Here we go.. Since the last post, a lot has gone on, but there are a few things I wanted to point out in specific detail rather than a small taste of many things. Rather it is definitely more engaging to know certain issues and its specific implications/learnings/thoughts.
About two weeks ago, Asia Evangelical College & Seminary (AECS) - one of the ministries established by the missionaries here started. I will definitely say that it is such a blessing to see familiar faces along with new faces - shows their dedication to learning more about the gospel. Some have graduated, with hopes of taking their equipping back to their hometowns all over India and the neighboring countries. But regardless, they are out there in the harvest-field doing great and mighty things for the Kingdom of God. May God bless the work of their hands! With AECS back in session, this new semester seems to be promising with an increase not only in quantity but also quality fueled with big goals and dreams. I can only hope and pray that AECS will become a hub of Christian leaders equipped and prepared to be sent out to all the corners of India with the redeeming message of our Lord Jesus Christ!
My dear brother Steven praying earnestly during evening worship. Man.. I've learned so much by simply watching him.
AECS starting also means AECS Sunday evening worship - my favorite time of the week in terms of worship. It's raw. It's pure. It's simple. It's beautiful. Brothers and sisters from all over the place gathering in one room to sings songs of praise, pray, hear the Word - one of the many glimpses of heaven. I know I'm here as a short-term missionary to encourage and bless the ministries through serving, etc, but I cannot count how many times these AECS brothers and sisters have blessed me not through the big and eventful things, but rather the small, tiny, many times - unnoticeable, and in other's eyes - insignificant things. A brother's tear while praying, a sister's kneeling while worshipping, their passion and zeal blows me away. It definitely puts you in your place and brings you back to a place of pure, un-glorified, simple, honest worship. Isn't that what God is pleased with? Forget the hype, forget the notes, forget the emotions.. remember the grace, remember the love, remember the justice, remember THE COST!Other than teaching and doing some of the same stuff that I've always been doing, I've been spending a lot of time meditating on various issues and one that I can share a bit about is the notion of "storing up treasures in heaven." There is a certain man I have come to know, Dr. Abraham Park. He is well-advanced in his years but certainly not short of being well known. A graduate from West-Point, outstanding military profile, vast and large accomplishments throughout his lifetime, an acclaimed pastor and seminary professor, the list is endless. However, I see a side of Dr. Park that is quite opposite of how the world may view such an accomplished man.
Dr. Abraham Park and his wife praying
His walk is staggered. His back curved unable to sit up straight. His hands quivering. Where is the west-point graduate? Where is the man adorned with metals of honor? Where is the once bold, fearless, youthfulness of Mr. Park? There lies the absolutely humbling truth about our lives.. it ages. It comes and goes. It is here one moment and gone the next. It is fleeting. What a fool to hold on so dearly to those which are not eternal. So many times I store up treasures here on earth without thinking about it's fleeting nature. What can stand the test of time in God's eternal presence? Can money? Can cars? Can clothes? Can the latest tech? Yet, I find myself holding on so dearly to such temporary treasures. Be careful here, not all temporary treasures are visible, tangible - honor, glory, fame, stature, knowledge. It makes you question.. what can you take to heaven what you wish to possess on earth.. and the answer is.. absolutely nothing of this material world. But there are things we can store up in the eternal realm - holiness, faith, love, righteousness, etc. Imagine how awesome it would be to see piles over piles of wrapped boxes beside the Christmas tree for each one of us. Dang, that would soo make my day.. to see piles of boxes marked out to Edward. When I get to heaven, I want to have so many treasures/toys/gifts stored up that I can play with them ALL! ALL THOSE SPIRITUAL TOYS!!! Spiritual "tonka trucks," spiritual "tech gadgets," spiritual treasures! Ridiculous I know.. but I am excited to play with my spiritual treasures and through it, giving God glory in His presence. Now that I think about it.. those spiritual treasures are probably lyres, harps, trumpets of all shapes and sizes.. cuz I'll be rocking out on them giving God glory!! hAHAH! I hope I have like 50 different types of Martin Guitars. HAHAH!
Other than these two big things: KCM, ANC (All Nations Church), some korean churches are all here in India during ministry. KCM at the moment is off visiting various cities, ANC is doing ministry with St. Paul High School students, and the korean churches have finished serving and returned home. Funny story: One of the korean girls had a crush on me. HAHAH!! Oppah status.. it's true.. they just dont have guys in Korea that compare to us Korean-Americans in the US. Perfect english accent, handsome features, thick eyebrows, muscular arms, lean body, and mission-minded.. doesn't get much better than that - Godly + god-like. HAHAHAH!! jk jk.
Been doing more banner work for a "kwon-sa-neem" ordination at the local korean church and making ID cards for the AECS staff. I'm still continuing to teach my students diligently because now it's getting into the juicy parts of the lesson plans. Who is Christ and our need for a savior, atonement, and God's ultimate sacrifice. GOSPEL GOSPEL GOSPEL!
Yes, I was fatter. Appreciate the design.. dont be distracted by the photo.. jerks
Banner I designed for the woman. Better appreciate it.. shooooooot!
Prayer Requests:
1. For the souls of the St. Paul students to be saved! + the AECS students to have a greater passion for the gospel on a daily basis.
2. My continual convictions of my future to be certain. I will share about this one day. But for it to my life-long vision.
3. The work I'm doing here - God would be glorified and made known through ALL things - banners, id cards, soccer games, conversations, etc.
thanks for reading such a long post..
-edward
1 comment:
This is how I remember you from school...you were crazy skinny last time we saw each other. Don't turn into Martin! You weren't fat, just filled out.
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