities, build good relationships and overcome their homesickness. Pray that God will send people of encouragement their way and they will see much fruit during their year of teaching and ministering in Korea.
*During May ten new English teachers will be arriving in Korea. These college graduates will experience a cross-cultural experience for the first time. Many new relationships will form and opportunities to be light and salt will be available. Pray that these young people will quickly adjust to different foods, roommates, classroom expectations and culture. Ask God to provide one good friend who will be a “Barnabas,” encourager and listener, as they adjust and discover all God has planned for them in this unique job and ministry opportunity.
*During the last week of May, Seoul International Baptist Church will welcome their new full-time pastor, Pastor Dan and Sherry. Pray for the many preparations for their arrival and the goodbyes for Dan and Sherry. One of their sons will be graduating from high school this month. They have served on volunteer trips, but this will be their first full-time overseas ministry. Ask God to give them wisdom and understanding as they unite with the church and begin the ministry in Seoul. Pray for their family in the States as they release them and say goodbye.
*Give thanks for Tali D who completed her assignment last month and prepares to return to the U.S. early this month. Give thanks for Tali’s faithful, dedicated service helping homeschool Phil and Helaine’s children as well as her ministry to Koreans on Jeju Island as part of the team.
*Homeschooling has become a good option for some Korean families. Three U.S.
homeschooling families have come to Korea to assist in developing curriculum and establishing a strong homeschooling network base. Pray for a good curriculum to be developed that will enable Korean families who live overseas, such as missionaries, to provide a good education for their children. Pray that fathers and mothers will know the anointing and grace that only God can give in this endeavor and that Korean families will be strong and used greatly in His work.
*When Tim met a young man from Sri Lanka, the young man quickly shared that he was a Buddhist. He has been visiting an international church and even brought two of his friends recently. Tim asked them to share about their Buddhist faith and then they listened to him share about Christianity. As overseas workers, these young men are lonely, open to learning new things, and eager to make new friends. Pray that they will be open to the truth and a good relationship can form between them and Tim. Ask God to save these men and then use them back in their home country to bring the good news to thousands who are lost.
*Plans are underway for the June Centrifuge camp. Last year over 190 students enjoyed a week of learning, fun and growing experiences. Kids from middle school through high school can attend. Some come for social reasons, but quickly discover God’s love and learn how they can know him personally. For those who are believers it is a great week to grow and be changed. Pray for the eight 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.
*This is an important month of transition for the Jeju Team since all the members are either going on stateside assignment, finishing their term, or heading to new places for a few months. For about six months, there will not be anyone now serving on the team living on Jeju Island. Pray that as team members prepare for this transition, God will show them leaders to continue some of the work that has been done the last few months.
*Praise God for the opening to develop friendships last month with eight ladies, who work in a local Jeju market, when they came for a dinner hosted by Baptist workers where they enjoyed a good meal and a clear presentation of the gospel. Pray that God will continue to work in the hearts of these women drawing them to Himself while caring Christians who have been sharing with them are away from the island for the next several months. Ask that these women who work in the market will seek the truth and know Jesus as their Savior.
May Birthday and Anniversary Calendar
17 Joe and Ann L’s Anniversary
