south korea 2011

I am back in South Korea, exactly one year later, and I love it. I am grateful to God, my Creator, for allowing me to see this beautiful country and these wonderful people once again! I don't know what to expect, exactly, but I am confident that God has great things in store.

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight, Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight. Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower. Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

harder than i thought: some recent thoughts

It finally occurred to me, today, that just because something may be God's will, it doesn't make it any easier. I think I have "known" this truth for a while, because of course I believe that obeying the call of God requires life walked down the narrow road... or through the narrow gate. "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many" Matthew 7:13. The fact that the way to destruction is easy clearly implies that the righteous path and pursuit of holiness is difficult. So many people want the easy way, thus many enter into destruction.
I guess believing and knowing isn't quite enough when you aren't living what you believe.

Like I said, it occurred to me, today, that I wasn't living what I so firmly believe.

I think that many people decide to follow Christ because they are in hope of something easier, or something that will make their life better based on terms of prosperity. I have realized that the value of God for who he is, his character, is a major factor in the Christian "faith," or l i f e. Problems occur, though, when we start to value God for his hand, and how much stuff we are given... or  are too focused on the "feeling" that they think they deserve from being a Christian. That's the problem. We think we deserve... or are entitled to certain things, just because we are told that being a Christian will make us happier, or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I am happy... and I would never renounce Christianity. But, a lot people now a days just hear the words happy and  better and say they are a Christian.

I am currently reading a book in my School of Worship at YWAM, Tyler, called "Think Like Jesus," by George Barna. He says this about a Christian life:
"Jesus discussed the reality with His followers, wanting the (and us) to understand that a biblical worldview does not make life easy; it makes our lives pleasing to God and personally rewarding. A life of obedience to God will not be understood or appreciated by a selfish and sinful world. Jesus warned people that obedience to God would brings on rifts with family and friends, financial struggles, public ridicule, legal hassles, death threats, imprisonment, physical attacks, unemployment, misunderstandings, and serious illness. Those who commit themselves to living in full obedience to God will also be more prominently involved in the spiritual battle for their soul. Intentionally and boldly living for God positions you as a prime target for spiritual attacks because Satan recognizes such people as a serious threat to his objectives" George Barna, Think Like Jesus.

It is clear that the way through the narrow gate is not easy.

psalm 90

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You return man to dust and say, 'Return, O children of man!' For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of you presence.
For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"

Psalm 90

Life is short and precious. This psalm reminds not to take tomorrow, or anything, really, for granted. So, I guess, "make the most of life!"

To "make the most of life" does not imply that we are to fulfill every selfish desire on our bucket list.

coming home, future plans

Yes, now I am at home, here in good, old, northern Minnesota.  It is a blessing to be able to spend time with my family, and see some friends before they all leave for school.  My School of Evangelism at YWAM just ended on August 15, and the whole school (the last 5 months) was great.  To be honest, though, it was probably the hardest 5 months I have had to endure since I have been of "adult age."  Despite the struggle, God used it for his glory, and to grow me as a disciple.  I am overjoyed, that even in our "hard" times God is more than willing to teach us or put us to good use.

Since I have been home, preparation for what is to come is my main priority.  I am planning on going back to YWAM Tyler for a third school: the School of Worship.  I aspire to live with a heart of worship... to praise the Lord in the worst conditions, as well as the best, and I feel that this school will be beneficial, to say the least.  Not to mention, I get the opportunity to put my musical ability into good use, for it is a worship school.  With hope, I will be playing a lot of guitar, singing, and drums.  I am excited.

Like I said, preparation is a priority.  I have been working, and have some other ideas in mind to raise support.  But, to be totally honest... I need help.  I will need $5,500 for the School of Worship, and that covers both the lecture phase and outreach.   Yeah, I know I am young, but this isn't just a temporary lifestyle for me.  It isn't just something to do before college... but the beginning of my life as a son and servant of God.  Any amount of support is a blessing.

