In the Mountains in Korea
Korea reminds me a lot of Arkansas and Virginia! It is nothing like Vietnam. The culture is far more formal—everyone bows. They treat leaders like kings. It was Confucius that impacted the culture historically. I’m at an incredible retreat center way up in the mountains. It snowed all night and the snow is about 3 inches deep outside my window. They assured me I’ll be able to leave tomorrow. I’m ready to get home. When they said it would be cold here, I thought it would be like Vietnam. When they say it’s cold in Vietnam—it’s not to me. In Korea, when they say it’s cold—it’s cold! I have only shirts and a suit jacket! It’s been incredible here with 400 pastors. These are the people from where the great moves of God began about 30 years ago. They are struggling with it continuing now. They are trying to find their way. I’ve been challenging them to stop facing West and turn and face the East and march on with the Gospel. Last night was powerful. All I did was tell them our story. Today is the first calm day I’ve had since I’ve been on the road. I speak twice for two hours each time—once is in the morning and once in the evening. I’ll be interviewed by some papers and TV later today. This trip is going to take some time to process—the Middle East, Korea, the projects, the people, there is a lot here! I continue to be amazed at how God uses NorthWood. I also become sad when I think of where the church is in the West. Everybody has a formula. I get them emailed to me all the time. Forget formulas or forms, just pray and act. You wouldn’t believe the kinds of ministry they are doing here in Korea—it’s pretty incredible. There are some incredible men and women of God here.
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Feb 26, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Ironically, Bob, if Korea looks east...they'll see America! Maybe you *should* be telling them to look west! My greatest fear for the church in Korea is that with the freedom they have experienced over the past few decades, they will - intentionally or otherwise - follow the path of the Western church, sliding toward the nominalism that has led to churches packed with "followers" but few "disciples".
I recently read Shane Claiborne's book, "The Irresistible Revolution" and was struck by an astounding, absolutely terrifying thought: Shane thinks we ought to take Jesus seriously! I've been "born again" for 40 years; I'm a missionary kid; I've been involved in church leadership and have wrestled for half my life with what it means to be a disciple, and I think that's the nub of it: taking Jesus seriously. What did he mean when he said (to a group, not just the "rich young ruler"), "sell your possessions and give to the poor"? Hmmm...I think he meant we should have a garage sale! And I didn't even have to pull out my Greek NT to figure that one out! Application, though, is the hard part - will I live as if I take Jesus seriously?
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Feb 26, 2008 at 06:24 PM
I think you mean OUR east as opposed to their east...
If so, you're talking back to Jerusalem and some similar thoughts for which I agree with.
Hope your visit to the motherland (mine, that is) warms up
Incidentally, the great moves of God started more than 30 yrs ago but rather 100 years ago in the Pyongyang revivals which is in present day North Korea.
Mar 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I've just listened to your sermon you did a week ago in Korea. My mom goes to that Global village (jigoochon) church in Korea and told me to listen to you. Well, thank you for your sermon. You presented the message in a very humble way. It's amazing how our God of universe works in each corener of this world at the same time. I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan serving a very small Korean local church and yet so many missionaries visited us for the past few years. The Cornerstone founder for North Korea was one of them. Recently, the intercp founder and lots of missionaries from that organization visited here. I feel the thundering movement of Spirit to challenge us here.
Many of us responded to this challenge by getting trained at vision school followed by field operation (short term mission). 'Go Ye Make Disciples' message is preached more often than any other time. and that message moves many of the young and olds.
Personally, as a young mom who is trying to adjust to the new vocation and find the real calling, I am very encouraged by your message and reminded that it is a high time to take some actions and make a difference! Please pray for me that I would 100 percent depend on God's provision and follow his direction. I'm praying about the decision about this summer whether I should visit my families in korea (it's been 2 years since I saw them) or go to Turkey or Syria for a short mission (it would be my first but i might lose my job for this long break).
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