Celebrating The Lord's Day in South Korea
It was our honor privilege to attend Seoul Central Evangelical Church today with our friend, Pastor K. Before the service began, Pastor K. invited us into his home (just above the church), where we had tea. Again, it was an honor to be inside a Korean home.
The service was a blessing, even though it was mostly in Korean (of course)! There were about 100 worshipers, all enthusiastically engaged in singing and praying. It was a more formal, traditional service than you would find at Westover Church. Pastor David H. shared the message, with translation provided. Al R. and David P. each shared a testimony, again with translation. We were greeted by many friendly folks, some of whom were eager to practice their English skills.
Cultural note: everyone removes their shoes before going into the church. The church provides slippers, so we all sit there in our matching slippers.
(And if you're ever interested in going on a short-term trip, I offer this to you as a word of advice. I debated long and hard about what shoes to bring for church on Sunday. Will my feet freeze if I wear pumps? Should I bring my dress boots, or are they too bulky to pack? Sometimes you will waste energy debating a point that turns out to be completely irrelevant.)
After the service, Pastor K. treated us to lunch, along with the church elder (there's only one!), and a few other members of the congregation. (South Korean bulgogi, which is different from North Korean bulgogi. Now you know. Both are delicious!)
Later we were able to attend an evening service at one of Seoul's mega-churches. WOW. The sanctuary seats about 7,000, and they have five services per weekend. My overwhelming impression was that this church family is passionate! Their singing, their praying, their responses were all heart-felt. The front pews were packed! They provide simultaneous translation of their services for foreigners, so we were able to follow along. And again, we were greeted by several people afterward. I think we Americans stand out in the crowd.
Now we're getting ready for the next phase of our trip: English Camp! Today (Monday) we move our base of operations out to the conference center where the camp will be held. We begin teaching this afternoon. Pray that we would have the focus and energy needed to teach well and to love on the students.
Thanks for praying for Steve! He's feeling a little better. Keep praying for our health. Thanks!
After today, internet service is possible, but not a sure thing, so blog posts may or may not happen. You can assume that no news is good news.
--blr, for the team
It was our honor privilege to attend Seoul Central Evangelical Church today with our friend, Pastor K. Before the service began, Pastor K. invited us into his home (just above the church), where we had tea. Again, it was an honor to be inside a Korean home.
The service was a blessing, even though it was mostly in Korean (of course)! There were about 100 worshipers, all enthusiastically engaged in singing and praying. It was a more formal, traditional service than you would find at Westover Church. Pastor David H. shared the message, with translation provided. Al R. and David P. each shared a testimony, again with translation. We were greeted by many friendly folks, some of whom were eager to practice their English skills.
Cultural note: everyone removes their shoes before going into the church. The church provides slippers, so we all sit there in our matching slippers.
(And if you're ever interested in going on a short-term trip, I offer this to you as a word of advice. I debated long and hard about what shoes to bring for church on Sunday. Will my feet freeze if I wear pumps? Should I bring my dress boots, or are they too bulky to pack? Sometimes you will waste energy debating a point that turns out to be completely irrelevant.)
After the service, Pastor K. treated us to lunch, along with the church elder (there's only one!), and a few other members of the congregation. (South Korean bulgogi, which is different from North Korean bulgogi. Now you know. Both are delicious!)
Later we were able to attend an evening service at one of Seoul's mega-churches. WOW. The sanctuary seats about 7,000, and they have five services per weekend. My overwhelming impression was that this church family is passionate! Their singing, their praying, their responses were all heart-felt. The front pews were packed! They provide simultaneous translation of their services for foreigners, so we were able to follow along. And again, we were greeted by several people afterward. I think we Americans stand out in the crowd.
Now we're getting ready for the next phase of our trip: English Camp! Today (Monday) we move our base of operations out to the conference center where the camp will be held. We begin teaching this afternoon. Pray that we would have the focus and energy needed to teach well and to love on the students.
Thanks for praying for Steve! He's feeling a little better. Keep praying for our health. Thanks!
After today, internet service is possible, but not a sure thing, so blog posts may or may not happen. You can assume that no news is good news.
--blr, for the team
Isaiah 40:29 "He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength."
ReplyDeletePsalm 31:24 "Be strong. Be strong in heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
2 Kings 6:26 "He answered, "Do not be afraid. For those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Praying.