Here, take a look at the YWAM Tyler website.  There is information about my next school, and a bunch of others:

ywamtyler.org

crystal clear

Wow, outreach over in Romania has been great so far! During my time in Constanta, a friend Kyle and I ministered at the skate park almost every night. It is cool that God uses our gifts for his glory. I never thought that I would be skateboarding for the sake of the gospel. During the day, though, we were able to be a part of a "kids camp" for gypsy children. They are beautiful children of God... and it is sad to me that most of Europe is cruel to them. Fathers cannot get jobs, just because they are gypsy. Some Romanian parents will send their children to different schools, only because they do not want them around gypsies. Sad.

As a matter of fact, there were two teenage Romanian boys at the kids camp. They were not participating, they were just there watching... smirking... laughing. They asked me to come sit with them and talk... so I did. We started talking and they told me that they came to the kids camp, only to make fun and laugh. They made it very clear to me that they were not gypsy... that gypsies are bad, and they are most definitely Romanian. I asked them why they made fun, and they just said it is funny that we came to hang out with the gypsies. But, as we kept talking about this topic, one kid said "it is good you are here though, because the gypsies are happy. We have never seen them this happy... it is a good thing." He said that we make them happy, and they do not know how. Well, I know how... and who (Jesus Christ!) makes them happy. It was reassuring to me, that even these two kids, who didn't like they gypsies, noticed that we carried a presence... the Holy Spirit... the Joy of the Lord. The two boys told me that they will not make fun anymore, because of the conversation we had... they understand now.

That is the God we serve. Wow.

"For it has been granted to me that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now that I still have." Philippians 1:29-30

It is apparent how we, who call ourselves Christians, are supposed to live. Believing is not enough... having the knowledge and going to church is just not enough. We are called to live as Christ, for he was the PERFECT example for us. Paul endured suffering way beyond what most of us even dream of, and I believe it was because he was a threat to the devil. Yes, the devil caused his suffering, not God. The devil still works this way today... when he notices someone making an impact in the kingdom of God, he will do anything to thwart God's plan; financial problems, prison, disease, and even death. In reading this passage, I realized that maybe my life is not enough of a threat to the devil. Yeah, I am a "missionary," and I want to live sacrificially... but I want the devil to be scared of me. I want the devil to fear God, himself, working through my life.

It is crystal clear how we as Christians are supposed to live.

And later in Philippians 3, Paul goes on to say the he wants to "share in the sufferings of Christ, and become like him in his death." And if Paul was important enough to have his life remembered in the Word of God, the Bible... then what he says must be valid. He must have lived his life, at least, somewhat correctly! We should have this same attitude towards life... this same desire... exact same PASSION to see the Lord's kingdom come on this earth!

constanta, romania

I am certainly overjoyed to be here in Constanta, Romania! Each day, I am struck with an attitude of thankfulness to the Lord, for I cannot believe that he has enabled me to spend my summer this way... to see his kingdom come and his will be done in eastern Europe... to prepare the way of the Lord, whatever you would call it!

We just left Cheb, a small city right on the German border, in the Czech Republic. It saddens me to see that prostitution is a big problem there. German men will drive to Cheb, only to pick up a prostitute... because the "sex is cheaper there." Sad. On a better note, though, I did get to witness the effectiveness of prayer. We had just talked with a woman on the streets, and as she was walking away from us, we noticed a car waiting at the end of the block. Of course it was waiting for her. She walked closer and we began to pray that she would not get in... or that something would stop her from going with the men. She was about to get in the car, when a policeman drove by and flashed on his light and sirens. Immediately... immediately, the girl walked away and the car sped off. Praise the Lord, right!!?

