I think it is easy for me to say that this trip to South Korea has been not only the most en-
joyable trip I’ve been on, but also the most fruitful. During our first few days there, we got
to enjoy being in Korea and meeting the other team members from Texas. I felt as though I
was able to quickly feel at home which I was not expecting!
Once the English camp got started, we did have a lot of long nights and tiring days; how-
ever, the relationships we made were more than worth the effort. I am very thankful for the
English majors at Korean Baptist Theological University and for all of their help. I am also
thankful for our fellow team members that were able to push and encourage each other
when it felt impossible. I enjoyed hanging out with the children and getting to learn from
them. From coloring, dancing, and singing with my group to the more serious conversations
about Scripture, I truly enjoyed every moment with the kids. The biggest struggle for me
personally was pouring out spiritually all week with little time to rest. However, God truly
answers prayers and through the Holy Spirit (and coffee) the whole team was able to push
through and serve well!
My hope and prayer is that they were able to hear the gospel clearly and were able to see it
being lived out in the lives of our team members, encouraging them in their own walks with
Christ.
After the camp in Daejeon was over, I joined the Texas team in Seoul. It was there that my
heart broke for the lost of South Korea. While I did have an idea of what the city would be
like, I don’t think all of my conversations and research could have prepared me for what I
would feel. There are many people I feel like are looking for identity, meaning, and purpose,
but are trying to find it in all of the wrong places. We were able to take some time simply
walking around Hongdae and Seodaemun-gu, praying for the city and the people.
Pop-culture is such a huge influence, especially on the youth. I was able to begin to think
about ways to reach people not only in South Korea, but right here in Wake Forest and
Raleigh that are in my generation being heavily influenced by pop-culture and the internet.
It’s so easy for me to see the influence in my own life and to see how I can be tempted to put
something else in the place of God. That is the one thing that I want to continue to think
through and pray about. I want to be able to serve this generation in the best way possible
and to show them the light and love of the Lord.
I am so blessed to have had this opportunity to go to South Korea with the First Korean
Baptist Church of Raleigh. I am extremely grateful to the other team members from this
church that were so welcoming and accepting. Each and every one was an encouragement
to me. Above all, I praise God for everything that He is doing in South Korea and within the
hearts of the team that served. He has done and will continue to do amazing things all over
the world.
www.fkbc.org
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