Hey friends and family!
As you might have seen from the many pictures I'm constantly posting on social media, I'm having quite a fun time here in South Korea. I'm especially thankful because as you might have known before I came here, I was really nervous about making friends and finding a Christian community to hang out with. Well, God is faithful to answer prayers, as I've made some incredible Jesus-loving friends and have gotten involved at my church, Jubilee. Jubilee is a missions-minded community that is constantly inspiring me to make Jesus my one true prize.
Before I came to Korea, I really sensed from the Lord that He was bringing me to this country not just to see the world (which I'm grateful he allowed), but to serve. And I've seen this tidbit continually true throughout my time here.
That said, I'm SUPER pumped because I now have the opportunity to serve in a new way! From August 9-13, I will be going on a missions trip with my church to serve the children and youth in Namyangju, South Korea. Here in Korea, a high value is put on whether or not you live in the big city of Seoul. Not only that, but many students put an insurmountable amount of pressure on themselves to get good grades and look "beautiful." Children getting plastic surgery isn't unheard of and Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. If you don't have good grades, aren't "pretty," or are not living in Seoul, you're often looked down upon.
Well, thank God for the honor we have in Christ who says we are loved and cherished no matter where we grew up, what our grades are, or what we look like! I am honored to be able to bring this good news to the children and youth in rural Korea who do not have the "status" that those in Seoul might. I want these children to know that it doesn't matter if they live in the big city or in a small town, they are just as much a child of the King as anyone else.
My team will be ministering to the South Korean children by putting on a 3-day vacation bible school for them, and then leading a 2-day creative youth program for the teenagers in the area. Can we talk about how amazing and excited I am for this? If you know me, you know this fits my personality to a T and I'm humbled that God would be able to use my passion for reaching youth and my creative gifts in a way only He can.
And the even more exciting news is that you can partner with me in serving others! How?
- Prayer. Our team desperately needs prayer to ensure that we will be prepared for this project, which we're completely making ourselves. We also need prayer for safety, unity, that God would send laborers, that we would not be overwhelmed, and for organization. I'm especially nervous because I don't speak Korean like some others on my team. I'm praying that God will still be able to use me to minister to these children somehow.
- Financially. As in nearly every missions trip, money is of great necessity. There are some financial needs that need to be met so we can serve this community for the week. Money will go towards housing, food, activity costs and transportation.
Would you be willing to partner with my team by giving 50,000 won (around $50) or any other amount you are willing? Any bit definitely helps and just ensures us that God cares for this project. You can give through this website.
I thank you for reading this and for being a part of this opportunity through your generosity! If you have any questions or would just like to chat, send me an e-mail at faithkristin08 at gmail.com
Let's do this!
Full of excitement and expectation,
Faith