From there we took a series of four trains to get to Constanta... a total of about 30 hours aboard a train. I really enjoyed it, to be honest. I am just happy for some mode of transportation, even if it was super hot and sweaty the whole time. I do not really know what to expect while we are here in Constanta for 10 days. I guess God knows, though... and that is comforting to me. It feels neat to be in the same area that my sister Elona was from. She lived in an orphanage in Belgorod Dnestrovski, Ukraine... which is right on the black sea, close to the Romanian border. I have always wanted to go to this area ever since she became a part of our family... and now, God has let that become reality. Wow.

"O you who love the Lord, hate evil!" -Psalm 97:10 God makes it so clear to us... hate evil. If we love the Lord, we cannot even have the smallest desire to do evil.

prague, czech rep.

Oh, the Lord is good to me. I cannot express my excitement... the reality that God has enabled me to go to Prague, Czech Republic is so crazy to me!

To be honest, my flesh desires are to go sightseeing, check out some cool skateparks and hang out in coffee shops. I am already having to fight even the thought of these things. I do not want my real purpose in being here, in Europe, to take second to what I may desire. While I am here (and for the rest of my life) I want to give up the "rights" I think I have as a human being. The "right" to relax, or the "right" to do what I want to do, when I want. I want to enjoy doing God's will, here in Prague and with my whole life. I know it may not always be comfortable... or desirable from the world's view, but I choose my spiritual desire over my flesh desire. If I go to the skatepark, God willing... let it be only to show the love of Christ. When I go into a coffee shop (which I sure hope is every day!), I want to reflect the love God has shown me... I want my sincere adoration for Christ to overflow here on earth. May your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.' For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the Go and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:1-7

your kingdom come and your will be done

It is been a while.

In short, the lecture phase of SOE was great! It is so clear to me, now, how I am supposed to live my life... and how I desire to live. "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked" (1 John 2:6). Ever since I read this verse last fall, I cannot get it out of my whole thought process. My whole worldview has changed because of the revelation this verse has given me. I am assured, too, that fear has no hold on my life, if I live to the best of my ability as Christ did. For, fear (nor death!) had no hold on his life and ministry... so why should I be fearful? I am not afraid.

Tomorrow we leave for eastern Europe. We will be in the Czech Republic for the first two weeks, and in Romania for about the last three. I would rather spend my summer this way than any other way. I will do whatever it takes to see Christ's kingdom come and his will be done.

I am just so thankful for my family.

hydration

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38).

We need to be constantly hydrated with the Word of God. It is our choice to drink... for the Lord's cup is always overflowing for us... and He desires that our cup remains in constant overflow as well. He is the living water, not just physical, tangible water... living water! He wants us to come to Him for refreshment. When we start to fall away, we become dehydrated... weak... etc.

Anything that has been hydrated contains water. And, anything with a lack of water becomes dehydrated. If you think of this in terms of intimacy with the Lord... it is actually a serious matter. We need to be one with the living water and remain hydrated. God is always raining down His love on us, so there is always opportunity for refreshment.

jonah

There is a song called by Ian McIntosh called Fully Loved... and I just cannot stop listening to it. The title is pretty literal... we are fully loved by God. I pray this is encouraging and that you have a renewed sense of God's love for you.

I recently read through Jonah in the Bible, and honestly, I think it is the first time I have ever read the book. Most people have heard the "story" of Jonah enough times... maybe even too many. But, do we read and discover the historical event for ourselves, in God's word? I think this applies to many Bible stories. We just hear the story and think we know everything, but scripture is so much more than words... or stories for this matter. The Creator of the Universe wants each of us to receive revelation through these powerful, dynamic historic events.

"But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his God. And they hurled cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them" (Jonah 1:4-5).

