This world ain't my home

God is good.

That's an obvious statement, but I just wanted to lead by re-stating the "always obvious, often forgotten."

I am a foreigner... in a foreign land. And I don't mean that in some quasi-gnostic manner- this Earth ain't my home I'm just a passin' through... haha.
I mean... I am actually a foreigner!!!

It's kind of fun being in the minority. Especially since I'm a pasty white American with golden curly hair and blue eyes. I get a lot of looks and comments in public. Also humorous... when I am out and about I'll get random people noticing me and speaking what random English they know to me for practice. "Hello, nice to meet you" or "How are you" or ... "I have a book!" ... just for practice. It's exciting when you are learning a new language and have the chance to practice it, even if it's just minimal :)

I enjoy South Korea.

Honestly, this is probably the first time (that I can remember) where I have been in a situation where I had the time, money, and resources to devote so much time to "ministry."
I have definitely been involved in ministry in other situations- but since I have always been foremost a student since I was in Kindergarten, I haven't devoted any excessive time to ministry.

Also, even when I was a student- I was often so focused on "what was next" that I hardly concerned myself with getting involved in ministry. After all, I would get involved in ministry after I was finished with school! ...So I thought.

School is not finished for me, however. And that can be stated in two ways: first of all practically, I am pursuing a Master's degree while I am here teaching- and that starts in a couple weeks.
Second of all, "school" is not finished, because God has made us humans "learning creatures" ...by His grace we will always be learning. Those belonging to Christ have the rich inheritance of eternally learning about God...and knowing Him personally.

Anyway, this is the first time in a LONG time where I have devoted so much time and attention to "where I am" vs. "where I will be" (haha...almost made a grammar joke right here)
And God has really been faithful. I am growing...learning not only about Korea and about Him... but experiencing Him and His love as I learn to teach...as I grow to love these kids...and others around me.

There are many needs here. Not surprising. There are many needs all throughout the world...America not discluded by far. When I was in Alaska for two summers, I was overwhelmed by how much need there was for Gospel centered people to minister. Need is everywhere...especially for Christ.

As I am here, I'm learning what specific needs there are in South Korea. First of all, they need English teachers (of course!) Education is SO important to Koreans, both because of the status it associates and due to the homogenous nature of society. Parents need their kids to do well, because it is their kids who will end up taking care of them.

Also, English teachers bring diversity to the classroom...a lot of the kids here haven't experienced much outside of Korean culture. This can be kind of sweet since it breeds some naivete and innocence...but it also leaves them unexposed to the beautiful diversity of God's people. AND... it can leave many unexposed to the Gospel. English Christ-following teachers have the opportunity to bring both.
I work at a Christian academy...but all of the students are most certainly not Christians. So I am finding ways (and pray to find more) to bring the Bible into the classroom... whether it's reading a bible story, or composing a listening activity that includes a bible story. Then for the sake of vocabulary and comprehension I will briefly go over the story (which also gives me a chance to explain some of the story).

It would be different in public schools, but from what I understand they are open to such things being taught and talked about around the "American" holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc).

Also it is to be noted that the teachers are here to primarily teach English- so bible cannot be taught every day all day in the classroom...but there is more than ample opportunity.
Also, the grace God gives His English teachers to love these students will hopefully be a glimmer of Himself to these kids.

There is also a great need here in South Korea for English speaking pastors.
Korea is a fairly young Christian nation as is... so there is great need for ministry to a nation profoundly influence by Buddhism. The English teachers are also ever-increasing, and there aren't many bible-school trained men here to preach the gospel on Sundays! (So that we can eat and grow off the word as well!)

Usually the pastor ends up being a male English teacher who does his teaching during the week, and serves as teaching pastor on Sundays. Some of the men who come here to teach English intentionally leave to get seminary training, and come back to be a Pastor at an English church.

I've been to two churches so far, and I love the fellowship. The Koreans in the churches I went to do everything they can to help the foreigners feel welcome in Korea...although they don't always speak English very well! The English speakers end up naturally bonding in some capacity- because we are all here serving the same purpose!

Well, that's enough for now.
I'm on my 3rd week teaching.

Pray that God continues to give me grace to have patience and love for these kids.
That I would find a church body to be involved in (whether it's one that I've visited, or a different one)
And that I would count all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord.

The end.