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