In the midst of Jonah's disobedience, the Lord sends a great storm to the seas. Jonah's disobedience to the Lord not only affected him, but everyone else aboard the ship, not to mention the other ships on the sea at that time. So naturally, in the midst of catastrophe each mariner tries to gain comfort, or resolve the situation by crying out to their own gods. Even today, we cry to false gods for comfort... we cling to idols for artificial love. We think that money will make things better... or music, or sex, etc. God is the only giver or TRUE satisfaction, love, truth, peace. In the midst of struggle we should cling to Him. And, when we are walking in disobedience, we have to repent... we have to totally resolve the situation. The mariners thought the ship would ride the waves a little better if it was a bit lighter... so they tossed over the cargo, in hope of peace.

We try to deal with struggle the same way the mariners did... as Jonah did... thinking that partial resolution will ease the pain. But until we come to the point of total repentance... and we stop beating around the bush, the storm only gets worse. Cry out to the God of the Universe for refuge, and don't think that the many temporary gods or idols of this world will better the situation.

"So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lords and made vows" (Jonah 1:15-16). I think this is so true... others realized the faithfulness of God and repent and give their life to him. God even used this situation to redeem the souls of the mariners.

living flame of love, come baptize us

Last week I just started my second school at YWAM Tyler... School Of Evangelism. It is so great to be back here, and I am especially happy to be with my friends again. Mostly, though, I just want to continue to commit myself to God's plan for my life, and become a humble God fearing man. SOE is basically a continuation of Discipleship Training School, but unlike DTS, SOE is not so much focused on myself. SOE is focused on making God known throughout the earth. To see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In July, I will leave for Romania for the outreach portion of SOE. I am so excited... I just cannot wait! I will need $2800, so if you feel led to support me... I would greatly appreciate it. It is so much more than giving someone your money, but rather a way to benefit the kingdom of the Lord. Please pray for me... financially and spiritually: that my fear of the Lord, and boldness in His name would increase. I desire to be more intimate than I can imagine, with the Lord.

"Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins." (Matthew 3:4-6) It seems as though John the Baptist was a wild man, as illustrated in this passage. But despite his seemingly unusual lifestyle... PEOPLE CAME TO HIM FOR BAPTISM... ALL of Jerusalem, Judea and the region of the Jordan were going to be baptized by him. And amidst all of this "attention"... John still cries out in the wilderness, "Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight." (Matthew 3:3) That is his desire, his only reason for baptizing... for living. It should be our cry, too... even to the wilderness.

"Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight."

DTS is over

I am currently sitting in the DFW airport... waiting for my flight to leave a 7:30. Even though I have to wait a long time... I have no reason to complain, because the last five months make it worth while.

I cannot believe that my simple decision to do a DTS at YWAM Tyler would allow God to totally revolutionize my life... my whole LIFE. I have come to realize that this life I live is not mine... but the Lord's. I am on this earth for one specific purpose, just as everyone else is. TO PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD... TO SEE HIS KINGDOM COME AND WILL BE DONE ON THIS EARTH.

God has given me a desire to see this fulfilled... to see it become reality... NOW. I do not have this heart out of obligation, but out of the desire and passion that God has put in my heart. The only way to see this become reality... is to live life the way am supposed to, not the way the world tells me to. I want to be a missionary... for my whole life. I want to be a witness, and desire to see others experience freedom in the Lord, as I have. I will not give into the world. We to realize that the Lord has so much more for their lives. Let's stop giving into the world... because essentially we are just giving into the devil's deceit. AND, THAT IS THE LAST THING WE SHOULD BE DOING. I am saying this, not to point fingers, but actually remind myself. It is just something that the Lord has really put on my heart... how important it is to live in total submission and obedience to HIM... LITERALLY. Just saying it isn't enough...

"And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20: 22-24

This, to me, should not be a foreign way of life. If we know that we are strong with Jesus Christ... and we have authority with Him... then why should any affliction cause us to hesitate in sharing the Gospel? It didn't even phase Paul... IT DIDN'T PHASE JESUS! So why does it stop us from our ministry? We are to walk as Jesus walked... in EVERY way. We are not exempt from affliction, for Jesus was not. Paul realized this... and he was a marvelous man of God because of his faith and obedience to God's will. I pray that the Lord will lead me to live this way for him... I desire this.

p e r s i s t . . .

It is my last night in Korea... I am sad to be leaving, but excited to start a new season in my life. The last 5 days we have all been staying in a host home. My family is amazing... a total blessing from God. I couldn't feel more at home.

On February 8 it was my mom's birthday... which is February 9 in Korea. My mom has a HUGE heart for orphans and orphanages... seriously, and I think that is so cool that God has given her (and the rest of my family) a desire to serve orphans and love them as Jesus does. Well, on February 9... which is one out of like 50 days we have been in Korea, we go to an orphanage... on my mom's birthday! I just think it is cool... and NOT a coincidence, but God's plan. WOWOW!

And by the way... ABSOLUTELY NO child should ever have to live in that type of environment. Children need the love of the Father... of parents. And for many children (too many) to not even receive a hug or a kiss from someone who cares about them... ever... is unfair.

1 John 2:6: "whoever ays he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

Proverbs 27:12: "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."

Jesus Christ, God's son, was a simple man. He didn't come to earth in the glory of a typical king. He came as the lowest of the low... born in a manger... to young, poor parents.

He walked in the direction of his Father... and we should too. 1 John 2:6 tells us that if we claim the name of Christ... then we better WALK EXACTLY AS JESUS WALKED while he was on earth. Otherwise... we are just hypocrites... we are doing ourselves no good, but instead digging our own graves.

Through suffering... affliction... imprisonment... good and bad, we are to walk as Jesus Christ. Jesus did not stay from danger... but he accepted it as it came his way. For, he know that his reason on this earth was SO MUCH BIGGER THAN HIS OWN THOUGHTS OR DESIRES. WHY CAN'T WE REALIZE THIS IN OUR OWN LIVES? Jesus knew he was here to live a sacrificial life, and die... die... for our sins. To demonstrate the love of the Father on earth. He knew his purpose... we should know ours.

I may not say a lot... but at least I will speak my heart.

Hello.

Korea is still amazing... and God is still faithful and is continuing to work. DUH!

It has been really cool to see people who have never had dreams of their own... who have been oppressed their whole lives, and who had to FIGHT and risk their life for freedom... cry out to God and worship HIM freely. Now, these children of God are realizing that all their dreams and goals can become reality when they have life in Christ. For, it is God who put those dreams and desires in our hearts in the first place.

I totally take my freedom as an American for granted... and I find myself seldom thanking God for the things He gives me daily... and for LIFE!

Now... because of hearing testimonies from people who have have lived a more difficult life than anything I could ever imagine... WHO AM I TO SAY I HAVE A HARD LIFE, when I have been given everything I could ever desire or need. I have ALWAYS had clothes to wear and ALWAYS had food to eat. I have always had the freedom to worship God.

Who are we to whine and cry about our lives when we do not even know the meaning of hard... or difficult... or strife... oppression?

I am done taking my life for granted. We should be thanking God for every breath.

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." Philippians 4:11-12

"Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed (and though you get praise when you do well for yourself) his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see the light. Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish." Psalm 49:16-20

I think these verses pretty much speak for themselves. On my behalf, though... i WILL NOT waste my life. I am not on this earth just to go to college, get a job, have two dogs and a white picket fence... get married and have children. LIfe is SO MUCH MORE! I want to be on my death bed with the assurance that I gave EVERYTHING to the Lord... no matter what the cost. Everything I have belongs to my Father.

Thanks for praying.

God's heart

WOWOW!

Last night was the first time we performed The Clincher drama. It was amazing... God totally used it to show His love for His children... how He would do ANYTHING for us... and He desires relationship with us SO BAD. I am glad that God shined through...

God's love is so powerful. Just to know that the creator of the universe and everything in it loves us as a father, really overwhelms me with Joy. I am writing this in the midst of class... people crying... people praying. The topic is the father heart of God today... and Sid (the speaker), Josh, and pastor Sung are praying blessings over the students... and standing in the gap for their earthly father. They are praying EXACTLY what God would say to them... what their earthly fathers should have said to them... how they should have loved them if they were filled with God. I am sitting two feet away from a girl who is just weeping... because her earthly father couldn't give her the love she deserved... the love that GOD gives to her.

Sid told a story about his daughter that really made me appreciate my family's love. Just before Sid and his wife Janey left for Korea, their daughter had her first soccer practice. Every time she kicked the ball, she would look at her parents for approval... "did you see that... did you see that!?". She wanted to know her parents were proud of her... that they approved. She wanted assurance of their love.

That story makes me realize that I want my parents to be proud of me... and I know they are. So I am sitting here in Korea... and I didn't take the traditional life route by going to college... I didn't do what the world wants me to do. But it feels GREAT!!! God blessed me with an encouraging family... and loving parents that want God's will for my life. What a gift. Thank you so much mom and dad for your love and encouragement... I am glad that I have parents that want the BEST for my life... God's heart.

Thank you everyone for praying...

The last few days have been amazing... to say the least. It seems as though everything has been anointed by God. I can really see (REALLY) His hand in everything.

We arrived at the retreat center yesterday... and had to walk about 30 minutes up the mountain to reach our destination. It was fun... just looking at the mountains reminded me of how BIG God is. Everything here is so beautiful!

I have been listening to the band Take It Back a lot lately... and all of their lyrics seem to explain my mind perfectly! Especially the following...

"I will love the unloved. I will cherish the hated ones. I will welcome the shunned, with my sweat and my blood."

I want this to be my anthem as I love these Koreans for the next 6 weeks (and for the rest of my life). I do not know them personally yet... nor do I know their past or anything. But... I love them as my Father loves them. EVERLASTING... NEVER CEASING... NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. If I am created in the image of God... then I NEED to do my best to strive to live as He did on this earth. This... to me... means loving people, His children... unconditionally. I just want to let Jesus shine through me...

During the last worship... I was jumping up and down during the song, and two Korean guys came over to me and stood beside me. They wanted to praise the Lord by jumping and shouting! So... when the music picked up again... I started to jump... and they did too! I could see the joy on their faces as they praised the Lord FREELY... FULL OF JOY! I am honored to be used by God in this way.

I would right more... but the internet is slow and not very assuring. I do not want to loose what I already have written. I have way more to write, but it will have to wait until next time.

Just to let you know... the schedule here is very tight... and there isn't really any time to be on the computer except for now (permitting the the internet is working). I will try to get on as much as I can.

My first day in Korea...

was amazing. Despite my lack of sleep last night (because I kept waking up every 45 minutes) everything was priceless!

We are staying in the Good Shepherd church which is just outside of Seoul... sleeping on the heated floors! We got to walk around the area today for about six hours... and that was sooo much fun! The people here are so cute and loving and friendly. AND THE ESPRESSO AND COFFEE IS AMAZING.

I will upload pictures soon, but I have to find a more efficient was to do it. If you have facebook, then you could add me and look at my pictures that way. I will also find another site to upload them to, as well.

This morning I read Jeremiah 1, and the whole chapter described my journey to Korea. It was totally of God, because I just randomly decided to start reading through Jeremiah. And, what do you know... the very first chapter describes exactly what I am feeling... and exactly what I feel God has been telling me lately. READ IT hah! It is just so cooool WOWOW.

⁹ Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me,

"Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. ¹⁰See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down,to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

I love this. God has put HIS words in my mouth... I don't have to worry about impressing anyone. So why do I? I just need to focus on the Lord... and letting Him and only Him be shown in everything I say.

More to come... but I better get some sleep.

I AM IN SOUTH KOREA

YUP... IT IS TRUE! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

I WILL POST MORE LATER, BUT I AM IN THE AIRPORT RIGHT NOW.